Belle’s mouth fell open. ‘What the…?’
‘Tell me about it. He says it’s not what it looks like, he just feels sorry for her and is finding her a place in London. And beneath the hard exterior of a newspaper editor, he’s the softest man, with no clue of how a woman’s mind works. Mine included!’
‘Clearly.’ Belle replied sarcastically. ‘And sorry if I’m speaking out of turn here but is that the kind of man you really want, Sabrina? Yes, he’s thinking of her but not you in any of this.’
‘Exactly, and him doing that just makes me look more of a fool, because this whole debacle isn’t just between me and him, is it? When the great British public learn of this through the press, then, well… I can’t deal with it.’
‘Take the market unit.’ Belle suddenly announced, slapping her hand down on the wooden bench seat. ‘Take it!’
‘Wow. Belle. Where did that come from? And I thought you said you weren’t going to give me your opinion on what I should do.’
‘I know I did. But if the alternative is walking back into the toxic shitshow that man has created for you, which will undoubtedly affect your mental health, then I see it as a no brainer. Let your heart settle. Let everything settle. What was it your mum said? “Follow your heart and you won’t get lost”.’ Sabrina nodded. ‘If you and Dominic are meant to be, then time will not be a barrier. If you love someone, they live inside you. You can block them or say you hate them, but if love is there, then they’re here.’ The pretty blonde put her hand to her heart. ‘And they will live in here until you are either ready to accept that they are going to stay there and you carry them with you even though you’ll never see them again, or the love comes alive and you live with them in the real world and not just in your heart.’
‘Wow. Talk about me giving the soliloquies, Belle.’
The woman squeezed Sabrina’s shoulder, just as she had done on their first day of meeting. ‘So, are you going to see Mr Market Inspector again?’
Sabrina laughed. ‘Well, I guess I have to now you’ve made this monumental decision for me.’
They both laughed. A message beeped, and Sabrina immediately showed it to her friend.
Morning sexy. Early viewings done. Say you want me…I mean the unit
Sabrina took off her shades and looked to Belle, who clapping her hands together like an excitable sealion.
‘Sounds like you’ve got a new jobanda new knob. Do it! Just do it!
Chapter Fourteen
Later that morning, Sabrina decided that a bumpy bus ride was not a viable option when she was likely to be sick all over the other passengers. And despite possibly still being slightly over the alcohol limit, a drive through the fields, roof off with the coastal path to her right and the breeze rushing through her hair was the much safer alternative. When she had thankfully managed to find a space in the usually heaving Ferry Lane Market car park straight away, she blew a kiss to the parking angels and tried to call Dee for the second time, but to no avail.
Star Murray beckoned to Sabrina as she walked by her stall. ‘Good morning. Did the ring work its magic yet?’ The long-haired blonde jiggled her tiny body from side to side as baby Storm began to stir in the papoose.
‘Well, I guess it could have, as I’ve decided to take the spare unit across the street.’
‘Oh my god, that’s amazing. We’ll be neighbours. As long as you’re not going to be selling jewellery, that is. Or I will never speak to you again.’ Star grinned.
‘No, of course not. I can already sense that some people might have my guts for garters if I dare step on their toes.’ Sabrina put her hand to her temples. ‘Oh, my head.’
‘Are you OK?’ The baby let out a big shriek, then settled down again just as quickly.
Sabrina groaned. ‘Just a tad hungover. I’d have been in bed if it wasn’t for signing for the unit.’
‘Chance would be a fine thing for me. I’m so tired with getting up in the night to feed this little man, a hangover would be a breeze. So, are you going to be staying above the shop?’
‘No, the guy has kept all his stuff there as he’s only having an extended holiday. I’m staying in Penrigan at the moment.’
‘Oh, that’ll be a bit of a trek in the winter, then.’
‘Hmm. I was wondering that. I bet those windy track roads get icy, too.’
‘Yes, my mum lives up that way.’ Star offered. ‘It’s not pleasant as it has to be real blizzard conditions before the gritters come down as far as us. Actually…would you ever consider moving here? To Hartmouth, I mean’
‘I haven’t thought about anything other than the unit, to be honest.’
‘Well. I only say that as Kara– you may have seen her the other day, pregnant, long auburn hair, my half-sister and beautiful person inside and out, but I am clearly biased.’
‘Aw, that’s nice.’ Sabrina laughed. ‘And yes, the flower shop lady.’
