‘A husband, which makes the accusation even more ludicrous. They’ve got two adopted kids, both in their late teens, who are showing amazing resilience in dealing with it. They think it’s funny that anyone thinks their dad’shot.’
‘It’s good that they can find the humour in a dire situation. What a horrible thing to go through.’
‘I just wish there was a way to make it all better. I know the money from my house sale wouldn’t have had a massive impact but it would at least have bought them time.’
‘That’s such a generous thing to do.’
Will shrugged. ‘He’s my best mate. He’s always been there for me and this was me trying to be there for him.’
We were near the end of our drinks so Will got another round in, suggesting we move onto a lighter topic of conversation when he returned. He wanted to know more about Created With Love so I told him how my love of crafts had led me to Cake & Craft Club last September. We talked about music, his teaching, his children, Trevor. The conversation flowed easily and, while neither of us were overtly flirty, there were sparks flying between us. Every so often, he’d move a little closer to me around the seat and I’d do the same until our legs were touching, our fingers entwined once more.
The landlord called for last orders and, all too soon, glasses were being cleared away and we were the only customers left. When some of the lights went off in the bar, we took the hint and left the pub. Will told me he was walking distance away and pointed up the town, but he insisted on walking me back to the car park, even though it was in the other direction.
‘Tonight’s been good,’ he said as we stood by my car.
‘It has. Thanks for listening.’
‘Thanks for explaining.’
We stood there for a moment, smiling at each other.
‘Would it be too much to…’ He put his arms out to either side and he didn’t even need to finish the sentence. I eagerly stepped into his hug and, as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close to him, I felt overwhelmed by how much love I felt for him and wondered what he was thinking.
‘Can I see you again?’ he asked when we stepped apart – reluctantly in my case.
‘I’d love that.’
‘I would too. This week’s tricky for me, though – a couple of school events on evenings – but I’m free on Saturday if you fancy a walk. Unless you’re working.’
‘I am, but I’m sure someone will swap with me. I’ll text you when I’ve confirmed it.’
He held my gaze once again. ‘You have no idea how much willpower it’s taking not to kiss you right now,’ he said, his voice husky.
‘I think I do because I feel the same.’
‘I don’t want to rush things.’
‘I know. Me neither. Goodnight, Will.’
‘Goodnight, Yvonne.’
And he leaned forward and gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek which made my innards feel like jelly. I could still remember how his lips felt against mine, feel his hands in my hair, his breath on my neck and I longed for a repeat of that incredible night together, but it was right for both of us that we took the time to talk and get to know each other again because it would lay the foundations for a positive future together. It was exactly as I’d written on the cover of my journal –tomorrow starts today.
45
On Saturday morning, Will met me on the bench beneath the giant willow tree on the village green ready for our walk round Derwent Water. I’d have suggested meeting at the shop but I knew Paulette would be dying for an introduction and I didn’t want him to feel any pressure from my friends at this early stage in whatever it was that was happening between us.
Rather than walk all the way round the lake, Will suggested we walk halfway, have a late lunch in a hotel just beyond the southern tip of the lake and catch the boat back to the jetty near Willowdale Hall.
The weather was ideal – a fair few fluffy clouds to reduce the heat but with no threat of rain. The conversation on Tuesday had been stop and start at times but today it flowed, just as it had done all those years ago, while we caught up on the past two decades. I asked about other relationships and Will admitted to a bit of dating and a few short-term girlfriends but nothing serious because nobody compared to me.
‘I didn’t think I’d ever see you again,’ he said, ‘but I couldn’t get you out of my mind. Nobody else stood a chance.’
I shared that I’d never dated either, for the same reason. We laughed a lot, we held hands and we hugged and, even though we didn’t kiss, there was no mistaking the chemistry between us.
We had our lunch on a wooden terrace with stunning views over the lake and fells, watching swans and geese and other waterfowl gliding through the water.
‘What are you thinking?’ Will asked me, as I gazed into the distance.
