Page 21 of Starting Over at Halesmere House
Don’t you mean a meeting?
Is that what they call it when two people get together for a drink?
I think it can be called lots of things.?Are you going to Lizzie and Cal’s party tomorrow night?
I am.
She had no idea why she added the dancing emoji as well.
Are you?
She’d socialised so little this past year, trying to navigate old friendships that had altered now she was single again, whether they were friends of her own before Gareth, like Kelly, friends of his or ones they’d made together. Not all of them had stuck; for some she was the wrong fit, no longer half of a couple. But she’d been made so welcome by everyone at Halesmere that she was looking forward to sharing in Lizzie and Cal’s celebration.
Are you asking me to dance? Just want to be sure
Maybe. What would you say if I was?
I guess you’ll find out tomorrow if you do. See you there. It’s not a date, btw
Cool. I was just about to say the same.
Was the emoji sticking out its tongue too much? She added it anyway, mentally giving herself a pat on the back. She was getting better at this and her fingers kept typing.
FYI, I’d say no if you ever asked me. On a date
So would I. I’ll be at the bar, come find me
Zac finished with a laughing emoji and Alice was still smiling when she went down to make dinner. She’d had no idea that messaging someone you weren’t dating could be so much fun.
Chapter Seven
Alice had spent the morning adding more mulch to the meadow, which left her with a slight ache in her back and cheeks tinted pink from the cold. Max had had the foresight to plant a tapestry hedge of different species around the boundary fence, but it was still in its infancy and couldn’t do much yet to deflect wind that seemed to sneak under every layer to rattle her bones.
After lunch, chatting with some of the visitors browsing the courtyard and interested in her studio, she’d borrowed some tools from Stan and finally unpacked and built the bike. Alice had googled the make and model, and learned it was a drop-handled gravel bike that would enable her to ride over different surfaces. Its tyres were wider than a traditional road bike, and it had a sportier geometry and lower gears that would take her off-road as well.
She really liked the bit she’d read about the frame cushioning the ride and offering a little more comfort in the saddle. It didn’t take her long to put the bike together, soon fastening on her new helmet and taking it for a first spin. The saddle didn’t feel that cushioned when she set off and there really wasn’t much wriggle room to get comfy.
She bumped into Max, Ella, Lily, Arlo and Prim out for a walk and, breathless when she stopped after riding harder than she’d meant to, Alice was cross to feel her legs wobble when she put a foot down to balance. Ella’s due date was just past, but despite the imminency of birth she told Alice they’d see her later for the party. Lily merrily informed Alice that her grandmother was babysitting as she and Arlo were staying home and keeping Prim company.
Max laughed, tugging Lily close to give her a quick hug. ‘My mother’s just back from painting in Tuscany and the three of them can’t seem to get us out of the house quick enough. They’re up to something, and I can’t decide if I’d rather know what they’re planning or not. My mother has a worrying habit of pre-empting me with her schemes and likes to keep all of us on our toes.’
Alice had heard about Max’s mother from Stan, and he’d been at pains to warn her that Noelle was a portrait artist and often on the hunt for new sitters. He’d advised Alice to make herself scarce when Noelle was around, otherwise she’d likely find herself draped half undressed or worse across a chaise longue in Noelle’s studio, part of her flat in the house.
Alice had assured Stan she was looking forward to meeting Noelle, confident she could resist any advances. She said goodbye to Ella, Max and the children and got back on the bike. The return ride was even harder after the short break, and she was glad to get off again.
Thankfully there was no sign of Zac around the courtyard. She’d much prefer to see him this evening, when she was more presentable and not red-faced and sweaty after the ride. She tugged the helmet off and left the bike in her studio. Back at the barn, she would have loved a long, hot bath to recover but that was out of the question right now and she made do with a shower instead.
Afterwards she sat at the dressing table in her bedroom to get ready. A party needed a dress and Alice knew exactly which one she was going to wear for Lizzie and Cal’s celebration at the White Hart. It was a dress she’d worn once before, green and floral bodycon, mid-length with three-quarter sleeves and a V neck. Elegant, the slit on one thigh added a sexier note to the overall effect. In the summer she’d worn it with white pumps; tonight she’d chosen a pair of black kitten-heeled ankle boots.
Alice had never used much make-up, so eyeshadow, liner, mascara and lipstick would have to be enough for tonight. She drew her auburn hair into an elegant knot on top of her head and left some loose strands framing her face. Checking out her reflection in a long mirror, she was pleased with the end result; her ankle boots looked good with the dress and the whole effect was stylish without looking like she’d tried too hard.
Sandy had offered to drive to the barn and meet her so they could walk down to the pub together. On the way, Alice was surprised to learn Neil had been to Sandy’s ceramics studio today, and that they’d made plans to call in at the pub after hiking together tomorrow.
‘Wow, Sandy.’ Alice leaned into her playfully. ‘You two don’t waste much time. I take it you like him, then?’
‘I do; he’s good company and we both enjoy a laugh.’
‘And?’
