Page 71 of Summer at Harbour View House
Ben smiled. ‘Whether it is or it isn’t, I think it’ll be a day we’ll never forget.’
27
A Relaxing Date and an Overdue Reunion
‘So… what’s going on with you and Ben?’
Hannah, feet up on the stool on their patio, a glass of milk in her hand, smiled at Natasha, who managed to cough a mouthful of cornflakes onto the ground.
‘God, you pick your moments. Nothing’s happening. I’m leaving in less than two weeks. It’s been nice to get to know him, but there’s no point getting in too deep is there?’
‘He totally loves you. Davey told me.’
Natasha grimaced. ‘I’m too old for this he said, she said schoolyard stuff.’
‘But he’s like you, he doesn’t want to make a proper move on you because you’re going away.’ Hannah gave a dramatic sigh. ‘You old people are all so boring. Look at me and Davey. We just went with it. We’re married and we have a child on the way, and it’s been less than a month. Squee!’
‘I really hope it works out and you’re happy for the rest of your lives,’ Natasha said. ‘I really mean that. I hope you have four kids.’
‘We’re planning for five.’
‘Well, five then. I hope you also get a dog and a cat.’
‘We’ll need to make sure they don’t eat Charlie,’ Hannah said. ‘He’s our lucky charm.’
‘She,’ Natasha said. ‘Talking of which, I’ll let her out in a bit to clean up these cornflakes. Have you found anywhere to live, by the way? Definitely not going to get Davey to move up to Brentwell?’
Hannah shook her head. ‘No chance. He’s a Cornishman, and a fisherman too. We’re looking at flats in St. Austell, but everything’s so expensive.’ She turned to look at the house behind them. ‘It would be so lovely to live in a place like this. To hear it filled with the sound of crying babies, children playing—’
‘And arguing. And plus, you’d have him next door with his karaoke.’
Hannah sighed. ‘It’s just a dream. We could never afford a place like this. Houses like this are where rich people live.’
‘Houses like this are what rich people buy, then ignore except for two weeks in August. There should be rules about it.’
‘Yes, there should, but that’s life, isn’t it?’
Natasha smiled. ‘You can dream. I mean, it’s got you pretty far already, hasn’t it?’
Hannah grinned. ‘Fingers crossed.’ Then, snapping her fingers, she added, ‘Right. Last chance. I need to make one last phone call. Can you help me get up into the attic? I need to be a little more careful these days.’
‘I got you a pasty,’ Natasha said. ‘I’m afraid it’s only a cheese and onion. Lizzie said she’s sold out of steak. Apparently, there’s been a huge influx of visitors coming down early for this weekend’s festival.’
Ben nodded towards the shore, where thirty or more people were splashing about in choppy, knee-deep waves.
‘Tell me about it. Look at them all! It’s almost like a proper beach. I actually have to pay attention. No rescues since the chicken, though.’
‘Charlie’s been a good girl since, too,’ Natasha said, wondering when she had become so familiar with Ben that they could talk about chickens with casual ease. ‘No escapes, although she was giving the lock of her coop a good peck this morning. I think she has one planned.’
‘You need CCTV,’ Ben said. ‘I can help you install it if you like. I was thinking of doing an electrician’s course over the winter, just to add another string to the damaged bow. Your house might be a good place to practice.’
‘It’s not my house,’ Natasha reminded him.
Ben nodded. ‘That’s true. Even better for practicing then.’
‘Well, I’m not sure about the CCTV, but I do have a lightbulb that needs changing. How about … tonight?’You’re a strong, independent woman, so everyone keeps saying. Be strong and independent and make the first move for once. Otherwise, it might never happen.
‘I could—’ Natasha’s throat felt dry. ‘—cook … you … dinner?’
