As they close their eyes and start kissing, the wallpaper flickers through various shades between mid and dark grey. After a moment of indecision, it settles back on the original tone, seeming pleased.
CHAPTER 36
Gilly
Support People to Pursue their Dreams
‘Should I make a joke about not having a home to go to?’ Harriet asked, leaning against the doorframe.
‘Hmm?’ Gilly glanced up from the finance report she’d been immersed in, taken aback by the sight of her exec assistant in a tight red dress, matching lipstick and heels, dark hair glossy and swinging around her face. ‘And, wow.’
‘Thanks,’ Harriet preened, smoothing a hand over her hip and looking pleased. ‘But don’t change the subject. It’s seven o’clock on a Friday night,andnow the summer holidays. Are you leaving any time soon?’
‘Just making use of the peace and quiet to do the boring stuff,’ Gilly countered. The truth was, she was avoiding Ariel, who was home for tomorrow’s event, which the association had organised with only a hectic two weeks’ notice. She just hoped people would come, given these types of things usually took months to plan. They didn’t have the luxury of time though, with the developers putting on the pressure and newly sourcedthatchers and builders arriving to restart the cottage repairs, which they needed the funds to pay for. ‘Um, anyway, why are you still here, especially dressed like that?’
‘Wanted to finish off a few bits before going on holiday. Plus, I have a date at half seven in Fordingbridge, so it made more sense to get ready here than go all the way home to then go back on myself.’
‘A date?’ Gilly pushed back from her paper-strewn desk. ‘Sounds exciting.’
‘It is. For which I should say thank you.’
‘For what?’
‘When I had my hair done and wore that cobalt dress, and you complimented me so nicely, I was so confident and upbeat I worked up the courage to chat to my neighbour. I’ve had a crush on him for ages. Tonight’s our fourth official date and things are goingsooowell.’
‘Aw, that’s great.’ She felt a swell of pride the advice she’d followed about giving compliments had contributed to Harriet’s happiness. She just hoped she didn’t get hurt.Support people to pursue their dreams,Gilly reminded herself of that morning’s rule, posted in the manor entrance hall. ‘So, are you madly in love?’
‘Not yet, but heisamazing. We have the best time together, and he properly listens. Really gets me, you know? We laugh a lot. That’s important, right?’
‘Right,’ she agreed, with a pang of jealousy. ‘That’s lovely. If I can give you some advice: if you do fall in love, just remember to prioritise your own needs alongside his.’ Before she could examinethatstatement, which had fallen out of her mouth unthinkingly, she stood, ushering Harriet into the outer office. ‘Better not keep him waiting.’
‘Oh, he’ll wait.’ She stopped in her tracks, studying her boss’s expression. ‘Are you okay?’
‘Fine.’
‘Stressed about the community day tomorrow? I know how hard you’ve worked, from everything you’ve told me. I’m looking forward to coming along.’
‘Yes. I want it to be a success. Before school broke up, lots of parents were interested in the posters, so hopefully there’ll be a high turnout. We’ll see.’
‘If I can, I’ll bring Taylor. I’ve also mentioned it to loads of friends and family.’
‘Thank you, appreciated. If I don’t manage to catch up with you there because of all the running around I’ll be doing, enjoy your holiday and I’ll see you in a few weeks’ time. Oh, and enjoy your date.’
‘Thanks, I will,’ Harriet sang, grabbing her handbag and car keys from her desk. Clipping towards the door on her heels, she called over her shoulder, ‘Night.’
‘Goodnight.’ The outer door swung shut, leaving her alone, Harriet’s remarks echoing as she walked back into her office.
We have the best time together…
He properly listens. Really gets me…
We laugh a lot… That’s important.
And her reply,just remember to prioritise your own needs alongside his.
Recalling her conversation with Kirsten about reasons for wanting children, and how love and relationships required effort but shouldn’t feel like work, she closed her eyes. Took a moment to fix her heart and mind on what her own dreams were and where they might take her, if she only had herself to consider.
When her eyelids fluttered open, her eyes were tear-filled, but she was resolute. Going back to her desk, she closed her laptop and shoved it into her bag, before locking the office. She knew what she must do, she just hated it. But it was time tostop hiding from the truth. Sometimes, pain was necessary for healing to begin.
