Kimberley
Careful not to thrust the bathroom door open and hit Adam with it, Kim tapped and then poked her head around. ‘All done?’ she enquired.
‘All done,’ said Adam, straightening up from where he’d been fixing the leak that had sprung out of nowhere from under the bath. ‘It was the P-trap come loose, though I can’t quite fathom out how. Fitted incorrectly, I suppose.’
‘Thanks, Adam. I wouldn’t have had a clue what to do if you hadn’t come to my rescue. I didn’t know who else to call. It’s so risky for single women picking a plumber off some random site, isn’t it? You never know who might turn up.’
Wiping his hands on his cloth, Adam nodded. She could tell by the combination of sympathy and annoyance flitting across his features that he got what she meant. ‘There’s a safe site that lists reputable services,’ he said. ‘I’ll let you have the link. You can always call me, though, you know that.’
Noting the earnest look in his eyes, she smiled her appreciation. ‘I know I can, Adam, thanks. I don’t like to disturb you at work, though.’
‘It’s not a problem. I’m self-employed. I can always take time in an emergency, and I owe it to Josh to make sure the property you and his son are living in is comfortable.’ Adam offered her a smile, but still looked distracted, as he had since he’d arrived. Kim guessed why. He hadn’t been at work when she’d called. He’d been at home. She gathered he’d been trying to get hold of Cassie, who apparently hadn’t been returning his calls. It struck Kim that where Adam was abundantly considerate and helpful, Cassie was totally self-absorbed. Opposites attracted, she supposed, but she really did wonder what he was doing with the woman when it was obvious he would be much better off without her.
‘No news yet?’ she asked him, her tone sympathetic.
Adam sighed and shook his head. ‘Her phone keeps going to voicemail. I was wondering whether I should drive over there.’
He was obviously worried sick about her. Nodding thoughtfully, Kim knitted her brow.
‘You don’t think it’s a good idea?’
‘Maybe,’ she said with a shrug, ‘but…’
Adam eyed her quizzically.
‘I know you’re worried about her,’ Kim went on. ‘I am too,’ she added quickly, ‘but… I’m wondering whether you might do better to give her some space. She knows you’re concerned, after all. You must have rung and texted a thousand times. I’m thinking if you just turn up, it might seem as if you’re trying to control her.’
Adam arched an eyebrow, then frowned contemplatively. ‘I suppose.’ He nodded slowly. ‘I hadn’t thought about that.’
‘From a woman’s perspective, you might do better to give her some time to think things through. She’ll be back when she’s cooled down, I know she will.’ Kim reached to give his arm a squeeze. ‘You’re a catch, after all.’
Adam smiled wryly. ‘You reckon?’
‘Um, let me see. You’re caring, not too bad-looking, handy to have around. Yup, definitely a catch.’
Adam laughed. ‘I must remember to remind myself of my attributes more often,’ he said, turning to survey his handiwork.
Yes, and so should someone else, Kim thought tetchily.
‘I replaced the taps while I was at it,’ Adam said, nodding towards the bath. ‘You should get a decent flow of water now.’
‘Thank God for that.’ Kim eyed the ceiling. ‘I’m just about coping bathing Samuel in the kitchen sink, but I’m struggling to fit in it myself.’
‘I can see that would be a bit of a problem.’ Adam glanced back at her, amused. ‘I’ll check out the plumbing in the kitchen sometime,’ he offered. ‘It looks a bit dodgy.’
‘Brilliant, thanks, Adam.’ Smiling, Kim smoothed down the short fuchsia-pink slip dress she’d chosen from Miss Selfridge for just this occasion.
‘You’re off out, I take it?’ Adam asked, turning to pick up his tool bag.
‘Just to the pub with my friend,’ Kim answered, heading out onto the landing.
‘Not the friend who minds Samuel, I take it?’ Adam asked, following her down the stairs.
‘No. You don’t know her,’ Kim answered, leading the way into the kitchen. Glancing back at him, she noted a puzzled look cross his face. ‘Samuel’s with the girl who normally minds him, don’t worry. She texted me just now to tell me he’s fast asleep. She’s dropping him home on her way back from taking her little boy to school in the morning.’
‘Oh, right. Good.’ Adam nodded contemplatively.
‘Coffee?’ she asked, giving him a bright smile.
