Page 49 of Starting Over at Halesmere House
Alice eased away from him and sat up, unwinding her arms to raise them in a languorous stretch.
‘Alice,’ he muttered hoarsely. ‘Are you doing that on purpose?’
‘No, I really did need to move. I thought you were getting up anyway.’
‘I am; I have to.’ He yanked the duvet back and swung his legs out of bed. ‘Can we catch up tonight, maybe not here?’
‘I’ve got an idea. Meet me at the studio around six?’
‘Does it include dinner?’
‘Only if you’re going to cook it.’
‘Either that or we’ll go out.’
Halesmere was buzzing when Alice arrived later. She and Zac had shared a quick breakfast and Neil had tactfully eaten his in his room, but she’d decided to do her admin in the studio instead; she wasn’t sure she could face a cheery conversation with Neil after Zac had spent the night in her bed. Stan was holding court in his workshop to celebrate the arrival of Ella and Max’s baby son, and he and Pearl had pulled out all the stops. Pastries and bacon butties from the community shop were aplenty, and he’d even borrowed a coffee machine for those who didn’t like tea or hot Bovril, so everyone knew it was a momentous occasion.
Ella’s mum was staying in the cottage and Lily and Arlo had reluctantly gone off to school, with a promise from Max, who’d apparently seen them this morning after returning at six, that they could visit the baby and Ella this afternoon. All being well, she and new-born Isaac might be home in a couple of days and Stan, as the unofficial welcome party, was on it.
He’d tracked down a fifth chicken and was collecting it after lunch so it would be here when Lily and Arlo returned. Pearl said that Ella had suggested Isaac as the baby’s name because it meant laughter, and Max loved it.
Sandy was at the workshop too, and when no one could put off tasks any longer, she followed Alice into her studio.
‘Are you okay?’ Sandy hovered in the doorway. ‘I can’t stay, I’m sorry, I’m off to visit someone in hospital but I just wanted to make sure you’re all right. I know you’re thrilled for them, but all this baby joy can’t be easy.’
‘I’m fine, Sandy, thank you.’ Alice set her laptop down and flipped it open. ‘I’m not so broken that I can’t share in someone else’s happiness.’
‘I know. And you’re doing brilliantly. You’re settling in so well and Stan can’t do enough for you.’
‘He’s so sweet.’ Alice didn’t mind changing the subject. ‘Do you know what he’s planning for Ella and Isaac when they come home?’
‘No, but it could be anything from a marching band to a flypast. Who knows?’ Sandy’s phone was ringing, but she let it go to voicemail. ‘And you and Zac, you seem to be getting on well.’
‘Is that a question or a statement?’ Did Sandy know he’d slept in her bed last night? Had Neil told her already, voiced his own concerns about how close Zac and Alice were becoming?
‘Maybe a bit of both. Darling Alice, please don’t forget he’s leaving. I know he’s got a job all set up.’
Alice gave her aunt a level stare. ‘And that’s why this is so much fun. Because it’s not forever and there’s nothing on the line, for either of us. Sometimes I feel like I’ve spent my whole life being sensible.’
‘Right.’ Sandy’s voice was kind. ‘That’s good, then. Just remember a little bit of sense goes a long way. As long as you’re both okay.’
‘We are, thank you.’ Alice logged herself into the laptop. ‘Actually, I was going to ask if I can borrow your studio, please?’
‘When do you want it?’
‘Tonight? Would you mind?’
‘Not at all.’ Sandy found keys in her pocket and separated one. ‘Just clear up and lock up is all I’m saying.’
‘Promise.’ They said goodbye and Alice got to work with her laptop, thinking about this evening with Zac as she replied to emails. She’d brought a change of clothes from home and later she went into the pottery studio at five to prepare. She saw him running up to the flat and twenty minutes later he emerged, changed into jeans and a shirt. He was crossing the courtyard and she opened the door to meet him.
‘Hello.’
‘Hey.’ He paused, giving her a grin. ‘Aren’t you in the wrong place?’
‘Not for what I’ve got planned.’
‘Oh?’ He quickly changed direction. ‘That sound interesting.’
