With a heavy heart, he booked his flight.
That evening over dinner, Jasper broke the news to Fletcher. At first, his uncle’s face had dropped with disappointment, but as he quickly outlined his full plans, Fletcher had nodded sagely, understanding the circumstances. It was only for a month, then his nephew would be back for good.
The relief Fletcher felt was immense. Finally, it was time to hand it all over, and with a clear conscience. He’d held it together for as long as possible, he was eighty-five after all.
‘Will you miss Dubai?’ Fletcher asked quietly, assessing Jasper from the rim of his whisky tumbler.
‘No,’ came the firm reply. ‘I’ve enjoyed my time out there, but it’s time to come home.’ He looked levelly at his uncle. ‘I want to be here.’
‘Good, good.’ He threw back his whisky. ‘When do you fly back?’
‘In two days’ time. Don’t worry, I’ll brief Colin before I go. Everything’s in safe hands.’
‘I don’t doubt it.’ Fletcher paused. ‘Have you told Adira yet?’
‘No.’
Fletcher stared him in the eye, somewhat accusingly, thought Jasper.
‘I’ll tell her tomorrow,’ he added lamely.
Fletcher raised an eyebrow. ‘I suggest you tell her tonight,’ he replied in an even tone, which Jasper had never heard before.
He coughed and shifted uncomfortably.
‘Perhaps you’re right,’ he finally replied.
Chapter 23
Adira had finished a full afternoon at The Bath House and enjoyed an evening meal at the Inn before coming back to the camper van. She was relaxing with a cup of tea when she saw Jasper through the window, heading towards the van. Her heart instantly skipped a beat.
‘Hi,’ she smiled, opening the door. Was it her imagination or did Jasper look rather serious?
‘I need to talk to you,’ he replied, his eyes looking intense, making her stomach contract. What was the matter?
He came inside the van and sat down, and she followed, sitting opposite him.
Running his hand through his hair he turned to face her. ‘I’m going back to Dubai in two days’ time.’
Adira felt like she’d been slapped in the face. She blinked and stared at him, speechless.
He carried on. ‘It’s just for a month. I’m going to hand in my resignation, but I’ll have to work a month’s notice.’ His eyes searched her face, willing her to understand. Still she said nothing. ‘I… Something’s come up and I need to sort it out… but it’s made me realise what I want. Where my future lies,’ he finished, wishing she’d at least say something.
After the initial shock, Adira’s face remained calm.
‘I see,’ she croaked, a huge lump was forming in her throat. Quickly she swallowed, anxious to retain composure.Don’t lose it, she told herself,you always knew he was going back.
And what about your plans?a voice inside asked.
What had happened to that wanderlust spirit that had empowered her? Suddenly it all seemed futile now. In that instant, she realised just what Lilacwell and Jasper had come to mean to her. Lilacwell had worked its magic on her, she’d fallen under its spell and, if she was honest with herself, she had fallen for Jasper too. It was all well and good pretending to carry on, business as usual, with future travels on the horizon; but it wasn’t as simple as that now. She’d discovered Lilacwell. She’d met Jasper. And she couldn’t put them behind her to wander off to another destination. In a nutshell, she’d found what she wanted.
A sad, empty feeling took over. Blinking back the tears that threatened to fall, she got up. ‘Would you like a drink?’
She couldn’t look at him. She stood at the stove with her back to him.
‘No, thanks.’ There was a pause. ‘Listen Adira, I…’ Then he broke off as he saw her wipe her face. Was she crying? He shot up and moved to stand behind her. ‘Adira,’ his voice was thick with emotion as he reached out and folded his arms around her. He kissed her neck, then ran his lips lightly up to kiss her tear-stained cheek. ‘It’s only for a month,’ he whispered. The depth of his feelings amazed him. Never had he felt this way before, especially in such a short space of time. Intuition told him that Adira felt exactly the same.
‘I know… sorry,’ she eventually managed to stammer. ‘We both knew each of us would be leaving at some point.’
