Page 28 of The Best Little Christmas Shop
Cal threw me a half-smile. ‘I wish. I’ve got a car to go and see. Martha should be here shortly to look after George and then I need to head off. It’s a long drive anyway.’
I took in the utter exhaustion on his face, and the way he was using the door to hold himself up.
‘Are you sure that’s a good idea? You look absolutely exhausted. Can you not put it off until tomorrowor something?’
He shook his head, stifling a yawn as he did so. ‘Unfortunately, not. This guy already told me he’s had offers from other people. If it’s as good as it sounds, I’ll be laughing at auction. But they won’t wait. They’re moving and are just trying to clear stuff out as soon as possible. I can’t afford to miss out on this.’ The last word disappeared on a yawn and I shook my head.
‘OK. Then let me drive you.’
‘What?’
‘If you really must go today, then let me come with you and drive. That way you can at least get some rest in the car.’
‘You don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine.’
‘Don’t take this the wrong way – but you look far from fine. And if you won’t do it for yourself, then think of George.’
Cal tilted his head down at me. ‘Low blow.’
I screwed up my face. ‘Didit work?’
‘Yes. Are you sure?’
‘Positive. It’ll be nice for me to do something different too. Plus it’ll give me a chance to connect with cars in some small way again.’
‘You miss it.’ It was a statement rather than a question.
I nodded. ‘I do.’
He gave one quick nod in response before his gaze dropped to the dog. ‘Is Apollo coming for a ride?’
‘No, I think he’d probably rather be sprawledout by the Aga for the afternoon.’
‘Smart dog. Do you want me to pick you up or do you want to wait? I’ve just got to jump in the shower quickly.’
‘I can wait, if you don’t mind the dog coming in too? We can just stay by the door.’
‘Don’t be daft,’ Cal said, ushering us both inside. ‘I’ve got an old towel here somewhere …’ He stuck his head in a cupboard in the hallway and pulled out a towel,‘Here.’ He tossed it to me and I gave Apollo a quick rub over and then carefully dried his feet one by one as the dog gently laid each paw in my lap, ready for the familiar procedure.
‘Wow. He’s really good at that.’
‘Practice,’ I replied, glancing up at Cal as I stood. ‘There. All dried.’ I kicked off my own boots and wiggled my toes. ‘But we’ll stay here anyway.’
‘No, you won’t. I need coffee.Want one?’
It did sound good. ‘OK. Yes, thanks.’ We all shuffled off towards the kitchen and Cal made himself busy with the fancy coffee machine on his worktop. I could strip a car engine practically with my eyes closed but the coffee machine looked far more complicated than it needed to be for such a simple task. All I generally needed was a spoon.
‘That looks fancy,’ I said, eyeing the equipment.
‘Yeah. I had a moment. Although I do have to say, it makes really good coffee. But then again it should.’ He pulled a face.
I shrugged. ‘You should enjoy the indulgence. If you work hard, it’s good to reward yourself sometimes. You shouldn’t feel guilty about it.’
Cal gave me a maybe yes, maybe no face. ‘I know you’re right but …’
‘You have trouble believing you’re worthy of it?’
He shot mea look and I could see the faintest blush on his cheeks.
