‘We’ve got blankets, said Adele.
‘And throws,’ said Noelle.
‘We’ll get them,’ Alec, Marcus, and even Sam, offered.
A few minutes later, the men had dragged more chairs around, made two large flasks of hot chocolate, brought out a bottle of brandy, a pile of blankets and several throws, and more wood for the firepit.
We all sat drinking, chatting, and laughing until the sun, that had made a brief appearance just before it set, finally disappeared, and the streetlamps burst into life, just as the temperature seemed to plummet.
‘It’s freezing,’ Noelle said. ‘I think we should take this inside.’
‘Good idea,’ said Adele.
‘We need to eat,’ said Sam. ‘We … missed lunch.’
All eyes turned to us as we all stood up.
‘I can cook,’ Marcus offered.
‘Do you want a medal?’ Alec teased.
‘I meant, I’ll cook supper for us all, if you like.’
Sam met my eyes and I smiled and nodded. He nodded too.
‘That sounds great, Marcus,’ Sam said. ‘If you’re sure you don’t mind.’
‘Not at all.’
‘Marcus loves to cook,’ said Adele.
‘Alec and I will take the furniture back,’ said Sam.
‘We’ll leave the firepit to cool though,’ suggested Alec.
‘I can help prep veg,’ I said. ‘Or help with anything else. Oh. But I do need to give my best friend, Erin a quick call, if that’s okay. She texted me earlier and I haven’t got back to her.’
Sam gave me an odd look but then he smiled and piled up the chairs.
‘We’ll see you when you’ve done that,’ said Adele. ‘Don’t bother with the bell. We’ll leave the door on the latch.’
They all headed towards End Cottage, Melody skipping through the snow and then dropping on the ground to make a snow angel, while I went to Far Cottage, poured myself a quick glass of wine, and phoned Erin.
‘So you’re still alive then? I was about to phone the murder squad. Although I don’t think Fairlight Bay has one.’ She laughed.
‘Sorry! Oh Erin, I’ve got so much to tell you, I don’t know where to start.’
I filled her in on everything. The way Sam had turned up unexpectedly, the great sex, the cuddles, the lovely little gestures that made me believe Sam might have feelings for me, however deeply they might be hidden, and the blizzard.
‘It’s been snowing here too,’ she said. ‘Not as bad as there, but it’s settled. So does that mean he’s staying until it thaws?’
‘He’s staying another night. We’re going to have supper at End Cottage. That’s where Adele and Marcus live. After that, who knows? But I hope he stays all week. I can’t get enough of him, Erin. And I know I said I would try to stay cool, but I’m already half in love with him again.’
‘Tell me something I don’t know.’ She let out a sigh. ‘I just hope you can get over him this time.’
‘Me too,’ I said. ‘I wish I lived in Fairlight Bay.’
‘I’m glad you don’t. I’d miss you.’
