ONE HUNDRED AND ONE
Saturday 20 March
From the kitchen in The Wood Oven, Imogen could hear the faint sounds of the band at the top of the high street. She was going to open an hour later tonight – most of the villagers would be down by the water until the solstice celebrations were over anyway. She only had a small amount of prep to complete before she could go and join them.
She started at a sound – someone had come into the restaurant. But she’d locked the door. She tentatively moved so she could see through the kitchen hatch.
It was James.
‘What are you doing here?’ she asked, coming round into the dining room.
‘Saw the light was on – came to say hello.’
He looked distracted, thought Imogen. ‘Everything OK?’
‘Yes, fine.’ He kissed her hard on the lips.
‘Don’t,’ she said, pulling away. The procession’s coming past soon.’
James pulled out a chair, rubbed his hands through his hair. ‘Mind if I wait here until it’s gone?’
His voice had a sense of purpose about it, thought Imogen. ‘Before what?’
‘Just got something to sort out.’
She was going to ask more but the band were coming into view outside the window. The players’ brass instruments gleamed in the light from the procession torches. The drummers’ beat thumped through her. Next to pass by was the Spring Queen. Imogen watched, tight-lipped as the imposter child sat atop the pony she’d once bought for Rosie. Then it was the turn of the straw bear. Imogen looked out at what she knew was her husband in the eerie costume. She smiled and waved. He didn’t wave back. She frowned – she was sure his head was turned in the direction of the restaurant window, although it was hard to tell as there were no eyes.
She watched him continue down the high street. Felt James step up close to her, but she moved away. There were still people walking past outside.
James understood. ‘I’ll see you down at the water later,’ he said.
Imogen nodded. ‘Maybe.’ She didn’t like him being there, she realized, and thought perhaps it was time to bring an end to their affair. Dylan had done an amazing thing getting that job and she still loved him. Things were on the up for them. She watched as James left the restaurant. She didn’t feel guilty; they’d both got something out of the relationship. She’d have to let him down gently, didn’t want him making a scene, but she’d manage that somehow.
Imogen turned and went back into the kitchen.
ONE HUNDRED AND TWO
Saturday 20 March
They were together. Right now. He’d seen them in the restaurant. Imogen waving to him as if he was an absolute fool. As if he didn’t know what they did together. James sitting near her, leaning back in his chair, arrogant as you like.
A new thought punctured Dylan in the gut.They shagged in the restaurant too.All those hours together, going over the plans for the new business. Just the two of them in the building. For weeks.
His throat felt thick with hurt and anger. He’d been such an idiot. He’d blithely gone on with his life without even noticing what was taking place right under his nose.What is probably taking place right now, he suddenly realized with a sickening lurch. The restaurant wasn’t yet open. They were the only two in there. He’d almost let them get away with it again.
He stopped suddenly and took a few furious breaths. In that moment, the procession moved on. He felt a detachment from them. He had a physical pull to go back to therestaurant. To stop it, break it, before it completely broke him. For his own sanity, his own dignity, he had to confront them.
The procession was now even further away. A few people glanced up, bemused at why he wasn’t following.
Dylan didn’t notice any of them as he turned and strode back up the high street.
ONE HUNDRED AND THREE
Saturday 20 March
Imogen placed the last of the chopped vegetables into the fridge then took off her apron and left the kitchen. She got her coat and pulled it on as she crossed the restaurant. Grabbing her keys, she switched off the lights.
Then screamed.
