55
Daniel was shattered, but happy. All the team had done a tremendous job and Keeper’s Cottage was almost complete. The rooms were bare, empty blank canvases for him to make his mark on. The kitchen and the main bathroom were fully fitted and tiled. The interior design needed concentrating on: choosing colour schemes, light fittings, blinds and rugs. Daniel didn’t want carpets; instead he would varnish the wooden floorboards for a real country feel.
Before he went ahead and ordered all his soft furnishings, Daniel wanted a second opinion. He thought about bringing Christie here and discussing what he had in mind. She had already liked his choice of kitchen with its thick oak units, brass handles and granite worktops, its butler sink and big silver taps. Christie had also loved the roll-top bath and green Victorian tiles in the bathroom. It pleased him that they shared similar tastes.
The only hesitation he did have in bringing her here, to show off his new home, was her sudden predicament. That swine of a husband had well and truly landed her in it. Then, on reflection, he did see his point of view as a father, and wanting to provide for his family. Even so, it was leaving Christie in deep water. The Templar was her life, her ultimate ambition, and he couldn’t bear to see her leave Treweham. The very thought dampened his good mood slightly.
Forcing himself to stay positive, he went upstairs and into the master bedroom. It was a large room with a big sash window overlooking the back garden. His outbuilding, which would soon be his studio, was fully visible now. He couldn’t wait to get cracking on that and finally have an ideal workspace. He intended to install bi-folding doors to maximise the light and create a sense of space. He was also going to install a wood burner to keep it warm and dry.
Daniel envisaged meeting clients in his studio and was keen to set a professional impression. He was looking forward to really building up his clientele, and working closely with Tobias as he had had opened up more business opportunities. Tobias had been impressed with Daniel’s work and having his recommendation wouldn’t do him any harm.
His next project was transforming an old warehouse into a block of swish apartments. Originally, he had considered actually buying one of the apartments himself. At the time the idea seemed to have ticked a lot of boxes: good location, near his house where Jenna and Emily lived and low maintenance. How things had changed. Just then, as if on cue, his mobile phone rang.
‘Hello.’
‘Hello, Mr James, it’s Hepworth and Hayes estate agents here. I’m ringing to let you know that we have a viewer for your house.’
‘Oh, right.’
‘He seems quite keen and has asked if he can see it today.’
‘I can’t make today.’
‘How about tomorrow?’ Daniel paused. He could make the trip back and show some stranger round his old house, but did he want to? Somehow the thought of wandering through the home that he, Emily and Jenna had once been happy in didn’t appeal to him. It was like dragging himself back into the past and reopening old wounds. He suddenly realised that it would never, in fact, be a good time to step foot inside that house again.
‘Actually, it might be better if you could show him round. I’m a bit tied up here.’
‘Yes, that’s no problem. Like I said Mr…’ She looked at her notes. ‘Jones is keen, so we’ll probably arrange a viewing later today.’ The name rang like a death knell inside Daniel.
‘What’s his first name?’ he asked flatly.
‘Err… Michael. Is there a problem?’ If she’d answered John or JonJo, there most definitely would have been, but maybe he was being a touch paranoid. And anyway, he very much doubted that tosser could afford a four-bedroom detached house with an acre of garden. Not unless he’d won the lottery – and had all charges dropped. ‘Mr James? Are you still there?’ The estate agent sounded puzzled.
‘Yes, sorry, that’s fine. Show Mr Jones round.’
‘I’ll let you know straight away if he makes an offer.’
‘Good. Thanks. Bye.’ He hung up. He’d gone from feeling euphoric to dejected. Would it always be like this? Would the past constantly taunt and take over him? He had contemplated further counselling sessions, but then dismissed the idea, thinking he was on the mend. Being so busy with Keeper’s Cottage, looking after Emily and seeing Christie had kept him cheerfully occupied. Then, just when he was buoyant, back came the dark, depressing mood that threatened to swamp him. It was early days, he told himself, just like his parents had said. He and Emily had been through a lot and it was going to take time. On impulse he pressed Christie’s number. He had a need to hear her voice. She’d told him about her appointment and he’d been thinking of her.
*
‘Hi,’ she called through the loudspeaker. She was driving home from the bank.
‘Hi, how did it go?’ he asked tentatively.
‘No go, I’m afraid.’ She sounded tired and fed up. ‘The bank manager was nice enough, but wouldn’t lend me any more. I’m not surprised to be honest,’ she admitted in defeat. Neither was Daniel, but he didn’t like to say.
‘Listen, when you get back I’ll take you out for dinner,’ he said attempting to cheer her up.
‘Thanks, but I’m not that hungry.’
‘Oh, I see.’
‘Where are you?’
‘At Keeper’s Cottage. It’s almost finished.’ He couldn’t disguise the glee in his voice.
‘I’ll meet you there. I’d love to see it.’
