“Promise?” Rain asks.
“Promise. This is where I want to be, I’m just not ready for this life yet.”
“You’re ready, you just need to find a way to believe that you are,” Rain says, pulling me into another hug. His perceptiveness is incredible, but it does tend to hold up a mirror that I’m not always ready to look into.
“I’m going to get some help,” I vow. “Ineed to deal with” – I wave my hand around my head – “all of this, and then I’m coming back. I love it here, and this is where I want to be for the future, but if I go, I’m hoping Dominic at least won’t come back here.”
“Maybe he should come back here,” Aidan growls from the kitchen, and Rain and I eye each other before chuckling softly.
“I’m going to miss you,” Rain says.
“I’ll miss you too, but fuck, I’m only going to be in Coventry, and we’ll text all the time.”
“Lad’s night in Cov when you’re settled?”
I laugh at that, unsure how much of a night out there is to be had in Coventry, but even one good pub will be enough if we’re together. And if Emma’s there too? Jesus, the thought of Rain and Emma together is… something. I’m not sure I’d stand a chance.
“So when are you leaving?”
“I promised Nash I’d meet Nancy later on today, so maybe tomorrow?”
“Why don’t you get an open ticket for the train so you can leave whenever. At least you can just go from Norwich this time. It’s a lot closer, and we’ll give you a lift there, won’t we, babe?” Rain calls the last part of his statement toAidan.
He comes into the room carrying two cups of tea, and a packet of Jammie Dodgers – my favourite biscuits – and sets his treasure down on the coffee table before speaking.
“Of course we will, and there’s a room here for you whenever you want to come back, or just to visit. This is your home, Cor. I hope you know that.”
I stand, unceremoniously dumping Rain’s legs back on the sofa behind me, to which he winces a little, and wrap Aidan in a huge hug. Aidan and I haven’t spent a lot of time getting to know each other, but our respect for each other stems from our mutual love for Rain.
“Thank you for everything, Aidan,” I sniff wetly into his ear.
“Thank you too, mate. We’re here. Anytime. And don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on Nash for you.” He winks as he pulls away, then leaves the room again, ruffling Rain’s hair as he passes.
I go to say something about how Nash isn’t mine to worry about, but it’s pointless. I’ve obviously done a crap job at hiding my feelings for Nash, and if I’m honest with myself, I kind of like the idea that, however loosely, however far ahead in the future it might be, that Nash couldsomeday be mine.
An hour or two later, I’ve just purchased an open train ticket for New Year’s Day – tomorrow – and I’m making good progress with packing. My bed is covered in small piles of clothes, all folded neatly, ready to be placed into the suitcase Aidan nipped out to get for me. It has a Latham’s label on it, and I’m sorry I never got a chance to mooch around the local legendary store.
Apparently, Latham’s is a staple shop on the Norfolk Broads, where you can buy everything from food and drink to clothes, to fishing tackle, home decor, pet supplies… the list is endless. I love a bargain shop, and I make a mental note to pester Rain to take me there when I next visit.
I’ve been texting back and forth with John, trying to give him an idea of when I’ll be arriving tomorrow, but he reassured me it doesn’t matter. He lives close to the train station anyway, so I can walk to his house from there, and he said he’d be at home all day. He’s promised me some of his legendary chilli for dinner and a very large bottle of red wine.
I also texted with Emma, letting her know I was coming back. Her initial concern was quickly replaced by her inner gossipmonger.
Emma: I can’t wait to get all the tea. We’re going to have a tea party. A tea bonanza. Boston Harbour will have nothing on us!
I’d been careful not to mention anything about the psychotic, fugitive ex on the lam from the police, truly believing that was a story best kept for a face-to-face conversation. She and John both need to be aware of the risks if they’re going to be around me, even though there is no reason for Dominic to know I have any connection to them.
I just want them to have a choice, and if they decide I’m not worth the trouble, then I’ll hop another train to Inverness or something. I’ve always wanted to see the Highlands. Maybe Emma could even give me a recommendation of some sights to see.
My phone buzzes, and I open the text that just popped up, expecting it to be Emma with more tea-based humour, only to feel giddy with nerves when I see it’s from Nash.
Nash: Nancy’s here and settled in if the explosion of toys and chaos is anything to go by. Come and meet her? X
I can only imagine the anxious twitch of Nash’s left eye at the mess a child leaves in theirwake. Especially one who is as excited as Nancy no doubt is at finally finding her forever home. I have absolutely no worries, however, that he isn’t also loving every minute of it. Nancy was being dropped off by Nash’s social worker after saying goodbye to her foster parents at their home. Apparently, it makes the transition easier, and I can only imagine how true that must be. At least if the foster parents are as great as Nash told me Nancy’s were.
And hearing that Nancy has come in and immediately made herself at home must be such a relief for Nash. The social worker was staying to get her settled, but she must have gone now if Nash is inviting me back.
Suddenly, I can’t move fast enough, desperate to spend as much time in his company as I can before I have to leave. And even more desperate to meet the new girl in his life, the one who will make his oldest dream come true.
