‘Less of that cheek you young whippersnapper. Now get out of my way. Can’t you see I’m in a hurry?’
A burst of laughter escaped her. Snails moved faster than he had been walking. But she silently reprimanded herself. This man was old. Really old. He deserved her respect.
‘I’m so sorry. But I’m lost, I’m afraid. I’m looking for Old Oak Lane. Do you know where it is, please?
‘Old Oak Lane? Of course I know where it is.’ A deep furrow formed between his brows. ‘Well you won’t find it here. It’s back that way.’ He tipped his head back a fraction and grimaced. ‘What do you want with Old Oak Lane?’
‘Erm. I’ve bought a cottage there.’
His brows shot up again, so fast they might’ve knocked off his cap but it appeared to be firmly fixed in place.
‘Have you indeed! Well then you must know where it is.’
Lara shook her head. ‘I haven’t seen it yet. I bought it online.’
His snort of laughter was as loud as a horse’s neigh and he shook his head like a horse as his shoulders shook.
‘What kind of fool buys a cottage without seeing it?’
Lara didn’t take offence. Despite his words and his demeanour there was a gentleness about him. Lara had never met either of her grandfathers; her paternal grandfather sadly died the year she was born, and her maternal grandfather had left his wife, apparently stating that he never wanted to see hide nor hair of any of the family again. No one knew where he was or even if he was still alive. When Lara was young and had asked about him, her mum had told her that unfortunately he had not been a nice man and that some sleeping dogs were best left sleeping. Lara had done precisely that. But this man had something about him that made Lara think he would be a good grandfather. Assuming he’d had children.
Lara smiled at him again. ‘The kind of fool who clearly can’t read a map. I could really use your help. In return, I could give you a lift to wherever it is you’re going.’
The pout was back. ‘I don’t need a lift. I’ve got two legs.’
‘You said you were in a hurry. You’ll get there faster in my car. I promise I’m not an axe murderer or anything.’
He frowned at her. ‘You mean axe-wielding murderer. The way you said it sounds as if you’d murder an axe, and you can’t do that. Axes aren’t alive.’ He took off his cap and scratched thetop of his head. ‘The youngsters today. Nothing between their ears but empty space.’
Hmm. Lara may have been wrong about him. She stuck out her chin and looked him in the eye.
‘My granny always said that if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything.’
‘Then ask her where Old Oak Lane is. Now clear the path and let me pass.’
‘She’s dead. And so are my parents.’
Why on earth had she told him that? She never told anyone personal stuff unless she knew them really well. Even then, she kept most things to herself. Although she had told Jenny almost everything over the years of their friendship.
The man studied her in silence so she quickly turned away. He had no intention of helping her. So much for Bluewater Bay being a friendly, welcoming place.
‘That’s a rum deal,’ he grumbled.
‘It is what it is,’ she replied without looking back.
‘Where are you going?’
She stopped, let out a sigh and spun around to face him. She wasn’t in the mood for this.
‘To find Old Oak Lane.’
‘Humph! Can’t let you go driving about the countryside all day. Well don’t just stand there. Open the passenger door for me. I’ll show you where Old Oak Lane is and then you’ll take me to my destination, as you said.’
‘Oh! Yes. Of course.’ She dashed to the door and held it open, reaching out to help him step off the grass verge on to the road.
‘I’m not decrepit,’ he snapped, pulling his arm away. But it took him several seconds to ease his way down and several more to get into the passenger seat.
‘Do you need help with the…?’ Lara let her voice trail off. His expression answered her question about the seatbelt.
