‘And he loves you to bits too. Right. I’m going round to see Marcus. Wish me luck.’
‘Good luck. Call me after.’
‘Bye After,’ I joked.
Madi groaned in an amused fashion and rang off.
I slid the remaining biscuits into one of the transparent plastic bags I used for my Christmas decorations, found one of the snowmen Madi had suggested, and, after putting on my coat and boots, I headed to End Cottage and rang the doorbell.
‘Oh. It’s you.’ Marcus didn’t seem pleased to see me.
‘I come bearing gifts. And an apology. Although I think you owe me an apology too. I just offered you some biscuits and they weren’t poisoned or anything so I don’t understand your comments or your reaction. Adele made the biscuits and they’re absolutely delicious, but the thing is, I need to watch my weight because I’m going on a date and I’m not the sort of person whowould throw away such yummy food, or who would ever want to upset someone, or hurt their feelings. So I offered them to you. That’s it. I’ve tried my hardest to be your friend. Your friend and nothing more. I don’t fancy you or anything, so don’t worry about that, but I would like to know why you feel it’s okay to be rude and unpleasant and frankly, unkind.’
He raised his brows and his mouth dropped open.
‘Oh, and I also brought you this,’ I added, holding out the snowman decoration. ‘I did make this one. I have my own small business making Christmas decorations. I think I told you that. Anyway. I don’t know if you have a tree. I don’t have mine yet. But this goes on a tree. Or a door handle. Or anywhere, really. Or you can give it to someone else if it’s not your thing.’
We stared at one another for what felt like for ever, and then to my astonishment, he laughed. It was just a quick burst, but again that lovely light popped into his eyes.
He took a deep breath and smiled. ‘I’ve just made some tea. Would you like a cup?’
‘Oh yes please! My boiler’s playing up, and so is my tap in the kitchen, so I’m all over the place right now. Sorry. Tea would be lovely.’
He stepped aside to let me in and I gasped as I walked along the hall. Again, End Cottage was, or would’ve once been, a similar layout to mine, and to Adele’s, but they couldn’t be more different style-wise, if they tried.
Apart from the hall, the downstairs of End Cottage was all open plan, sleek lines, expensive furniture and furnishings, artwork on the walls, a designer kitchen I would’ve died for, and glass, sliding doors the width of the back wall. There was also a TV the size of a spaceship on one wall, with surround sound speakers as stylish as the rest of the furniture.
‘Crikey. This is posh.’
‘Erm. Thanks. I think.’
I laughed at his uncertainty. ‘That was a compliment. It’s gorgeous. But I’m surprised by the sliding doors. Sorry. That’s not a criticism. I meant no offence.’
‘None taken. We … I was going to have bifolds, but our … my architect suggested sliding doors instead.’ He gave a small cough and took a breath as though he was resetting himself. ‘Apparently bifolding doors let out more heat and aren’t as good as everyone seems to believe. That was his opinion, but he was a friend. A friend I trust. So I went with his suggestion. One of the many things that infuriated my ex-wife. Before she was my ex. Please take a seat.’
He pointed at a sumptuous looking chair and I sank into the comfy cushions while he poured me a cup of tea from an expensive looking porcelain teapot.
‘Have you lived here long?’ I asked before realising that I hadn’t aired my surprise that he had been married. Oh well. That ship had sailed.
‘Yes. Possibly too long. But I love this cottage and I always have. At least, for most of the time I’ve lived here. Milk?’ A matching milk jug hovered in his hand over the cup.’
‘Yes please. No sugar. I’m sweet enough.’
He raised his brows. ‘That speech wasn’t terribly sweet. And I’m not convinced all of it was true. But the snowman is delightful. I believe you mean well and you’re a genuine person. I apologise for my bad manners but you hit a nerve, I’m afraid. Just tell me the truth. How much do you know about my past?’
I could’ve lied. But as he handed me the porcelain cup and saucer, I decided complete honesty was the way to go.
‘Thanks for the tea. I love this porcelain tea set.’
He sat in the chair opposite me and gave me a strange look.
‘A wedding gift from my parents. One I decided not to smash to smithereens when I discovered my wife was shagging my best friend.’
I choked on the sip I’d taken and had to cough to clear my throat.
‘Too honest for you?’ he asked with the hint of a sardonic smile.
I shook my head. ‘Brutal honesty is sometimes best. So I’ll be honest with you. I had absolutely no idea about anything in your past. I didn’t even know you were once a solicitor until today. And the only reason I found out any of it was because Adele was upset when I arrived back here this morning and she invited me in for coffee. She’s been unwell and she’s clearly run down, although she said she feels better today. But I think she’s been holding it all in for so long that once we started talking, it all came pouring out.’
