Page 36 of Note to Self
“Yo, Merlin!” I straighten. My back creaks from bending over, shifting bricks into a wheelbarrow.
I clamber over the mess to see who called me. One of the guys from the roofing company waves.
“There’s someone here for you.” He motions over his shoulder.
I look past him. Warmth blossoms inside my chest when I see Trent standing next to his car. He smiles and walks towards me. I match his strides and meet him in the middle of the building site. I pick him up and spin him around. He laughs. When I stop, he slides down my body, wraps his arms around my neck, and kisses me.
I pull away, chuckling. “I’m filthy and sweaty. Don’t get too close.”
I’m not exaggerating. I’m really mucky with mud, brick dust, and sweat.
His gaze rakes over me. “Hmm, maybe you need a shower and someone to wash those hard-to-reach places.”
“I like that idea, but I need to be here when the guys have finished for the day. I have to lock the gates.” When I look over at the house, I’m surprised to see how much work they’ve done. What time is it? I check my watch. It’s much later than I realised. I spent all afternoon in the garden, and the roofers are packing up.
After they leave, I close the metal gates, padlocking them securely. I doubt anyone would try to get in, but you never know.
“Okay, I’m all yours.” I kiss Trent’s neck.
“I hope so,” he says quietly.
I lean back to look at him. “Don’t doubt it, babe. You caught me, hook, line, and sinker.”
“I don’t, not really. I’m not going back. All that visit did was prove I’ve made the right decision. Even if I end up going back to teaching, it won’t be there.”
“It was that bad?” What happened that he hasn’t told me about?
“No, not at all. My parents’ behaviour was as I expected. I know I have it so much better here.” He leans into me again. “Do you want to show me around?”
I look over my shoulder at the building. It’s all secure now. “Can we do it tomorrow? I really want that shower.”
“Sure. Shall I follow you back to your place?” He smiles
“Yeah, that would be good. Do you fancy going to the pub tonight? We could eat there.”
He shrugs. “Can we see after the shower? I’m pretty beat. It’s been an intense few days for me.”
Guilt washes over me. I haven’t thought about how much pressure he’s been under or the long drive he’s had to make. “Of course, I’m sorry. I should’ve thought of that.”
“Hey, don’t worry. I fancy a quiet night, just the two of us.”
The house is going to be awesome. The huge floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing so much light in, give the illusion of size and space. It’s not a small house by any means, but it seems so much—I don’t know—more.
“What do you think?” Merlin puts his arm around my shoulder. Excitement laces his voice.
“It’s great. Really, really great. Not what I expected. You showed me the website, but to see it here and how it was put up in only three days is phenomenal. When do you do all the fixtures and fittings?”
“Tomorrow. Drew’s got his guys coming in, and he told me to stay out of their way. Apparently, I tend to meddle.” He laughs, leading me into what will be the master bedroom. What he actually said was ‘our bedroom’, but that’s too soon for me. I don’t doubt that I’ll end up living here, but I need to get used to this new version of me. Even though I’ve lived by myself for years, I’m different now. My schedule has changed, and my routine is nonexistent. With all the drawing and painting, it’s a very different life than the one I thought I had to conform to.
Merlin is an unexpected bonus. Adding him to the equation is going to take time. Marc only cared about his terms and agenda. I can’t slip into the same habit with Merlin. He will understand, though, as he has so many responsibilities. Hestill holds down his job while working on the nursery and this incredible house. And he hasn’t mentioned me moving in again last night or today.
My phone rings. After my trip back, I can confidently assume it’s not my parents or Marc. Those bridges are definitely burnt to the ground. It could be the estate agent, but I doubt that. While I’ve priced it as a good deal, there are still plenty of similar houses already on the market.
Unfortunately, it isn’t him, but I smile when Merrick’s name flashes on the screen. “Hi, Merrick, how’s it going?”
“Are you back? How did it go? As expected?” Obviously, Merrick knows exactly how my parents treat people they don’t agree with, having lived through their faintly disguised disapproval and then the despicable behaviour at Josh’s funeral.
I don’t hide the chuckle that breaks free. “I am, and yes, nothing has changed. I got back yesterday evening. Now I’m with Merlin at the nursery.”
