‘No.’ He laughed sardonically. ‘Absolutely not. It’s over.’
‘Wow!’ I said, perhaps a little too enthusiastically. ‘And you’re okay?’
He shot me another look. ‘I’m good. You?’
‘Me?’ What was he asking me now? ‘I’m good.’
He smiled and his hands tightened on the wheel. ‘Yes you are,’ he said, his voice so soft I could hardly hear it.
Five
‘What happened next?’
Madi was almost screaming with excitement when I called to tell her about my conversation with Paul. I was back home in Middle Cottage and thankfully, the heating had come on as soon as Paul had flicked the switch.
Yes. Paul had come inside and turned my heating on. And not only my heating. Needless to say, I was more than a little turned on myself.
‘Berry got in and we went to the pub. Paul sat next to me and I swear to you, the looks he gave me spoke volumes. Berry seemed oblivious and even when Paul said he’d give me a lift home, she came with us.’
‘Why didn’t you say something to her?’ Madi asked, sounding more irritated than I’d been.
‘How could I? She doesn’t know I’ve had the hots for her brother since the first day we met. He had a girlfriend so I’ve never told Berry I liked him. Well, not inthatway. She knows I like him as a friend, and she seems happy with that. I’m notsure how she might feel if I tell her I’d like to … explore the possibilities of a relationship with Paul.’
‘Explore that hot and hunky body, you mean.’
‘Oh god, yes. Y-e-s!’ I coughed to clear my throat. ‘Anyway, it was good that Berry came with us. She suggested they could help with the decorations. So now all the outdoor decorations are up and even most of the indoor decorations are done. It’s just the Christmas tree for the sitting room that I need to buy and decorate. And the one in my bedroom. The one in the kitchen is done.’
‘Did you ask Paul to come back and help with the one in the bedroom?’ Madi asked, breathlessly. ‘Please say yes. Or is that what you said to Paul?’ She laughed at her own joke.
‘No. But perhaps I might. I think he does like me. As more than a friend, I mean. So maybe he’ll be the one to broach the subject with Berry so that I won’t have to.’
‘Do you think she’d mind if you two dated? I’d be thrilled if I had a brother and you became an item. Even more so if you married him. Then we’d really be sisters. Well, sisters in law.’
‘We’re sisters in our hearts,’ I said. ‘Which is far more important. As for Berry, I honestly don’t know. She’s never suggested it. But then he wasn’t free until now, so why would she? We’ll have to see what happens.’
‘So how were things left? Did he ask you out? Did he say when you’ll see him again.’
I shook my head even though it wasn’t a video call.
‘No. He just said, ‘I’ll see you soon, Noelle.’ But there was something in the way he said it that made my knees turn to jelly and my body tingle with delight. I’ll be seeing Berry on Thursday, at the market, so I might see Paul then. But I’m hoping he’ll pop round before then. Or call. Or … or anything, really. I think I’ll be on edge every time the phone rings from now on. In a good way, I mean.’
‘Couldn’t you have thought of a reason to get him to stay?’
‘Not really. I’d said a couple of times in the pub that I should be at home making Christmas decorations for my business, so once we’d finished decorating the cottage, Berry said they should leave me to get on with my business stuff, and that she needed to make more products for her business too. I know Paul helps her with some of that, so they left.’
‘Well that’s disappointing. So close and yet so far. At least you’ve got heating.’
‘For now, yes. But it didn’t come on at the set time, so that does mean I’ll have to go and stay with my parents because the timer won’t work tomorrow either. Oh, and you’ll never guess what. They’ve forecast snow for Sussex this week.’
‘Snow! How fantastic. They’ve forecast rain for here. Wait. Why aren’t you cheering?’
‘No heating, remember? Got to stay with my parents, ring any bells?’
‘Ah, yes. You love snow, but only if it comes at the right time and when you’re cosy and comfy in your own home.’
‘Not entirely true. I’d love snow when I come and stay with you and Tristan at the New Year. Basically, I’d love snow anytime, anywhere, other than this week, and apart from when I’m with Mum and Dad. All they do is moan about it. One snowflake and they’re off.’
‘Are you sure you’re not adopted?’ Madi laughed.
