‘Aww, that’s so kind. I do enjoy reading to them.’
‘We’re going to grab some food. If you get a rush on just let me know and I’ll come back to help.’
Walking side by side, Elle and Aiden headed towards the staffroom.
‘Would you like a hot drink?’ asked Elle, filling the kettle.
‘Yes, a coffee would be great, thank you.’ He grabbed his rucksack from a chair and sat down at the table.
‘Here’s where the tea, coffee and sugar are kept. We put a pound in here each week to cover costs but please shout if you notice it running low. Pippa’s like a bear with a sore head if she doesn’t get her morning coffee fix,’ Elle confided, shaking the rusty floral tin.
He smiled. ‘I know that feeling. Here.’ He flipped a coin across the table. ‘My debts are paid for this week.’
Elle popped the money into the tin and made the drinks. They sat down at the table opposite each other and opened their lunchboxes.
‘Tell me about Aiden. What brings you to Heartcross? Why the transfer?’ asked Elle, but as soon as she asked the question she saw a flash of sadness in his eyes. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry,’ she added hastily.
‘No, it’s okay. Honestly, you aren’t prying.’ He paused. ‘It’s so I can be nearer to Theo.’
‘Theo?’
‘Yes, my son.’
‘How old is he?’
‘He’s nearly three. A handful but awesome. Look, I have a photograph.’ Proudly, Aiden reached inside his jacket pocket and flipped open his wallet.
Elle smiled down at the picture. ‘He’s gorgeous. Are you with his mum?’
Aiden exhaled deeply and shook his head.
‘No, it’s been a difficult few months. It’s the usual story – a whirlwind romance followed by a pregnancy. Of course, at the time I believed we were going to be together for ever, but we soon realised we weren’t right for each other.’
‘It must have been difficult to come to that decision.’
‘It was, but on the plus side there’s no animosity between Louisa and myself, and our main priority will always be Theo. Even though we aren’t together, we both love him with all our hearts.’
‘And that’s all that matters,’ added Elle, taking a sip of coffee. ‘Do Louisa and Theo live here in Heartcross then?’
‘They’ve moved in with her parents over in Glensheil and at the moment I’m renting one of the terraced houses on Love Heart Lane. I have to say, opening my curtains and waking up to the stunning scenery is a bonus. I’ve only been here a couple of days, but there’s something about this place.’
‘There is,’ confirmed Elle. ‘And it sounds like you’ve already been hit by the Heartcross curse.’
Aiden looked puzzled. ‘The Heartcross curse?’
‘Once you arrive in Heartcross, you never want to leave!’ She smiled, thinking of all the residents that had started out here on a holiday and never went home. ‘There’s Bea who works at Little Blue Boathouse: she came for a two-week holiday to mend a broken heart, got a job at the boathouse and fell in love with Nolan, who was visiting for the summer on his houseboat.’
‘There’s a book in there somewhere.’ Aiden smiled.
‘And Libby, Flynn Carter’s sister, came and helped him out when his wedding planner resigned…’
‘I read about that scandal in the national press. Wasn’t there a sabotage plot to steal his wedding business that Libby uncovered?’
‘In a nutshell. She was meant to be leaving for a new life in New York after the holidays but fell head over heels for Guy Hart, the filmmaker, who was working alongside her. Now she splits her time between the Big Apple and Heartcross. I tell you, this place has magic powers. I love working here, and the community is friendly and very supportive. What about your family? Are they nearby?’
‘I only have my dad. My mum passed away when I was seven – a sudden heart attack.’
‘Oh, Aiden, I’m so sorry to hear that. That’s so sad. I don’t know what to say.’
