‘Hello, stranger!’ he exclaimed.
Adira was touched at their response.
‘Hello, how are you both?’ she smiled as Lilly ushered her in.
‘All the better for seeing you, dear.’ Lilly gave her a hug.
‘Aw, thanks Lilly. It’s good to be back.’
‘But why so soon?’ asked Fletcher. He suddenly frowned. ‘There’s now’t up, is there?’
‘No.Well, not for me anyway. Cassie asked me to return to help out at the Inn. The massage therapist’s broken her arm.’
‘Oh dear. Still, good to see you, lass.’ Fletcher thumped her hard on the back.
‘Am I OK to park in your field, Fletcher? I notice the gate’s now fixed.’
‘Of course!’ he bellowed. ‘I’ll have Colin open it for you. Come through, I’ll make you a coffee.’
Lilly gave her a surreptitious grin. ‘He can actually work the machine now,’ she whispered, making Adira giggle.
Chapter 36
The atmosphere in the office hung like a dark, thunderous cloud. To Zara’s relief, Jasper was hardly at his desk, he’d been so busy seeing clients and attending meetings. For the first time ever, she was glad of an empty office. After her mortifying dinner, she had returned home, subdued and shaken. Zara had lied to her father, saying Jasper had suddenly been taken ill and so had arranged a taxi to take her back early. Over the next few days, she had kept a low profile by slipping into the office quietly and going straight to her desk. Her head was constantly down, supposedly deep in concentration most of the time. She never went to the water machine in the corridor, or socialised with anyone, or even made coffee for herself or Jasper on the odd occasion he was there. He in turn had avoided any contact with her. He no longer copied her into his emails, and in fact she wasn’t included in any of his business now. Zara was well and truly surplus to requirements. It was pointless her being there, as his PA anyway. Part of her contemplated talking to her father to tell him she wanted another position, but she was frightened how that may pan out. Suppose Jasper did as he had threatened and told him everything? She was stuck.
Meanwhile, Jasper was manically trying his best to wrap everything up. Of course, it was even harder not having a reliable PA to call on, but he was damned if he was ever going to rely on Zara again. So far, he had managed, and it was only another two weeks to go before he could wave goodbye to the whole lot – Dubai, the company, the clients and Zara.
It couldn’t come quick enough. Not having heard from Adira did nothing for his mood either. Surely, she must have thought about him at some point in the past fortnight?You contact her, a niggling voice told him, but his pride was hurt. Hehadtexted her, but she hadn’t returned a message.
Deciding it was all a bit tedious, he took the bull by the horns one evening and rang The Laurels. Maybe Adira had contacted Fletcher, or even Cassie, and they knew of her whereabouts. It didn’t take long for the phone to be answered.
‘Hello.’ It was Fletcher. Jasper immediately relaxed at hearing his uncle’s voice.
‘Hi, Fletcher.’
‘Jasper! Good to hear you. How’s it all going?’
‘OK. Just tying up a few loose ends, then I’ll be home.’ How good it was to say that.
‘Excellent. Can’t wait to see you.’ Jasper felt a lump in his throat. He swallowed it.
‘Has… has a parcel arrived in the post, addressed for Adira?’
‘A parcel? For Adira? No, why?’ asked Fletcher, surprised.
‘I sent her something.’
‘Oh, well no, nothing’s come.’ A short silence followed. Fletcher sensed a degree of awkwardness. ‘She’s back here in Lilacwell you know.’
‘Is she?’ Jasper didn’t know what to think. If she wasn’t occupied travelling, why hadn’t she contacted him?
‘Have you two not spoken?’ Fletcher bluntly asked.
‘I texted her when I arrived in Dubai, but heard nothing back.’
‘So you just left it at that then?’ Good God, what was wrong with the man? Fletcher rolled his eyes.
Another short silence followed.
