‘Look,’ he blew out long breath, ignoring my comment, ‘I’m sorry. I honestly didn’t mean to create a scene. I was just shocked by your scars, and reacted. I’d never want to embarrass you. But I’m only human, and make mistakes. Don’t you?’
Said nothing, puddle of water growing at my feet. Listening. No longer trust own judgement, but something in his soft voice made me feel safe, along with non-threatening body language.
‘When I make mistakes, I own them. So, I’m genuinely sorry, and would handle it differently if I could do it again.’ A pause, one raised eyebrow. ‘Are you going to say something?’
Pursed my lips. What did it matter if never spoke to him again? Not friends, or anything else.
With a nod, like he could read my thoughts, he scowled. ‘Fine. But before I leave you in peace, I’m sorry for whatever happened to you. We all have scars, whether inside or outside. It’s how we feel about them?—’
‘Look,’ I bit, ‘Albie says you like fixing things, but some things can’t be fixed. Including me.’
‘Peoplecanheal. The scar tissue might remain, but it becomes part of your story. And I’m not trying to fix you. People need to fix themselves. Maybe I’m just helping by offering a different perspective.’
‘Why do you want to help me?’
Teeth flashed. ‘I like you.’
Stomach twisted. ‘Why? We hardly know each other.’
‘But I’d like to. Look,’ he scrubbed hand over back of his neck, ‘I’m nothing special. Just a simple guy who takes his job too seriously, and doesn’t take other things seriously enough because I prefer to focus on silver linings. I prefer old-fashioned stuff to modern – I’ll tell you about my jazz obsession one day –and enjoy cycling up mountains with friends for fun. I also have a complex family dynamic, but it’s part of what’s made me who I am.’ Chewed his lip, and looked into my eyes. ‘You’re troubled and spiky, but I can see you’re also smart, kind and becoming part of this community. If you’re ever interested in getting to know more about me, and letting me know you, I’ll be down in the village most evenings and weekends from now on.’
With a solemn nod, he walked away. Parting words rang in my ears, winded as I slumped against wall for long minutes. Threat, or promise?
Must have been resting against another hot water pipe, because there was a soothing warmth against my lower back, pulsing in anit’s okayrhythm. When I eventually moved, Harley’s top almost dry.
Twenty minutes later, someone knocked on front door. Padded through lounge into hallway, wearing fresh outfit after shower. ‘Who is it?’ Mostly trust my neighbours, but too many strangers roaming around.
‘Kirsten.’
Wasn’t over embarrassment of revealing scars, or unsettling feelings Ethan created, but she’s always been lovely, so opened door. ‘Hi.’
‘Hi.’ She peered around me, attempting to see into flat. ‘I came to check on you.’
Shrugging, let her in.
She flickered gaze around sparse peach lounge and said, ‘Very, um, nice.’
‘No need to lie. It hasn’t been a priority. Although I did have a free sofa delivered.’ Gestured to grey three-seater in middle of space. ‘So at least there’s somewhere to sit.’
‘Free?’ Kirsten questioned, sitting and snuggling into cushions.
Sinking beside her, drew a cushion onto lap. ‘From a website called Freecycle. People list stuff they don’t need any more. Give it away rather than selling.’
‘That’s kind.’
‘Yes. There’s a saying about the kindness of strangers, isn’t there? I just had to pay a couple with a van to deliver it. Albie let them in.’ Hid in sun-burnished library, safe from harm.
She snorted. ‘That doesn’t surprise me. He’s very?—’
‘Bossy?’
Laughed this time. ‘I was going to say willing to help.’
‘That’s the nicer version.’ Realised where she should be. ‘Erm, who’s looking after Rosie? What about the party?’
Waved her hand. ‘Albie’s supervising activities with the help of Clover, the one who looks like a glam Helen Mirren. They seem to be getting on well.’
I shifted closer. ‘Do you think there’s any chance of romance? It’d be nice after he’s been alone for so long.’
