Sam held her gaze. ‘You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m just passionate about keeping everyone as safe as possible and we’ve been butting heads on this matter for quite a while now.’
‘I’m assuming there’s more to your dislike of Pete than his opposition to the barriers?’
From Sam’s silence, Verity knew that was exactly the case but she didn’t push it. It was clear that whatever it was ran deep. ‘You know what my granny once told me? We all only have one time on this earth so be nice to each other. We may have a difference of opinion but the fact we aren’t all the same is wonderful and is what makes the world go around.’
‘Sometimes things happen that can’t be put right.’
Once again, they stared at each other for some time before Verity broke the silence. ‘Thank you for the apology. I’ve been up to see Nathan and he’s looking at the van. I just need to get my rucksack, I need my references.’
‘References?’
‘I may have just landed myself a job for a few days as a volunteer ranger, counting puffins!’
‘The puffin census? Pete’s in charge of that, how’s that come about?’
‘I followed him out of the hall because he looked upset. I wanted to make sure he was okay so I checked on him again after I visited the garage.’
Sam’s eyes widened. His mouth opened but no words came out.
‘Look, I’m not taking sides here, and it’s obviously none of my business, but I don’t like to see anyone upset and he looked distressed, like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. It might just be that he needs a friend, living up there on his own.’
‘And you’re suggesting that you’re going to be that friend?’
Verity was quiet. She could see by the look on Sam’s face he was not enjoying this conversation. ‘Whatever it is between you both, it’s not my argument. I take people as I find them and treat them how they treat me.’
‘This is unbelievable. He’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders all right.’
‘I’m going to go.’ She pointed to the door.
Sam stepped aside and didn’t say any more. The door closed behind her, leaving Verity wondering what the hell had gone on between them.
ChapterEleven
Verity walked back towards Cliff Top Cottage, the conversation with Sam very much on her mind. From the short time she’d spent in his company she thought of him as ambitious yet laid back, enjoying life and living for the moment without many cares; but he definitely had a problem with Pete. What could be so bad as to cause so much resentment between the two men? As she ambled up the cliff path towards the cottage she saw Pete sitting outside on a rickety old chair, with a newspaper spread across his lap. He looked up when he heard the crunch of gravel under her feet.
He closed the newspaper. ‘You came back then?’
‘I did. You didn’t doubt me, did you?’ She smiled, placing her rucksack on the table and rummaging inside. ‘Here we go. They were sorry to see me go and didn’t expect it, if I’m honest.’
‘Why did you resign?’ He nodded towards the wicker rocking chair beside him. Verity sat down and immediately rocked backward, taking her feet clean off the ground. She tried to steady herself.
Pete tried to hide his smile. ‘That chair gets me every time.’
‘I needed a change of scenery. I’m fast approaching thirty and needed to sort out my life.’
‘And you had your heart broken.’
She eyed him carefully. ‘And that, too. But since I’ve been here, I’m lucky the thought of him has barely crossed my mind.’
Pete nodded. ‘Counting puffins will keep you busy.’
‘Does that mean I’ve got the job?’
‘Judging by these references I’d be silly not to take you on. It’s clear they would take you back in a heartbeat.’
‘That was the plan for after my travels, but I’m beginning to think there’s more to life than the same street that I’ve lived in for a very long time, going through the same routine, with the new added nuisance of constantly trying to avoid my ex, who has moved in across the street.’
‘That can’t be easy.’
