‘Oh, you’re very welcome. And now for that advice. Adele is not your enemy. But you were in the wrong when you accused her of lying and I think you should apologise for that. I don’t know if you can be friends again but I hope that you can. You said yourself you were close. A true friend, like true love, is hard to come by and it’s worth making an effort to keep that friendship, or to reignite it. Apologise for what you said and did. I’m pretty sure she’ll apologise to you for causing you the hurt that she did, but she was being honest. Right that’s it. Do I still get to keep both bottles of this exorbitantly expensive, posh white wine? Or do you want them back?’
He had been staring at me as I spoke but now he smiled and to my surprise he leant forward and kissed me on the cheek.
‘You get to keep them both. And you might find you get some more between now and Christmas. ’Tis the season, after all.’ He winked at me. ‘Now get out of here and let me get drunk. I’m going to stalk my ex on social media for the very last time and then I’m going to man up and get over her, once and for all. I’m sure I must have some darts somewhere.’
Eleven
I was going to send Adele a text to give her a heads up that she might receive a visit from Marcus at some stage. And also, that he might be drunk if it was today. But then I thought it might be best to let it be a surprise. And also, he might not go to see her, and that would only make her more upset.
But then again, if there was even the slightest chance that someone I liked might turn up on my doorstep, unannounced, I’d like to look my best. So eventually I decided I had to tell her.
‘I’m not saying he will,’ I said. ‘But I’m not saying he won’t. All I’m saying is that we spoke for a long time today and he seemed to … mellow. Actually, he seemed to care about you. I think there’s a chance you could become friends once again.’
‘Really? What did he say? But do I want to be friends with someone who could think I would behave like that?’
‘That’s entirely up to you. All I’ll say is that I believe you still like him, deep down. Maybe even more than like him. And the woman was his wife, after all. It would’ve been a bit unfair of him to take your side against her when you had no proof and the wife and best friend denied it. Think about it and see how you feel.But don’t let it upset you if he doesn’t turn up. He’s still upset about his best friend and his wife betraying him. This might take some time.’
‘I understand. And I promise I’ll think about it.’
She looked rather excited and I hoped I hadn’t caused her even more heartache by getting involved.
‘There’s something else I wanted to ask you. Would you be interested in helping me make my Christmas decorations? I’ve got orders coming out of my ears and I’ve been thinking of taking someone on, part time and on flexible hours. I’ll pay the going rate.’
‘Are you sure?’ She looked doubtful. ‘You haven’t just made this up because of what I told you about my finances, have you? I don’t want charity.’
‘Cross my heart, I haven’t made this up. It’s the honest truth. I could really do with some help. And having the person live next door is a godsend. It means I don’t have to lug stock back and forth. If you’re unsure, we could give it a try and see how we get on. If we both hate it, and can’t work together, or if you don’t enjoy it, then we can forget it and still be friends. Deal?’
The furrow between her brows slowly melted away and she smiled.
‘Deal. When do you want me to start?’
‘As soon as you’re feeling better.’
‘I’m feeling better already. You’ve made my day, Noelle.’
‘Then let’s start as soon as my boiler is fixed, which should be tomorrow, with any luck.’
‘Perfect. Erm. I think I might go and have a quick shower. I’ve been baking all morning and I’m covered in flour.’
It was obvious she wanted to have a shower in case Marcus turned up, and I really hoped he would.
‘Oh that reminds me. I love your biscuits so much and I want to buy some to give as presents. I was also thinking thatyou should consider setting up your own business because even Marcus said your biscuits are the best.’
‘Marcus said that? Today?’
‘Yep. I gave him some when I saw him. So I’d like to buy some more, please.’
‘Buy them? You can have them for free.’
‘Nope. This is business, Adele. Work out how much they cost to make and how much profit you want and then look online to see what other biscuit makers charge to make sure you don’t price them too cheap. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
She gave me a quick hug and I dashed back to my cottage feeling that it had been a much better day than I’d expected.
I’d only been in a few minutes and in my joyful state, I’d forgotten about my tap. I turned it on and got completely drenched from the top of my head to my trousers. Even my reindeer head slipper boots were wet. I was on my way upstairs to get a towel and get changed when the doorbell rang.
I thought it was probably Adele. Or possibly Marcus. So I didn’t worry about how I might look as I flung open the door.
‘That bloody tap has just … Oh. … Ooooh.’
