How are you?
No. Too friendly. This will only invite more communication.Delete.
Dear Osian,
I was really touched by your offer, but I can’t let you do that. It was my choice to go and
And…
And…
Delete.
Dear Osian,
Delete.
Hi Osian
Delete.
Hi,
I just read your email.
Delete.
Osian,
Thank you. That’s a very generous offer. But there’s no need. I’m settled here and have a new job so please don’t give up the good work you’re doing with people who need your help. You’re right though – I don’t think we should be in touch. I need a clean break. So for that reason, and no other, I am going to block
Block sounds so harsh, so I delete the last sentence and rephrase it.
I’m going to set up a filter that prevents me seeing your emails. I’m sorry if this sounds cold; I’m just trying to keep myself safe.
I wish you all the best, always.
Evie
I press send before I can rethink. Then I fling my phone onto the sofa where it sinks between the cushions.
It’s true. Blocking him feels harsh… too harsh; I’ll just set up a filter. It can’t be done from my phone, but it’s too late for me to pull out my laptop tonight. I’m exhausted from all the drafting and deleting and all the eating of custard creams. I’ll do it tomorrow.
For tonight, and tonight only, I will permit myself to go to bed hugging my pillow and dreaming about what might have been.
Chapter Forty-eight
A few days later, I’m standing behind my counter in the greenhouse saying goodbye to my last customers of the day. They’ve just paid for their hydrangea workshop and left with the new samples they planted. I can see Mrs Baker, my boss, hovering by the door.
I hadn’t lied to Osian about being settled; my job is very rewarding and Mrs Baker is one of the nicest people I could want for a boss. She’s very tactful and never undermines my position with customers by interrupting or acting like the owner. Instead, she waits until everyone has gone before coming in.
“Have you heard of this?” She offers me her tablet.
The screen shows a page from Gorgeous Spaces, a tourist attractions website.
Hope Gardens: a magical journey for the eyes and the mind.
Historic Edwardian gardens brought back to splendour by landscape designer and restorer, Evangeline Palmer.
