‘Really?’ Her mum looked amazed.
‘Absolutely, it’s surprising what you can pick up on YouTube.’
It had taken her hours to do, even though it was a relatively small space between the worktop and shelves, but still, she’d done it all by herself and was pleased with the result.
Jasmine’s parents had arranged to visit and were most impressed with what they’d seen so far. Just having the tent gone made a difference, her dad had joked. Now, stood in the newly renovated kitchen they couldn’t believe their eyes. The transformation was astonishing.
‘Wait till you see the bathroom,’ she boasted.
As predicted, her parents were stunned.
‘And the next-door neighbour installed this too?’ asked her dad. He’d learnt from Sam how helpful the man in the next cottage had been.
‘He did,’ replied Jasmine. ‘I can’t thank Robin enough.’
‘Hmm.’ Her mum was pensive, thoroughly liking the sound of this Robin. By all accounts this young man had been a Godsend. Then, on cue, there was a knock at the back door. Jasmine went to answer it.
‘Oh hi, Robin, come in.’ She stood back to let him enter. Immediately her mum was hot footing it down the stairs at hearing his name. Slightly out of breath, she halted before joining them in the kitchen to listen.
‘Sorry, have you company? I noticed a car in the drive,’ Robin asked.
‘Yes, it’s fine, my mum and dad are here.’
‘Right, I was just wondering if you’d like to come to mine for dinner? Not tonight, obviously if you’re busy—’
‘Tomorrow then?’ cut in Jasmine.
‘Great, about seven? I’ll come for you.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yeah, I’m not working tomorrow, so I’ll have plenty of time to pick you up,’ Robin told her.
‘Shall I bring anything?’ Jasmine asked.
‘No, it’s OK.’
‘I’ll bring a bottle at least,’ grinned Jasmine.
Robin smiled, remembering that crate of wine she’d told him about.
‘Sounds good, see you tomorrow,’ he laughed and made his leave.
Interesting, thought Jasmine’s mum, who by now had decided to enter the kitchen.
‘Who was that, darling?’ she asked innocently. Jasmine smirked wryly to herself. As if her mum hadn’t listened to every word of the conversation.
‘Robin. I’m having dinner at his tomorrow evening,’ she explained unnecessarily.
‘He can cook as well, then?’ her dad said, joining them. Jasmine looked from one to the other. Clearly she was expected to divulge more on the Robin front.
‘He’s just being neighbourly, that’s all,’ she stated.
‘Of course,’ agreed her mum with a big smile, delighted that her daughter had met such a nice chap. Even her dad had a look of smugness about him.
‘We’re just friends,’ Jasmine persisted.
‘Good, good.’ Her dad nodded. ‘Now then, how about putting the kettle on in that new kitchen of yours?’
