Despite his Jack-the-lad reputation, deep down he cared a great deal, especially for his best friend. He had seen first-hand just what Robin had been subjected to, and even though it had been a few years ago, the scar that his ex-girlfriend inflicted had only just healed. Robin had turned down many an attempt on Jack’s behalf to get him back on the dating scene.
‘Come on, Rob, it’ll be fun,’ he’d tried to coax him, whether it be blind dates, double dates, or even a dating app. But his attempts had always been met with the same response.
‘I just don’t feel like it, mate, but thanks.’
Jack had started to worry about him. It pained him to see his friend so impassive, sodefeatist.Gone were the carefree days they had enjoyed in their teens and twenties together. Robin had morphed into a solemn, quiet figure, eager to work, but not to play. He knew Robin’s parents had been worried too, seeing their son so devoid of his usual free spirit.
Jack’s resentment towards Robin’s ex-girlfriend had grown to hate. He haddespisedwhat Ellie had done to his friend, not only cheating on him, but ripping him off as well. Jack knew just how much time, energy and money he’d poured into renovating that barn. He also knew how much Ellie had brazenly taken from Robin. She’d robbed him of his pride, money, but more importantly, his trust – big time. Little wonder Robin had been so reluctant to meet someone else. How could he put his faith in another relationship?
Yet now, maybe Robin had met someone. It certainly appeared that way to Jack, and whilst he was pleased for his mate, he was also damn curious as to just who had finally caught Robin’s eye.
Jack decided he’d call round at the cottage and take Robin unawares. Well, it was his cottage too, wasn’t it? He did have a right to be there, it had been bought as a joint business venture. Besides, he needed to take the fireplace surround he’d got from the reclamation yard.
All was quiet when he reached the cottage. Whilst there was no sign of Robin, it was clear how busy he’d been. The skylight window was neatly inserted in the roof and when Jack entered the cottage, he could see how Robin had reconfigured the stairs in the hall, with extra wooden steps installed to lead up to the attic.
‘Good job, Rob,’ Jack muttered to himself, admiring the workmanship. He shared Robin’s vision for the place. Once they had completed the renovation, it would be worth a small fortune. The profit they’d make would be handsome indeed, especially as Robin had actually got the property for ten grand less than the asking price. Just how had he managed that? Bunty really must have a soft spot for him, he thought with a grin.
Hearing voices coming from elsewhere, he made his way back outside to the garden, but stopped in the kitchen. Looking through the window, he saw Robin and another bloke – who he assumed was the next-door neighbour’s brother – slowly carry an old bath down the garden, before manoeuvring it into the skip. They were followed by the lady herself, who was laden with what looked like an old shower, towel rail and toilet seat. She too threw the lot into the skip.Theirskip, thought Jack. So, they were paying to get rid of her rubbish too? Jack watched the three of them. They seemed to be easy with each other, chatting and laughing. Then he homed in on Jasmine. It was easy to see what he supposed Robin was drawn to. He took in her petite figure and blonde hair; her arms, poking out of rolled up overall sleeves, looked smooth and tanned, her nails polished a bright pink. Her face looked to have freckles… then she turned just as Jack was assessing her. She froze with a startled expression. Quickly Jack went outside to join them all.
‘Hi,’ he breezed, approaching them.
Robin introduced him. ‘Meet Jack, my mate and business partner.’
Sam nodded. ‘Hi, Jack.’
Jasmine, still looking a tad uncomfortable at being stared at, managed a tight smile but didn’t say a word.
‘I’ve fetched the fireplace surround,’ said Jack turning to Robin.
‘OK, thanks,’ he replied, but didn’t offer to do anything with it. Right now, he was up to his eyes clearing away Jasmine’s old bathroom, then he was going to start on the plumbing and get her new toilet and sink put in. There was an awkward silence.
‘I still need to get hold of a cast iron bath. There wasn’t one at the reclamation yard. I’ll try going further afield, see what I can find,’ Jack continued.
‘Great, thanks,’ Robin answered. Still he wasn’t elaborating, anxious to get on with his work for Jasmine.
‘Right, I’ll get going.’ Jack knew where he wasn’t wanted. It was pretty obvious the three of them just wanted to press on. He turned to go, then stopped. ‘Oh, good work on the stairs Rob.’
‘Cheers, mate.’ Robin smiled. ‘I’ll call you later, yeah?’
‘Yeah, no worries, bye.’ He waved towards Sam and Jasmine.
‘Bye Jack,’ Sam said. Jasmine gave another rigid smile.
Robin frowned, noticing Jasmine’s reluctance to speak. Although it puzzled him slightly, he couldn’t help but feel somewhat pleased. If Jack had come here today expecting to smoothly introduce himself, it hadn’t gone to plan. It was clear Jasmine hadn’t been too at ease in his presence.
By the end of a very long and laborious day, Robin had successfully fitted Jasmine’s bathroom, not only putting in the new sink and toilet, but bath too. The shower would have to wait. Sam had been a big help, fetching, carrying and holding things in place. The two had worked well together, whilst Jasmine had kept them fully refreshed with endless cups of tea and sandwiches the size of paving slabs.
‘Blimey, they’ll keep us going,’ joked Robin, as the three of them sat in the sunshine on camp chairs. They’d been enjoying a well-earned lunch break.
‘A token of my appreciation,’ replied Jasmine, ever mindful of Robin’s generosity. Although she would obviously be paying for his assistance, the fact he’d treated her cottage as a priority was something she’d be ever grateful for.
‘Yes, thanks, Robin,’ Sam chipped in. He was warming to Robin, too; he really did seem a decent chap. So much so, Sam was beginning to wonder how much he was needed now. Fitting the kitchen was going to be more straightforward than the bathroom, there’d be no lugging up and down the stairs for a start. When Sam had tentatively voiced his thoughts, he’d been a touch surprised at Jasmine’s reaction. He had wondered if she’d be hesitant about him going. But no, she had simply shrugged.
‘We could probably manage,’ she said.
Hmm, that told me then, chuckled Sam inwardly. He looked again at his sister and a wash of relief came over him. Yes, she was definitely growing back into her old self again. Maybe Samphire Bay was just the tonic Jasmine needed.
Chapter 9
