‘Doesn’t seem to give a crap?’ She looks at him askance. ‘I love my son, but he wasn’t planned and being a single parent is lonely, and hard. And waiting forhimto show up isn’t easy.’
‘Ah.’ Understanding dawns. ‘Laurie’s dad?’
‘Yes, the utter bastard.’ She seems to wilt, shoulders sagging.
Under the glamour image she cultivates, Harley sees a young woman struggling with her current reality, who needs buoying up. ‘When’s he due to visit?’
‘I don’t know,’ she whispers, staring at her shoes, ‘he’s not returning my calls.’
‘I’m sorry, that must be tough.’ He puts a comforting arm around her. ‘Look,’ he says gruffly, ‘you should spend time with us. We’re a good bunch, and there’s plenty to keep you busy around here. Come to the next allotment session? It’d probably do you good, and I bet Laurie would love getting messy.’ He doesn’t know where all this comes from, but it feels good to include her. It might help.
She wrinkles her nose. ‘Gardening isn’t my type of thing.’
Remembering Albie’s latest noticeboard message –a smile costs nothing– he smiles down at her, trying to channel reassurance. ‘Sometimes change can be good.’ His existence has changed radically since leaving London, but he feels settled, even if the thought of a relationship plunges him into turmoil. ‘Smiling can too,’ he adds. ‘It’ll make you feel better. Did you know our bodies don’t know the difference between a real smile or a fake one? The same endorphins are released. If you fake a smile for long enough, it becomes real.’ Okay, he might have read a few articles from the gossip rag he snagged from Upston House.
Vanessa’s gaze moves up to his mouth. ‘Interesting.’
She leans closer and he shifts away, not wanting to give her the wrong idea. Even if he wanted her, which he doesn’t, she’s obviously vulnerable. He’s made that mistake before. Besides, if he’s going to kiss anyone, it would be?—
‘Oh. Sorry to disturb you.’ Sarcasm drips off Kirsten’s normally mild tone as she jerks to a stop just inside the gate. ‘It’s cake time.’
‘Okay.’ Harley drops his arm from around Vanessa.
There’s an awkward silence before the other woman regains her normal verve, tossing her hair over her shoulder. ‘Thanks, Harley. I’ll give your question some thought.’
Sauntering over to her son, she picks him up and walks away with him on her hip, high heels and all.
Once she’s left the walled garden, Kirsten bites her lip. ‘What does Vanessa need to think about?’
Sharing the contents of their conversation would be a breach of privacy. She confided in him, and he doesn’t want to betray that. ‘Nothing much. Let’s go and see birthday girl.’
Kirsten crosses her arms, making her wonderful cleavage even more tempting, and Harley’s so distracted he barely hears her next question.
‘You asked her out, didn’t you?’
‘Hmmm… erm, what? No.’
‘Well, that was convincing.’
‘I didn’t, but if I had,’ irritation colours his voice, ‘it’d be no business of yours.We’renot together, and hardly likely to be.’
She flinches, hurt flooding her expression. ‘I see.’
‘I doubt it.’ Dating a neighbour would end in disaster. More importantly, with her shining brightness, inherent kindness and loving nature, she deserves far better than him.
You’re wrong,the voice announces.
At the same time, Kirsten scoffs. ‘You think you’re irresistible because of that face?’ She points at his chiselled features and navy eyes. ‘It’s not just looks that make a man attractive. Personality and quality of character count for a lot. If a handsome guy behaves like an arsehole, I’m not interested. I’d rather be with someone who’s average-looking and intelligent, thoughtful, generous?—’
He snorts to cover up the gut-twisting idea of her with someone else. ‘That’s right, it’s all about money with you women?—’
‘Don’t give me that sexist crap, you don’t believe it. And, I was going to say generous in terms of giving their time to helps others. Anyway, the point is, I’m not like the women who’ve made you believe all you can offer is fame and money.’
His ex-wife, and the women he had affairs with. ‘Yes,’ he agrees, ‘you’re not them.’ It only makes her more attractive, which scares him shitless. He still asks, ‘So, whatdoyou want from a relationship?’
She goes quiet, temper draining away. ‘Someone who makes me feel special, and seen. A best friend who holds my hand, laughs through all the rubbish life throws at us and also wants to tumble me into bed.’
‘Well, I can’t give you that,’ he bites, ‘so I’m not what you’re looking for.’
