‘My pleasure,’ he replied, a strange look in his eyes as his gaze lingered on her face for longer than expected.
She felt awkward and nervous as she got out of his car until she spotted the roofer with whom she’d had the long conversation about her front gate.
‘It looks fabulous,’ she said. ‘Thank you so much. And thanks for painting it.’
‘No problem.’ He gave her a quick smile.
‘We’ll be off then,’ said Roger, a second later. ‘See you tomorrow at eight.’
‘I’ll have the kettle on,’ she replied.
‘Wear what you like. But clothes might fit you better.’ He chortled at his own joke.
Before he left, he and his men helped Jasper unpack the boot, without being asked to do so.
‘That was kind,’ Lara said, surprised by their willingness to assist in any way, it seemed. First the gate, then the shopping. They’d be cooking dinner for her next. If only. Although, they might not be good cooks.
Jasper had hesitated at her front door for a few moments, looking somewhat sheepish, as if he had something to say but had no idea how to say it.
‘Thanks again for this morning,’ she said, once more.
‘I really enjoyed it.’ His face didn’t reflect his words. ‘Don’t forget to call if you need to. Or want to.’ He hadn’t met her eyes.
‘Thanks,’ she said, staring at him in the hope that she could read his thoughts, which sadly for her, she couldn’t. ‘If you get a chance, I’d like to know how Tom is, please. A text is fine.’
‘Of course. I’ll text you later. Or call.’
‘Whichever one is best for you. Please give Tom my love.’
His eyes shot to her face. ‘I will,’ he said, almost wistfully.
‘Lara?’ Bob, the electrician, was calling her from somewhere upstairs.
‘I’d better see what he wants,’ she said.
‘Yes of course,’ said Jasper. ‘Bye then.’
‘Bye,’ she said watching him walk away almost as quickly as he had run from her last night.
