Taking a deep breath, kept gaze on sanding block and pushed it back and forth. ‘I grew up in Birmingham, had a great group of friends, and an extended family. I was happy.’ Sighed, voice thick. ‘I worked long hours, so it wasn’t easy to meet people, but I liked having boyfriends. Enjoyed being part of a couple, with a best friend you also want to get naked with…’ Quaked at idea of doing that with my scars. ‘I started chatting to this guy through a dating app, and we went on a few dates. At first, he was nice, normal. Tall, dark, and handsome. Well-educated, a good job in finance, and flashy car. We got on, but there was no chemistry. On my part anyway.’ Shiver ran up spine ashisface flashed in mind. ‘He was too polished, and sometimes a bit intense. After our third date, I called and thanked him, but explained we’d be better as friends. I was trying to do the civil, grown-up thing.’
‘You did.’ Kirsten’s eyebrows drew together.
‘Well, maybe I should have ghosted him. He started stalking me, although I didn’t realise that. I thought I caught glimpses of him occasionally but dismissed it. He sent flowers to the office, and messaged me every few days, but it was chatty innocuousstuff. He didn’t seem creepy. Until he confronted me one night.’ Gulped hard, full of bitter regret, forcing sanding block harder against wood, gaining momentum. ‘I didn’t see the knifeuntil it was too late.’
Kirsten’s hand flew to her mouth. ‘Oh, shit.’
Squeezed eyes shut, then opened again. ‘If only I’d realised how obsessive he’d become, but I was too busy living my life. He came into a bar close to work while I was drunk and having fun with friends. It was dim and there was music blasting from overhead speakers. I can’t hear that song now without feeling sick. He demanded to know why I hadn’t responded to his last messages, questioned who the guy was I’d had lunch with. A colleague, as it happens. Then he grabbed my elbow. He was so furious.’ Sucked in shallow breath through ragged drum of my heart, ribs tightening. Dropped sanding paper and hunched forward, wrapping arms around knees. ‘He tried to drag me outside. I was fighting him, stumbling in my high heels, telling him he was hurting me, because his fingertips were digging into my skin. I had bruises for a week.’
Kirsten crawled closer and placed a soft hand on my arm, soothing echo of my pain. Made me strong enough to carry on. Wrapped my fingers over hers. Mine, frigid. Hers, warm.
‘Amber reared back in alarm, Molly tried flagging a member of staff, and Sabina froze. I know she still feels guilty, even though I’ve said it wasn’t her fault. She was in shock. I was scared, but angry too.Who does he think he is?I thought.I don’t owe him anything, we only had three dates.And then those words were spilling out, and his expression turned ugly. He started shouting about my tight dress, demanding to know why I wanted other men to look at me, when I was his.’
Kirsten swallowed hard, but didn’t interrupt.
‘The bar manager came over to defuse things but made it worse, becausehedidn’t like the interference.This is betweenme and my girlfriend, it’s none of your concern,he snarled. And that’s when I made my mistake.’ By now, cheeks damp with silent tears. ‘I yelledI’m not your fucking girlfriend. What the hell are you doing? That tipped him over the edge. My therapist said I can’t blame myself, but I still wonder… He backhanded me across the cheek, and I heard people gasp. It’s a blur after that.’ Shuddered, hand tightening on Kirsten’s, more tears brimming over. ‘There was shouting, feet stomping, a waft of aftershave, and we were jostled together. His eyes were glassy, he stank of alcohol and there was a glint of metal. Then a punching sensation. More shouts and a bunch of men wrestled him to the ground. I collapsed, banging my head on the corner of a table on the way down. My friends called the ambulance and held napkins against my stomach while we waited.’
‘Oh, Tori. No.’ Kirsten’s complexion was chalk-white, expression horrified.
I didn’t want to say the rest out loud. Too brutal. Too much pain. Bit my lip. ‘That’s all I remember, except for the blood and his face pressed against the floor, pinned by two guys until the police arrived. I couldn’t hear because of the commotion, but read his lips.I’ll come for you. If I can’t have you, no one will.Then I passed out.’
Didn’t tell Kirsten his parting promise followed me down into the dark. Knew he was right. No matter what happened, he’d continue to haunt me.
We crouched in silence while she digested sorry tale. After long moments, she puffed out a breath. ‘I don’t know what to say. I’ve never heard anything so awful. No wonder you’re so wary of groups.’ Scooting closer, she hugged me. ‘I’m so sorry that happened to you. I can see how hard it was to share. He was obviously unwell.’ She paused. ‘I won’t breathe a word to anyone, unless you want me to. But the thing is, youdidsurvive, no matter what he said. Also, I know you’re traumatised andcan see why you wanted to keep your distance, but one day the manor will feel like home, and this cottage will be finished, and you’ll be able to look at it with pride, and say,I did this.He can’t take that away.’
‘I know.’ Was grateful for the understanding and compassion. Tears quietened, chest looser.
‘And I know you’ll be okay.’ Dropped her arm, and sank back on haunches.
‘How?’ Wiped face with sleeve, took a deep breath.
She pursed her lips. ‘Because this place, and the community we’re creating is special. We’re stronger together and have each other’s backs. Part of Albie’s kindness tribe.’
‘Yes.’ Thought of association meeting and everything accomplished so far. ‘We are.’ Drew in another deep breath, feeling better. ‘Thanks for your help with Ethan. For being there and calming me down. It means a lot. Knowing there’s someone on my side, who understands.’
‘Aww, no problem. See, knew you had it in you.’
‘What?’
‘The ability to accept kindness from others gracefully. Sort of.’ Chuckling, she gave me the side-eye, lifting mood. ‘Now, tidy that stuff away, neither of us is fit to be working on our cottages today.’ Clambering to feet, she grabbed my hand, pulling me upright. ‘I can hear black coffee calling our names.Kirstennnn. Toriiii. I should probably save Harley from my daughter too.’
I laughed, relieved to let the darkness be swept away. ‘You go ahead, I’ll see you up there.’
Locking front door as Kirsten hurried back to manor, I glanced up and froze. Pale pink roses on front of cottage opening in full bloom, petals swirling with different colours until they landed on acid yellow, hot pink, neon green and indigo blue combination. Rainbow roses, usually made by injectingdye. Stumbled back. Obviously still drunk. Or perhaps Little Beaubrook more special than even Kirsten believes?
CHAPTER 23
Harley
Show Genuine Gratitude
Harley answers the door to Kirsten, warmth flooding him as he’s reminded how happy and sexy she looked jiving with Clover. Thinking of how she took care of an obviously distressed Tori, despite being tipsy herself, so lovely and generous. He has no business dragging her down.
‘Got something belonging to me?’ She peers around him. ‘Albie passed on your message.’
‘Yeah, she was tired and hungry, and it was getting noisy. I felt like she needed a break.’ Ushering her in, he closes the door, aware he’s flustered, like a schoolboy on a first date. It’s ridiculous, but at the same time, exciting. Even though nothing can happen between them. Nothing.
‘Harley?’ Kirsten waves a hand in his face.
