Page 120 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Well, he wouldn’t, would he?’
Tori threw him a confused look.
‘Come on, Tori, he’s a bloke. What do you expect him to do? Turn up at the café and tell you not to take Ryan back?’
‘Well, if that’s what he wants, then yes!’
‘But he doesn’t know that’s whatyouwant, does he? I’m guessing you haven’t told him how you’re feeling either, have you?’
‘Not exactly, no,’ she said, shifting in her seat awkwardly.
‘There you are then,’ said Jake, with an exasperated look on his face. ‘You think Leo doesn’t care, but I’m telling you he does. He thinks he’s doing the honourable thing by letting you decide how you feel about Ryan without pressurizing you. He’ll string me up if he knew I’d told you that, by the way, so don’t tell him I told you, okay?’
‘But I had no idea.’
‘Why would you? And you haven’t opened up to him either.’
‘I guess not.’ Tori shrugged.
‘You’re as bad as each other.’
‘That doesn’t make it any easier, though, does it? I’m stillconfused. I’m scared of getting hurt again and I feel like I don’t know who to trust.’
‘Ah, well, that’s love for you, I guess; none of us know if we’ll get hurt. Sometimes you just have to go with your heart and work the rest out later.’
‘And if you’re not sure what’s in your heart?’
‘Well, how do you really feel about Ryan? Do you actually want to try again with him?’
‘Argh, that’s just it, I don’t know. If he really does want marriage and kids, then maybe.’
‘That’s something I can’t help you with, I’m afraid – you’ve got to make that decision on your own.’
‘But what if I get it wrong? What if I make a mistake?’
Jake shook his head. ‘You won’t,’ he said reassuringly. ‘I know that you’ve got good instincts – you just need to start trusting yourself again.’
‘When did you become so wise, Jake Harper?’ said Tori, her voice catching a little.
‘I always have been. You’ve just never needed my advice before.’ He smiled.
‘I’m so glad you and Rose found each other. I hope you know how lucky you are?’
‘Oh, don’t worry, I do,’ said Jake, beaming. ‘I make sure she knows it too.’
‘I know what too?’ said Rose, appearing in the doorway of the farmhouse with Scout, Finn and Tagg right behind her.
‘How lucky I am to have found you, my love,’ said Jake,standing up from the table and wrapping his arms around her waist.
‘I’m glad you realize,’ said Rose, putting her arms around his neck and planting a kiss on his cheek. ‘Is everything okay, Tori? I wasn’t expecting you for another hour or so.’
‘Oh, I just needed a bit of advice but, as it turns out, I think I’m sorted on that front now,’ said Tori, nodding in Jake’s direction.
‘Jake gave you advice?’ said Rose, her eyes widening. ‘Seriously?’
‘Hey, I’ll have you know I’m a great agony uncle,’ replied Jack, feigning offence.
‘Actually, on this occasion, I think he was exactly the man I needed to speak to,’ said Tori, nodding decisively.
