Robin almost laughed out loud with the irony of it all. Sitting down, he gently consoled her.
‘Listen, Jasmine, you acted with the best of intentions and meant well.’ He paused, but deciding to continue, added in a hushed voice, ‘I wouldn’t feel guilty anyway… because…’
Jasmine’s head shot up.
‘Because what?’ she said.
‘Because Bunty’s done exactly the same with you – us – actually.’
‘What do you mean?’ Jasmine blinked, trying to clear her blurry mind.
‘Bunty set us up. She deliberately sold one cottage to each of us, with the plan of us getting together.’ There, he’d said it. It was finally out in the open. He looked straight at Jasmine to study her response.
‘You mean… romantically?’ she asked incredulously. A bit too incredulously for Robin’s liking. Was it so unbelievable they should be linked romantically?
‘Yes,’ he answered flatly, looking down towards his black polished shoes.
There was an awkward pause, before he felt Jasmine’s shoulders shaking and heard her restrained laughter. ‘What’s so funny?’ he asked, rather offended. Not only was it unbelievable, but hilarious too? Charming.
‘Oh Robin, she knocked quite a lot off the asking price, and all because she was playing cupid,’ she chortled, doubled over in laughter.
‘I know, ten thousand,’ he said with a derisive smile.
‘You mean…?’
‘Yeah, she did the same for me, reduced by ten grand,’ he answered dryly. He waited for her to stop giggling and calm down, assuming – hoping – it was more to do with the champagne than anything else. Once she had, he dared to ask, ‘Aren’t you offended? That she’s tried to manipulate us?’
‘Not really.’ She shrugged. ‘It’s a bit odd that she felt the need to matchmake, but I suppose it’s kind of endearing in a way.’
He stared into those brown eyes and was mesmerised. What a complex creature she was. Jasmine had reacted so differently to how he’d expected. Perhaps because she had recently seen another side to Bunty, and having sought refuge in her home had clearly made her feel safe. She obviously now viewed Bunty as a friend and trusted her. All the same, he was still a little put out that Jasmine found the thought of them being a couple so hilarious. As though reading his mind, Jasmine lent forward to kiss his cheek.
‘Good night, Robin,’ she whispered.
He stilled. Her lips felt soft and warm.
‘Night, Jasmine,’ he replied in a hoarse voice, then watched her get up and sashay down the landing in that damned sexy dress. She’d kissed him. Albeit on the cheek, but even so, she’d kissed him.
Bunty was unable to sleep. After all this time, Perry had been close by. She’d always assumed he had cast his net far and wide, to some distant place. Now it transpired he had a narrowboat and was living in Lancaster. Still, she told herself, just knowing his location didn’t really alter things. He could be happily married, surrounded by numerous children and grandchildren. She pictured them all aboard his boat, rosy cheeked cherubs smiling up at him, steering the wheel, as they chugged merrily up the canal.
A shard of jealousy stabbed her. Oh, to be surrounded by such love, and here she was, all alone. A tear trickled down her face. If only she could turn back time. Another vision of Perry drifted into her mind, on his red sailing boat, presenting her with that sparkling aquamarine ring. If only…
The next morning, all three of them sat around the breakfast table in a comfortable silence, while nursing their hangovers. They each had much to contemplate. Robin still hadn’t got over that kiss; however innocent it appeared to be given, he couldn’t help but hope it was a sign. Might Jasmine possibly see him as more than just a good friend? Could this be the beginning of something? He discreetly stole a side glance at her. She seemed natural and normal as ever, then on catching his eye she smiled.
‘Do you want some, Robin?’ she asked him.
Did he ever.‘Hmm, sorry?’ He blinked.
‘Tea?’ She grinned, holding up the teapot.
‘Oh… yes, thanks.’
Bunty seemed in a world of her own, slowly munching on toast, gazing into space. Jasmine put the teapot down and coughed.
‘Bunty, about last night…’ she started.
Bunty snapped out of her reverie.
‘Yes, darling, what about last night?’
