Jess rolled her eyes. “Technology has never been his thing.” She got up from her seat. “So, what can I get you? Tea? Coffee? A beer or wine?”
“A coffee would be nice.”
“Just let me sort the computer and then I’ll bring it right out.”
“You mean you haven’t got her a drink already? And you wonder why we don’t make any money,” Pete said.
Flick all at once felt guilty and reached into her bag for her purse. “It’s my fault. I was too busy gassing to order.”
Pete laughed. “Relax. I’m only joking, first one’s on the house.”
“Did I tell you he’s a comedian as well,” Jess said.
Flick watched them head inside. They seemed such a together couple.Together,she thought.There was a time when she’d have said that about herself and Matthew.
Returning her attention back to the market, she wondered what he’d have made of this place. It was a rhetorical question, of course. She knew from experience that Matthew would call it sleepy and boring. Looking back, whenever she suggested a relaxing week away from it all or a romantic getaway, he’d look at her like she’d lost the plot, vetoing the very idea in favour of a beach holiday in some nightclub hotspot. It wasn’t that Flick didn’t enjoy these vacations, they’d had some fun times over the years. It just would have been nice to simply enjoy one another’s company away from the crowds every now and then, something Matthew never seemed interested in doing. Flick scoffed. Maybe the two of them had never been that together after all.
She took out her drawing pad and a pencil and, with one eye on the market and the other on the paper, began sketching the scene before her. With each stroke of lead, an image gradually came to life and she felt her mind ease. Drawing had always had a calming effect and it wasn’t long before she lost herself completely.
“Wow!”
A voice over her shoulder suddenly broke the spell.
11
“That’s brilliant.”
Flick quickly closed her sketchpad as Dee joined her at the table. “Just a bit of doodling,” Flick said, pushing her notepad to one side.
“That’s more than doodling,” Dee insisted. “I’d call that talent.”
Flick felt herself blush, before quickly realising that she didn’t have time to feel embarrassed. Watching Dee immediately delve into her bag and produce an A4-sized folder, it was a case of getting straight down to business.
“Now,” Dee said, as if she didn’t have a moment to waste. “Let’s get started. I’ve put together a few contacts, all of them highly recommended from our passed purchasers.” She opened the folder and looked through its sheets. “I know the building is structurally sound, but I have roofers, builders, plumbers, tilers. All of them speak English. There are even a couple of painters and decorators in here somewhere, although I’m guessing you’ll be a dab hand with a paintbrush yourself.”
“Sorry?”
“There’s no point in paying for work that you can just as easily do on your own.”
Wondering what the woman was talking about, Flick didn’t plan on paying for anything.
Dee continued examining the contents of her file. “Obviously we don’t have to concern ourselves with the gardens for now, although I can give you the details of one or two green-fingered chaps when you’re ready. As for any carpentry, if you don’t mind I thought I could have a quiet word with Nate?”
“Nate?”
“Yes. Julia’s nephew, he was at the party, remember? Funny, I’m sure I saw both of you chatting in the garden at one point and looking very cosy, if I’m not mistaken.”
Flick felt herself redden again. Picturing the two of them under the moonlight,cosywas exactly how it must have looked. Yes, she fancied Nate, but that was it. The last thing she wanted was people gossiping over nothing. “Excuse me?” she said, needing to set the record straight. “I can’t pretend I don’t find the man attractive, after all, I’m not blind. But that doesn’t mean there’s something going on.” She tucked her hair behind her ears as she spoke. “And it’s probably all one-sided anyway. I mean, I can’t imagine he thinks the same about me? For all I know…”
A smile appeared on Dee’s lips.
“What?” Flick asked.
“I was teasing.”
“Oh.” Flick cringed. Thanks to her big mouth, if the locals weren’t talking before, they most definitely would be now. “In that case, if we could keep what I just said to ourselves?” Wishing she could take it all back, she had to settle for damage limitation.
Dee chuckled. “Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me.”
