‘That’s a fantastic view,’ she said in amazement.
‘I know. Take it from me, you’d never tire of it,’ Robin told her.
‘Won’t you miss it?’
‘I’ll still have it. My girlfriend’s house sits on the edge of the bay. It’s an old fisherman’s cottage,’ he said. Then added with pride, ‘We’re expecting twins in summer.’
Tara’s face lit up. ‘Oh, lovely, congratulations.’
‘Thanks,’ he smiled back. ‘It does mean my two bedroomed apartment is hardly going to be big enough for us,’ he continued with a chuckle.
‘I’ve just the one son, so it’d be plenty big enough for me,’ she grinned.
Robin found it difficult to gauge her age. She looked to be in her late twenties or early thirties and, whilst she’d mentioned having a son, there’d been no mention of any husband yet.
Robin went on to show her the two bedrooms. Tara particularly liked the bedroom with the balcony.
‘I’d definitely choose this one,’ she said, gazing out onto the small sitting area, ‘although I’m sure Calum would object,’ she chuckled.
‘How old is he?’ asked Robin, curious to know.
‘Fourteen,’ she answered with a bright smile.
Robin was a touch surprised, expecting her son to be much younger. It made trying to guess her age even more difficult, then he stopped trying, realising it wasn’t really any of his business.
‘Have you always lived in Samphire Bay?’ Tara asked.
‘No. I moved from north London when I was a teenager, but wouldn’t leave here now.’
‘Hmm, I can see why. I’m in Lancaster at the moment, where I work.’
‘I see,’ said Robin, wondering why she wanted to move away.
He took her around the rest of the flat, showing her the various features and answering all her questions – she was incredibly thorough with her inspection and Robin was relieved that she clearly meant business with this viewing.
‘I’ve already sold my house, so I’m ready to move whenever,’ she told him.
‘Right,’ nodded Robin, hopes raising. Was she about to put an offer in?
‘And as you’ve practically moved out and there’s no chain, there’d be no delay, would there?’ She looked expectantly at him.
‘No, not at all,’ he agreed.
‘Good, well in that case, I’d like to make an offer.’
Robin quickly interjected before she went any further. ‘Just to let you know, there’s someone coming for a second viewing.’
Tara paused. ‘If I offer the asking price, will you take it off the market today?’
‘Yes,’ replied Robin without hesitation and the two shook hands on the deal. Tara told him she’d put her offer in writing via an email and would give the name of her solicitors. They swapped further details of telephone numbers and addresses.
‘Well, I’m sure you’ll be happy here,’ said Robin as they were parting, ‘and feel free to come any time.’ Inside, he was glad Tara was buying his flat, she seemed a decent, honest person. He doubted there’d be any trouble with the sale.
‘I’d like to show it my son, if that’s OK?’ replied Tara.
‘Of course, just ring when you want.’
‘Thanks.’ Tara swiftly eyed the apartment one last time, then turned to leave.
Robin was left with a strange sensation. Whilst he was pleased to have sold his home, and for the asking price, he also felt a tinge of sadness to be leaving. This little flat had served him well and he’d grown attached to the place. Still, onwards and upwards, he told himself.
His spirits soon lifted when he arrived at Jasmine’s later that day. She’d been delighted to hear about the sale of his apartment.
‘That’s brilliant!’ she exclaimed. ‘And for the asking price.’
‘I’m not surprised really,’ Robin said, knowing how hot the property market was in Samphire Bay. That said, he was glad to be getting his hands on some much-needed cash. Now all his money worries were beginning to vanish. He’d have more than enough to tide them over until the warehouse renovation was complete.
True to form, Tara had put everything in an email as promised and Robin had replied along with the details of his solicitors, so it was full steam ahead. For the first time in a long while, he felt totally relaxed. His life had turned up a notch since learning he was about to become a father – and to two babies at that, whereas he noticed Jasmine had taken everything calmly in her stride, completely unfazed. He looked at her now, concentrating on her laptop screen, busy working away. He smiled at seeing her hand unconsciously rub her swollen abdomen. This time next year they’d be a family of four. He could hardly believe it.
