Page 48 of Coming Home to Sturcombe Bay
“She and Ollie have their own house.”
He nodded. “What about you?”
“Why would I want it?”
“To live in?”
She laughed. “IfI was planning to stay. Anyway, you live in it.”
He had been renting it since Nanna had moved down to live with her son’s family. Lisa had told her that he had insisted on paying the proper market rent — sometimes he could be as obstinate as Nanna.
She glanced across at him, her adored big brother, five years older than her. Tall, athletic and handsome. She had been soproud of him when at seventeen he had realised his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Starting in a lower division, he had helped his team win promotion to the Championship League and hold their place, even hopeful of moving up into the Premier League.
Then at thirty-one a bad knee injury had kept him out of the game for half a season. Even when he had recovered he had rarely made it off the substitutes’ bench.
“Why did you come back here when you retired?” she asked.
He smiled, understanding why she had asked. “It was always part of my long-term plan. A striker’s career rarely lasts much past the age of thirty-four, thirty-five, unless you go into coaching or management, and that wasn’t my thing. Once it became clear that none of the top clubs were going to come bidding for me I knew I needed another string to my bow.”
“So you chose to be an investment consultant.” That had been a big surprise when Lisa had told her about it. “Why that?”
“It can be just as challenging. You play defence to avoid losing money, attack to make a profit. You get to know the players on the field, their strengths and weaknesses, when to hold back and when to go for the big score. Some of my teammates saw that I was making good money and asked me for help with their own investments, and it’s just gone on from there.”
“I guess they prefer to work with someone they know, someone they trust.”
“That’s right. Someone who understands what they need because I’ve been in the game too.”
She slanted him a teasing smile. “I never had you down for a clever sod. I thought you were just all muscle.”
He grinned, striking a Mr Universe pose. “That too. Anyway, about the house. If you don’t want it, I’d like to buy out your share, and Lisa’s. I suggest we each employ an estate agent tovalue it, then take an average of the three. And don’t argue that’s not necessary,” he added as she started to shake her head. “I want it all done straight.”
“Okay.” She hugged him, laughing. “We’ll do that.”
Chapter Nine
“Okay, people, let’s hit the road. Exeter here we come!” Lisa pulled out onto the roundabout at the top of Haytor Avenue and turned onto the dual carriageway. “I think the best bet would be to use the Park-and-Ride instead of trying to find a parking space in town.”
Cassie was squished in the back seat of the car with Debbie and Kyra in her baby seat — Vicky was in the front. Cassie hadn’t been keen to come — girlie shopping trips had never been her thing — but she needed something to wear for the two weddings, so it made sense to go along.
Debbie was going to collect her dress, Vicky for her last fitting. In spite of her initial lack of enthusiasm, Cassie found the air of anticipation and excitement was catching.
“I’m going to need shoes too,” Debbie fretted.
“Don’t worry, we have the whole day.” Lisa changed lanes smoothly to overtake a large truck. “This is going to be fun.”
The dual carriageway gave them a clear run to the outskirts of the city. The car park wasn’t too crowded, and they only had to wait a few minutes for the bus. Cassie helped Lisa lift Kyra’s baby buggy aboard.
“That’s a good omen,” Vicky declared as they settled in their seats.
The bus dropped them in the centre of town. Cassie had always liked Exeter, with its bustling modern high street and its quaint cobbled alleyways where you could discover all sorts of quirky little independent shops selling hand-made jewellery, pieces of art and vintage clothes. And lots of coffee shops to rest weary shopped-out feet and get a much-needed shot of caffeine.
Their target was just a short walk from the bus stop. The ground floor was full of fabulous evening dresses in jewel-bright colours, glamourous shoes and tempting accessories. Thebridal shop was upstairs, a fairytale kingdom full of shimmering whites, ivories and creams, yards of tulle and lace, beading and sparkles.
“Oh, I love it!” Lisa spread her arms wide and spun around. “I wish I was the one getting married.”
Cassie laughed. “You had your turn.”
