Jasper stilled. What did she mean? Was she about to go off travelling now? Would she be here for him when he got back? He took a deep breath, not able to bear the thought of her camper van driving off into the sunset forever.
Say something, man!he heard Fletcher’s voice inside his head. But he couldn’t. He’d already reasoned with himself it was unfair to do so. Adira was her own woman, with her own choices to make. He’d made it clear where he would be in a month’s time.
But where wouldshebe?he dully asked himself.
The next morning, Adira woke with a thumping headache. Hardly surprising, given the fact she’d spent most of the night twisting and turning, her mind in complete turmoil. Half of her – the sensible, logical side – told her that Jasper’s going was inevitable, while the other half – her heart and emotions – screamed ‘no!’. But what could she do? She had no say. Jasper had a job in Dubai and work his notice he must – thousands of miles away.
Staring up at the camper van ceiling, she contemplated the timing. Technically, she was ready to go too. The fuel pump had been replaced so the camper van was ready now. Cassie had the other masseuse set up at the Inn to continue treatments. Practically, she had no excuses to stay. Was this a sign? Had both their departures meant to be in unison?
With deep reluctance, she pulled the covers back. She was due at The Laurels today. Adira bleakly realised that her work there was almost complete, another sign to move on. She only had three more bedrooms to clean – one of them being Jasper’s. Her chin wobbled thinking about his empty bed, all his possessions packed up, winging their way back to his apartment in Dubai.
Get a grip, she reprimanded herself,stop behaving like a big baby. A touch of embarrassment entered her at the memory of last night. Why did she have to cry in front of him? What must he have thought?
Sighing, she tried to motivate herself. She got up, got dressed and skipped breakfast. Her appetite had vanished, to be replaced with a heavy, sickly sensation.
Adira was greeted by Lilly in the kitchen at The Laurels.
‘Hello, dear,’ the housekeeper chirped, pouring herself a cup of tea. Adira noticed how her hands seemed more supple these days. Where once they appeared twisted and gnarled, making Lilly wince in pain, now they seemed a touch looser and Lilly’s face didn’t indicate any discomfort. Her recommendation of turmeric must be helping. Then she thought of Ruby and how much better she’d appeared after her head massage, and Adira wondered how Lisa was doing after her advice. A wave of gloom over came her. How attached she had grown to Lilacwell and its idiosyncratic, loveable residents. As if on cue, in walked Fletcher.
‘Morning, Adira.’ He eyed her carefully.
She knew he was assessing her. Resolute to put on a brave front, she replied cheerily, ‘Morning, Fletcher. I’m going to do the rest of the bedrooms today.’
‘Righto.’
‘Then, I’ve finished. Job done,’ she said with finality, making Fletcher sharply turn his head towards her.
‘You mean, that’s it? You’re—’
‘Moving on,’ she interrupted with a forced smile that was in danger of cracking any second.
‘Oh,’ came the flat reply.
‘But—’ Lilly attempted to intervene.
‘No really, it’s time to go,’ Adira turned to Lilly, her crestfallen face nearly killing her. She swallowed. ‘Poor Sheila’s been parked up long enough.’ The attempt at humour fell flat. A leaden silence hung in the air like a thundercloud.
Fletcher opened his mouth, then shut it tight, fighting the urge to say something. He was literally biting his tongue. This was bloody madness – a feeling of déjà vu crawled into him, taunting his senses.
‘Right,’ said Adira with a strained bravado which didn’t meet her eyes, ‘I’ll make a start.’
Fletcher and Lilly exchanged glances, but neither spoke.
Adira collected her cleaning tray and went through the hall, passing the library on the way. She glimpsed Jasper’s profile, working at his desk by the window. He hadn’t noticed her, so she quickly continued up the stairs.
She vacuumed and dusted the bedroom next to Fletcher’s, which contained only a single bed and wardrobe, so didn’t take long. Then she came to the bedroom opposite on the landing. Turning the handle, the door wouldn’t move. Adira tried again, ever so slightly forcing her weight against it. But still it wouldn’t budge. She frowned. It must be locked. Only having Jasper’s bedroom to clean, which she wasn’t going to do till he’d left, she went back downstairs. Fletcher and Lilly were in the drawing room with their mid-morning tea and she saw that the library was now empty. Deciding to have a drink herself, she went into the kitchen. Jasper was standing by the coffee machine staring out of the window. From the set of his shoulders, Adira thought he looked tense. She longed to put her arms round him.
He turned at seeing her. ‘Hey,’ he smiled, but couldn’t quite meet her eye. He didn’t trust himself to speak. For the first time ever, he was torn between work and pleasure. He had work commitments to fulfil and had to go to Dubai, but that was the last thing he wanted to do. His mind wasn’t on the job. He longed to stay here, at home, with Adira. Never before had he allowed his personal life to interfere with his professional life. But inside now he was breaking. Ridiculous, he told himself.
Adira sensed the awkwardness, finding it strange seeing the usual quietly confident Jasper ill at ease.
‘All packed?’ she said lightly, trying to fill the stillness. Then immediately cursed herself at seeing the anguish shoot across his face. It must be hard leaving Fletcher, even if it was temporarily. His uncle wasn’t getting any younger after all; time was precious. Mortified, she could feel her eyes swilling with tears again.
‘Come here,’ Jasper said gruffly, holding out his arms.
Without hesitation, she went straight into them. She buried her head in his shoulder and breathed in that manly, citrussy scent.
For a split second, Jasper considered asking her to go with him, but then instantly dismissed it. Dubai wasbusiness, he had things to do there, not spend time in the sun with Adira. He sighed heavily. Adira looked up at him.
