‘Wow, what is this place?’ asked Sarah, as they emerged onto a large patch of grass surrounded by gorse and trees. A large stone monument dominated the top of the hill.
‘It’s the local nature reserve, local being the operative word. Most people who visit the town don’t know about this place despite its proximity to the town centre.’
‘Maybe they just don’t like hills?’
‘Could be. Come on, I want to show you something.’ They skirted the edge of the grassy field until Felix stopped at a gate that separated the nature reserve from a field. ‘Look at that,’ he said, pointing in the distance.
‘My God, you can see the whole town from up here.’
‘You said you wanted to see more of the town, so I thought this would be the best spot.’
‘It is, thank you,’ said Sarah, throwing Felix a smile of genuine warmth.
‘Want to see some more?’
‘Yes, please.’
Despite her newfound love of the forest, the uninterrupted views spreading out for miles were welcome. They walked through fields, down paths, up grassy embankments, gazing on neat rows of houses and open expanses of fields. Conversation flowed, the tension and misunderstandings that had plagued them unmentioned if not forgotten.
‘How are we doing for time?’ Sarah asked as they made their way back to the beacon monument.
Felix glanced at his watch and frowned. ‘We’d better get going.’
They walked back down the hill and into the town centre, reaching the restaurant with five minutes to spare.
‘Looks like we’re the first here,’ said Felix. ‘Where do you want to sit?’
‘It says there’s a courtyard. How about we sit outside? It’s warm enough?’
‘Good plan.’
They settled themselves at a table and ordered drinks. Hattie was the first to join them, followed by a beautiful willowy redhead.
‘Hi guys. Sarah, this is Millie.’
Millie held out her hand, and Sarah shook it. It was impossible to feel anything but comfortable under Millie’s warm gaze. ‘Lovely to meet you. Hattie tells me you’re a whizz in the kitchen.’
‘That’s kind of her.’
‘She’s giving me a run for my money,’ said Fran, joining them at the table and pulling up a chair.
With Fran beside her, Sarah’s shoulders relaxed. Felix had shown a different side to himself, but not enough for her to lay aside all her mistrust. As for Hattie, Sarah would try to keep an open mind.
‘Joy!’ Fran jumped out of her seat and rushed to a hunched old lady making her way through the courtyard with the help of a stick. The women embraced, Sarah experiencing a twinge of jealousy at the rapturous greeting. ‘Sarah, this is my friend Joy. Joy, this is Sarah.’
‘Pleased to meet you, dear,’ said Joy, holding out a wizened hand.
Sarah threw a questioning glance to Felix, and he mouthed back ‘Kate’s friend.’Great, so did that mean Kate would come too?Sarah shivered in annoyance. Felix forgot to mention this would be a large gathering. If she’d known, there was no way she would have agreed to come.
‘Good evening ladies and gents,’ said Bob, ducking beneath the door to the courtyard, Kate holding on to his hand. ‘Sorry we’re late, I had a few things to finish up at the office.’
‘Well, I’m sorry we’re eating so early,’ said Millie. ‘I got out of prepping for tonight’s dinner service, but they need me back by seven to oversee things.’
‘Can’t manage without you, can they?’ said Hattie, giving Millie’s hand a squeeze.
‘More like I’m a control freak.’ Millie laughed off the compliment and Sarah warmed to her even more.
Sarah turned her attention to Joy. ‘How do you and Fran know each other?’
