Page 78 of Winter at Wishington Bay
‘Luckily, you improve with time. If you know what I mean.’
‘Are we back to the fact I’ve grown on you like a fungus?’ he laughed.
‘Just focus on the “grown on me” bit of that if the fungus part bothers you so much,’ I replied, happy to hear his laugh and feeling utterly relaxed myself.
‘I will.’ Nate lifted the dog off me so that I could get up. Bryan looked askance at him for a moment before burrowing under one of Holly’s beautiful cushions and making himself a little den instead.
‘So, this fayre?’
‘Uh-huh?’ I said, grabbing my coat from the hallway hook and swiping a couple of times to find the second sleeve.
‘Are you going? I mean, could I… we… kind of go together. Here.’ He moved behind me, found the sleeve hole and aimed it at my arm.
‘Thanks. Oh, sorry. I can’t,’ I said, turning back to face him as I belted the coat.
‘Oh. Right. No, that’s fine.’ He fiddled with the cuffs of his jumper for a moment. It was kind of adorable. ‘I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable and after I just made the whole big speech thing about not getting together with Corinne. I mean, I know what it sounds like and I totally understand that—’
As cute as Nate was right now, stumbling a little over his words and explanation – a fact I was doing my best to ignore – I had to put him out of his misery.
‘It’s all right. I didn’t think you were asking me out so you can relax. I’d have been happy to show you round the fayre ordinarily but it’s just that I’ve kind of got roped into taking part in it this year. It’s Flora and George’s wedding anniversary so he’s whisking her off somewhere for the night. The fayre is always a good night for sales, especially if the weather behaves, which it’s supposed to. Flora’s been so good to me so I said I’d mind the shop for her for in the evening.’ I took the hat he was holding out for me and pulled it down low over my ears. ‘You’re welcome to come and help too, of course.’
‘In the shop?’
‘Yes. I can show you the ropes and I’d be grateful for the company. But only if you want to, of course.’
‘I’m not sure I’d be much of an asset. It’s a long time since I had to deal with the public face to face. Normally it’s just me and suits talking about very dry statistics.’
I stole a glance at him. He was definitely more of an asset than he thought. Suddenly he dropped his gaze and locked straight on to mine. A smile broke on his face. ‘You know what? Why not? It might even be fun.’
‘It will be fun!’ I laughed, taking the bag he’d now handed me.
‘You sure Flora will be OK with it?’
Flora was already a huge fan of Nate McKinley and constantly encouraging me to become a bigger one myself. Something that would be very easy to do, had circumstances been different. But in the meantime, his company as a friend would be good and it would be another step in getting him out and mixing and building his confidence back up. It was a win-win situation.
‘She’ll be fine but you’re welcome to come back with me so we can run it by her together.’
‘That’s a great idea. Can you hang on a mo?’
‘No problem. Shall I get Bryan ready?’
‘Would you mind?’ he asked, leaning back over the stair banister.
I shook my head, smiling, leaving him to finish taking the stairs two at a time until I heard him in the bedroom, opening a wardrobe door and grabbing whatever it was he needed from there before rushing back down the stairs again. I had by this time coaxed Bryan out from his sofa den by merely lifting his lead from the hook. Before I could even turn round, I felt two small paws resting on my calf. Lead clipped on, Nate quickly unhooked the cosy coat he’d bought the little dog from where it was hanging and in moments, had snuggled his four-legged pal into it. Bryan was now looking from one of us to the other, and then at the front door, clearly wondering what we were all waiting for. Nate stuffed his feet quickly into the boots he’d kept near the radiator, zipping up the thick jacket he’d slipped into at the same time.
‘I know the dog’s in a hurry but there’s no rush,’ I laughed as he tried to pull his hat on at the same time, dropping it in the process.
‘I don’t want to hold you up.’
‘I’m not in a rush,’ I repeated, slower this time as I picked up the hat from the floor. ‘It’s fine. Now stand still,’ I said, before reaching up to place the knitted beanie on Nate’s head, taking a moment to adjust it, although in all honesty, it already looked perfect. He was one of those people who just automatically looked good in anything. Bit sickening really. But it was clear he didn’t realise this, which made the trait even more attractive.
‘Thanks,’ he said, quietly, once I’d finished.
‘You’re welcome.’
‘Ready?’ I asked, opening the front door and catching my breath as an icy breeze pierced the bubble of warmth we’d been ensconced in.
‘Let’s hope this has passed before the fayre opens!’ Nate said, raising his voice to carry over the wind that was now howling round us.
