Page 41 of A Brambleberry Manor Christmas
‘I’m not being ridiculous.’
‘Noah likes Melanie.’
‘Yes. Because she’s his old friend.’
‘I think she wants more than that, though.’
Flo nods. ‘You might be right. But that doesn’t mean Noahreturns Melanie’s feelings, though, does it?’
Unnerved by the direction the conversation has taken, Ishrug, as if I really don’t care.
And it’s true. I don’t care. I mean, what is it to me if Noahhas feelings for Melanie?
Ignoring Flo’s knowing smile, I turn away, towards thewoods. ‘So, Flo…what do you think Rhoda and Bob arereallyup to?’
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Walking through the door at home, I feel a sense ofrelief.
It’s been a tough few days emotionally, and it’s taken aphysical toll on me, too. All I want to do now is sink into a warm, relaxingbath, make myself some comforting food, then curl up on the sofa in my pyjamas,tucked up in my softest throw, and give myself over toStrictlyfor ablissful hour or two…
I’m just tucking into my second slice of cheddar and pickleon toast in front of the TV, when I hear Tavie come in. She’s been out with Amythis afternoon. She called me earlier and asked if I minded if she shopped forher trip with Amy instead, and I transferred some money into her account so shecould treat herself. She sounds on top of the world as she calls through totell me she found the perfect bikini in the sales.
She bounces into the living room, where I’m sitting on thesofa, my feet tucked under me.
‘What do you think?’ She brings out the teeniest red bikini I’veever seen and I try to look pleased because she’s clearly so happy about it. ‘Iknow you probably think it’s too revealing, but everyone wears them now.’
‘I suppose they do.’ I smile wryly. ‘It’s not like it was inmy day – you know, the Victorian times – when we wore woollen bathers thatmodestly covered everything from chin to toe.’
She grins. ‘Even you’re notthatold.’
‘No, but I feel it sometimes,’ I murmur, giving a fake sigh,although to be truthful, Tavie’s mood has given me a real boost. ‘Listen, whydon’t you look in the freezer and find a microwave meal that you fancy?’
‘Really? I don’t even have to have vegetables with it?’ Hereyes sparkle mischievously.
I laugh. ‘Nope. You can have a night off the green stuff.’
‘Great.’ She dashes out and runs up the stairs, callingback, ‘I’m just going to get changed then I’ll make my food. If I’m getting anight off the green stuff, you deserve a night off the cooking.’
I settle back, feeling happier than I have in ages.
Flo was so lovely today when I sliced into my thumb. She’sbecome more than just my assistant in the business. She’s now a really goodfriend, and I sense she feels the same. We just seem to gel really well. I’venever told anyone about Harvey’s deception, until today, preferring to bottleit all up for fear of Tavie finding out. But unburdening myself to Flo wasdefinitely the right thing to do. I actuallyfeel lighter.
The job seems to be going well, too. Marjery told me shereally wasn’t bothered about the smashed plate. She was more worried about howI was feeling, and I was able to reassure her that I was fine and that nothinglike that would happen again.
She nodded and smiled warmly at me, and I could tell shereally did care. Fen was right. Marjery has a good heart beneath the ratherstern exterior. And now Tavie and I seem to be getting along better, whichreally is the icing on the cake…
I sigh happily, finishing my toast and settling back towatch moreStrictly.
A few minutes into the dance, the doorbell rings. I sit upstraight, wondering who on earth it could be. One of Tavie’s friends, perhaps?
I hear Tavie thundering down the stairs, and as I’m in mydressing gown I leave her to answer the door. I hear voices – more than one –and lots of shrieks of delight from Tavie. Curious, I get up and peer into thehall.
‘Vivian! Hi! And Danny and Megan. Hello!’
To say I’m surprised to see them would be an understatement.Vivian hardly ever drops in unannounced. When she’s planning a visit to seeTavie and her own parents, who live along the road, just a few miles from us,she always either calls me or lets Tavie know directly.
This is a total surprise, although I know Vivian had plansto come down to Surrey for a visit before Christmas and stay at her parents fora few days so they could spend some time with their much-loved youngergrandchildren.
