‘I thought you said Murray was a good person.’
‘I did and he is… well… he was.’
‘But there never is a justification for lying to people. Not people who you claim to care about.’
Blythe was going to protest some more but her own failings flooded her mind and instead she kept quiet. They sipped their drinks as they made their way over to where Norman and Phyllis were packing up.
Norman splayed out his arms. ‘I’ve been looking forward to seeing you all day.’
‘Really?’ Blythe was intrigued.
‘Yes, because you’re my last customer and I can’t wait to get home to bed. I think I might be getting a bit old for this.’
‘Nonsense!’ cut in Phyllis. She unsubtly looked Blythe and Sam up and down before pulling in her chin. ‘Now what do we have here, I wonder.’
‘Leave them be,’ said Norman, handing over two hot dog buns with sausages hanging out of either end. Sam got out his wallet. ‘Blythe has already paid. Looks like you owe her dinner,’ said Norman with a wink.
‘I guess I do,’ said Sam. ‘Thank you.’
They made their way over to one of the benches and sat themselves down to eat. Blythe munched away happily whilst watching Vicky and Owen larking around with Eden. It was lovely to see the two of them behaving like teenagers again, with the addition of Eden who was giggling wildly. Sam made a noise and it drew Blythe’s attention.
‘Sorry,’ he said. ‘Owen is right; Norman’s monster sausage really is the best thing ever.’
‘Shall I add it to the growing list of things you like about Holly Cross?’
Sam gave her a look that made her insides flip. ‘You know you’re top of that list, right?’
‘I do now,’ said Blythe, concentrating on her sausage and trying to be nonchalant.
‘You see the thing is…’ began Sam.
‘Oh no. I don’t like it when there’s a thing. This never ends well for me. Does there have to be a thing?’ asked Blythe popping in the last of her hot dog.
‘I just want to be completely honest with you, Blythe.’
Blythe braced herself. ‘Okay, out with it.’
Sam’s eyebrows twitched but he quickly regained focus. ‘The meeting I’ve just come back from was with a company that sets up shared warehouse space. It’s nearer to London and they’re offering competitive rates. Most of the film work is in London so it would save on transportation, but it would mean moving my business lock, stock and authentic traditional beer barrel back to the city.’
‘But you’re settled here. Aren’t you?’ asked Blythe.
‘A year ago, I would have jumped at it.’
‘And now?’ Blythe swallowed hard.
Sam turned to look at her. ‘I don’t know. Something has changed. I’ve changed. It’s not the easy decision I thought it would be. When I bought this place I was looking for somewhere that worked with the business. I wasn’t looking to put down roots.’
‘So, you’re still thinking about selling up then?’ asked Blythe.
Sam reached across and took her hand. ‘I’ve got a lot to think about.’
35
23rdDecember
The money Vicky had made at the Christmas fayre together with her dog walking had enabled her to buy all the things Eden needed, as well as a couple of presents on her list. She enjoyed the dog walking and she’d lost a couple of pounds thanks to the exercise, but it was hard to juggle her job, being a mum and walking the dogs. If she was honest if it wasn’t for Blythe and a number of other locals she’d have lost most of her clients weeks ago.
It was the end of a busy day that had seen Owen call round to join them for tea and they’d ended up playing snakes and ladders until it was Eden’s bedtime. She loved being back in a relationship with Owen. There was something familiar and yet exciting at the same time. So it was all good as long as she ignored the little voice in her head that was obsessed with who Eden’s father might or might not be. Vicky came downstairs from putting Eden to bed. ‘She’s zonked but I doubt I’ll get a lie-in tomorrow.’
