‘What is it?’
Lowen flicked through the paperwork in his folder. ‘I’ve put everything in here, except the contract.’
‘No worries. Just pop it in. I’ll be in here getting set up from tomorrow.’
‘I’ll do that. Right. Here’s the key. And I’ve gotta run.’
‘Before you go, whatdidyou mean by me not getting close to the locals?’
His eyes shifted away from hers. ‘Well, you’ve just had proof of it, haven’t you? Keep your head down and your business to yourself, Jilly– and like I said, that includes you and me.’ He kissed her on the forehead and gently squeezed her bum. ‘It’s been a pleasure doing business with you.’
Chapter Nineteen
‘Dee! Thank God, I’ve been so worried about you. Is everything OK?’ Sabrina was sitting at the bottom of the cottage garden, a big mug of tea in hand, her phone on speaker.
‘I’m so sorry, Rini. Honestly so much has been going on. Phoebe broke her arm. Stu is travelling all the time. It’s just been mental, to be honest.’
‘Oh, bless darling Phoebe. How on earth did she do that?’
‘Netball– you know how competitive she is. But she’s doing fine.’
Sabrina took a slurp of tea. ‘I’ll send her some Cornish goodies. But you said you wanted to talk to me, it sounded urgent, and Dom arrived and then all that kicked off and I feel like I’ve been a terrible friend.’
‘You really haven’t– it’s the other way around. I take it you are not getting back with Dom after seeing him. Please say you’re not.’
‘No. But I can’t lie, he is still in my head. Let’s FaceTime. I have something to show you.’
Sabrina pressed the video button on her phone and on seeing her friend on the screen waved furiously. ‘Aw. I’ve missed seeing your ugly mug so much!’
‘Me too and oh, my fucking god! Your beautiful hair.’
‘Don’t say that– you sound like Dom.’
‘No. I mean I like it. It really suits you.’ Sabrina put her glasses on to give the full effect. ‘Mad! You look SO different.’
‘I thought it would hopefully give me some freedom after Dom put that wanted poster out. He told me he did that just so that he could confirm where I was.’
‘Tosser!’
‘Yes, tosser! And, Dee, I’ve made some huge decisions and I don’t know if they are for the best, but I felt my gut was leading me and I feel like I’m not ready to step back into the media circus.’
‘Just go with it, darling. Life goes on. I got your email. You don’t mess about, do you? What with shagging Lowen, taking the market stall and pissing Caroline off all in one fell swoop!’
Sabrina grinned. ‘Crazy, right?’
‘Well, I think it’s brilliant, mate, I’m so proud of you. You’ll be pleased to know that the press has slowed down talking about you. Even the comments on your Instagram posts are lessening.’
‘Good.’
‘Are you not worried about that? Losing your popularity, I mean.’
‘No. I’m a good actress, Rini, I know that. Everyone needs a break and Polly Malone is such a big character, I’m sure she will be returning.’
‘So, you’re not running away forever then?’
‘Never say never or forever Delilah Dickinson. I’m just grateful that I filmed all her prison scenes before this all kicked off so I can have this break.’
‘Yes, I watched one the other night, where you were fighting with one of the inmates. Couldn’t believe it when she nearly ripped your top right off. Bit risqué for before the watershed, I thought.’
