My voice has shrunk to a whisper. ‘There’s no putting this off is there?’
As I peep out along the barnyard we all know– I’ve boarded the train, and there’s no getting off. As sure as Miles is striding towards the door now, this is happening!
Clemmie looks out, catches sight of Miles and lowers her voice. ‘When someone works out what you need and gives it to you without you asking, that’s a sign they care.’
I have to laugh. ‘Or else it’s a sign they can’t bear to be left out.’
I’m really grateful for how kind he was earlier, but this time round I know which one I’d put my money on.
30
The Net Loft, St Aidan
Pop stars and cheese sandwiches
Thursday
‘What’s up the stairs?’
The next morning I’m up even earlier than usual so I can sort out Pumpkin and head to the Net Loft. I’d unpacked most things yesterday afternoon, so once I arrived, I spent the next hour moving things from one table to another and the hour after that taking them back to where they’d started. We hadn’t arranged for Miles to come, but he pushes through the door at nine and dumps a stack of boxes in the kitchen, then shuttles in and out another four times. By the time he stops and stares at the staircase like he only just noticed it, I’m well past telling him he shouldn’t be here.
I search for an answer to his question that has nothing to do with bed. ‘Up there it’s the roof. And a storage area.’
He looks down at the load in his arms. ‘I’ve got the rest of Scarlett’s cans here. I’ll take them up, shall I?’
‘Noooooo!’ I leap in front of him and throw my arms out sideways. ‘There’s plenty of space in the kitchen.’ I make a mental note to get a ‘no entry’ sign and a rope ASAP.
‘The kitchen is actually pretty full.’
I’m blinking at him. ‘Full with what?’
‘My baking stuff.’ He frowns. ‘What did you think I was putting in there?’
I’m not admitting I was too stressed to notice. ‘Why would you bring that here?’
He gives a shrug. ‘You didn’t have breakfast, and you can’t open the shop on an empty stomach. I hoped a few boathouse buns might help fill the gap.’
‘Can they be pecan and toffee ones?’
He smiles. ‘I thought you might say that. I made the dough before I came so there won’t be too long to wait.’
I’m working out how long it usually takes him, and counting back. ‘You must have been up as early as I was?’
He gives a shrug. ‘Pretty much, but it’s all good research. My first time using a different oven, it may yet be a disaster.’
I’m one step ahead. ‘Please can it be without the inspiring music?’
He points to his ear bud. ‘For one day only, I’ll keep it to myself.’
I’m suddenly ravenous. ‘I’ll get back to tidying and leave you to get on.’
He points to another box by the table. ‘There are some large frames in there, and some blown-up prints of your cards I picked up in case you’d like something more punchy for the walls.’
‘Thanks for that, it’s a great idea.’
He gives a sniff. ‘I have an extensive background in retail, so I may as well use it.’
My heart sinks. ‘NotNice bum?’
