Page 33 of Will You Stay Another Day?
Trevor shook his head and sat down.
Their relief almost tangible that the ceremony was over, combined with contentment that they were finally free from those items, displayed itself with a gusto for scones, with laughter, with wiped eyes, with stories about Trevor’s dad and Jumbo. As the sun set, Lili passed them their coats.
‘Thanks for everything,’ said Rosie. ‘I really feel like I can make a fresh start now.’
She gave Lili a hug, as did Trevor. He put on his jacket and went to say something to Rosie, but hesitated.
‘What?’ Rosie asked.
‘It’s a great idea, giving the kids a toy to take home every week, as part of a storytelling activity. My class would love that. And I think they’d love Jumbo.’ He glanced at Lili. ‘I know you’ll dispose of the items in different ways, so… Rosie – and no problem if it’s a no… but?—’
Rosie’s face lit up. ‘You’d like to take him for your class?’
‘Yes! How about we bring him out of the shortest retirement ever? My wife’s ace at sewing, I’m sure she could fashion a lovely new trunk and spruce him up, make sure he’s safe for the children after all this time and perhaps make a little blanket to put on his back.’
‘Oh yes, yes please,’ said Rosie, eyes shining. ‘Jumbo would… I mean… I’d like that very much,’ she said and gave an embarrassed grin.
‘Sounds like the perfect recycling story,’ said Lili. She squeezed Rosie’s arm. ‘I’m sure Jumbo will be very excited.’
Beaming, Rosie left. She’d already said her goodbyes to the elephant. Lili fetched Jumbo from the windowsill in the lounge and Trevor put him in his bag.
She opened the door again, to face someone tall, hand raised ready to knock, with wavy black hair and a charming smile that could get him into any building. He was carrying a bag. What was Dylan doing here? Could he have heard about the ceremony and think he could just turn up? How had he found out?
21
‘Dylan? This is a surprise.’ Sporty cagoule, chinos, casual but smart and sexy AF.
‘I’ll be off,’ said Trevor, and he squeezed past, lifting his helmet in the air. He looked back. ‘Today meant a lot, Lili. I can’t thank you enough. I already feel better than I have in a long time.’
‘Lovely to see you, Trevor,’ said Lili and she smiled, then turned to Dylan. ‘Please… come in.’ She closed the door behind him.
Over his shoulder, Dylan shot Trevor a curious look and then he went in. ‘Thanks, Lili.’ He took off his anorak, threw it onto the stairs and lifted up the bag again. In a daze, Lili led him into the kitchen.
‘Coffee?’ she asked, moving plates smeared with cream and jam onto the worktop next to the sink. Bobbin was on the lawn and looked in. The bird jigged from side to side, a happy dance as if it could tell Lili, despite her questions, was secretly pleased to see the surprise caller.
‘Cheers, that’d be great. Sorry to drop by unannounced, it was a spur of the moment thing. I’ve been visiting my aunt in Falmouth. I stayed over last night. She’s widowed now and hasn’t been well, so Dad asked me to call in, seeing as he and Mum are in Italy. Fish and chips in front of Strictly – took me back to Saturday nights as a kid. Me and Harry used to partner up and do lifts like the stars and attempt the Rumba.’ He swivelled his hips.
Lili covered her eyes. ‘How can I unsee that?’
A rich warm laugh filled the kitchen as he took her hand and twirled her around. ‘Anyway, my aunt’s made me this steak pie.’ He opened the bag and took out a dish covered in foil.
Right. Pie. Dylan was as transparent as she’d thought. The opposite of Sean. Lili smiled.
‘Truro’s on my way home and it’s a good size for two. If you hadn’t got any other plans tonight… would you like to share it? Food always tastes better with company.’
An evening not to do with business? Perhaps he’d changed his mind and really did want?—
‘We could discuss my aunt. She’s thinking of giving her house a refresh and donating the old stuff to a charity shop.’
Of course. What was Lili thinking? Dylan was into decluttering people’s lives; it made sense that he wasn’t about to fill up Lili’s with romance. And her life was already full, thank you very much. Not that it had always felt that way, this last couple of months, with the anniversary of Em’s death. Lili cringed. Had she judged Dad too harshly? The first anniversary of the divorce, he’d got drunk and been arrested after almost picking a fight in a pub. Everyone had a different way of coping.
Maybe Dad’s way was simply more honest.
‘Sounds good,’ said Lili brightly, and she put on the kettle. She shivered. Dylan was wearing a shirt with the sleeves rolled up, so he clearly wasn’t cold. Where possible she layered up instead of putting on the heating. Bills were expensive now she alone paid them. Lili made her excuses and hurried upstairs to fetch a cardigan, thoughts about Dylan swirling around her head.
It’s for the best to cut all ties. But he gives you all the feels.
You might get hurt. But he’s kind and funny.
