‘Yes. Why?’
‘You just sound pissed off. I thought after last night…’
Sarah flushed, not through embarrassment, but shame. How could she have been so stupid? She’d put her trust in a man who didn’t deserve it. Could she trust anyone? ‘I’m fine. See you later.’
Sarah walked back to the bar, explained to Hattie she’d have help soon, and carried two drinks back to the kitchen.
‘Goodness me, I needed this,’ said Fran, taking a sip of her wine and closing her eyes. The rain showers had passed, and they sat outside the kitchen enjoying the warmth of the sun. ‘You were such a help today. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done.’
‘There were lots of compliments about the food,’ said Sarah, trying to raise a smile.
‘Good, that’s what I like to hear. Now, I want to know all about you and Felix.’
‘There is no me and Felix.’
‘Oh? Trouble in paradise so soon?’
Sarah sighed. ‘Something happened last night, but it shouldn’t have. I got him wrong, so wrong.’
‘In what way?’
‘He’s a liar and a cheat.’
‘What makes you say that? Doesn’t sound like the Felix I know.’
Sarah considered telling Fran what she’d seen, but it only made her seem more of a fool for trusting him in the first place.
Chapter 30
Felix’stipilayindarkness. Sarah paused outside the door and listened, wondering if he’d opted for an early night. The only sound to reach her was the gentle rustle of leaves as a spring breeze teased them. Where could he be? It was unlikely he’d gone out with Hattie, as she seemed dead on her feet by the time the last guests left the event and all the clearing up was done. Checking no one was around, Sarah lifted a corner of the tipi door and peered inside. Empty.
Disheartened, Sarah trudged back to her own tipi and changed into pyjamas. She climbed into bed and picked up the book of poems Felix had loaned her. She remembered him slipping the bookmark from it.I love you. Why had he hidden it from her? Was it the mystery woman from earlier who gave it to him?
Sarah threw the book onto the ground and clenched her fists. He’d made a fool out of her. She banged her fists against her forehead. She knew she shouldn’t have been so trusting. It never ended well. Sarah’s phone rang, and she sighed as Cynthia’s name flashed up.
‘Hello?’
‘Hello, only me.’
‘Is everything OK?’
‘Yes, why wouldn’t it be?’
‘Because you haven’t called me the entire time you’ve been in Spain.’
‘I’ve been busy.’
Busy lounging by a pool. ‘Right. Were you just calling for a chat?’
‘No, I was calling to let you know I’ll be back in the country for a week.’
‘Why? Is Spain not working out as you’d hoped?’
‘God, no, I love it here. I need to come back to sign some paperwork for the house.’
‘I see.’
‘Yes, anyway, I’m bringing Marjorie with me. She heard you’re living in Cornwall these days and fancied a holiday.’
