“I get the impression he’s sort of stunned by the success of the books, and maybe a little overwhelmed by it all, too. In a good way, not a bad way.” Courtney shrugged. “Not that I can claim to know anything about him at all, really. I only spoke to him for half an hour when we chatted about the job. But there was just something…”
She trailed off, trying to find the right words. Although their conversation had been brief and focused only on the work Travis Stone needed done, she’d felt as if she’d sensed something essential about the man himself while they’d chatted. He’d struck her as kind, thoughtful, passionate about his writing, keen to look after his readers.
And he’d had a look about him, the look of a perpetually distracted creative person whose mind was always off in its own little world. Remembering his surprised expression when she pointed out the thirsty pansies wilting at the front door of the house, she couldn’t help smiling at his amusing absent-mindedness.
“There was just somethingsweetabout him,” Courtney concluded. “Although I’m not sure that’s the right word.”
Olive slanted a look towards her, her eyes sparkling. “He certainly struck me as a pleasant young man when he spoke to the book club. I’m glad you are able to help him in his time of need, what with his assistant too unwell to work, and I’m glad he is able to help you with some paid hours that I know you’ll make the most of.”
They walked in companionable silence for a few moments while Elsa sniffed here and there.
“I hope you won’t think I’m being nosy, dear,” Olive said. “But I was thinking about what you told me about how you’re staying with your cousin Rosie at the moment, and that she and her family are helping you during a touch patch you’ve been going through. And so I can’t help but wonder… Is the father of your baby involved in your life in any way?”
Courtney gave a sad smile. “No, we’re not together. We never really were together to begin with. We were just dating and then out of the blue…” She gestured to her baby bump and laughed. “Unplanned but not unwanted. Well, not unwanted by me. The father doesn’t want to be involved.”
Even now, it still hurt her to say these words. Olive gave her a look filled with concern and understanding.
“I’m certainly sorry to hear that,” Olive said. “But it’s his loss. And I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful mother to your little one when she arrives.”
“Thanks, Olive. You’re very kind.”
“Not kind, just honest. And with your cousin and other relatives there to help you, things will be just fine.”
“I hope so.”
“Iknowso.”
Courtney laughed at her new friend’s certainty and kindness, then noticed a surprised expression cross her face as she looked along the path they were walking. Following her gaze, Courtney’s own eyes widened when she saw Travis Stone strolling towards them.
He peered at them both for a few seconds, and Courtney saw recognition dawn. For a split second, she couldn’t escape the feeling that he’d been once again off in his own little world as he’d been walking through the park, thinking about his stories and the book he was writing, the glazed look in his eyes a sign that his mind was somewhere else entirely.
“Well, isn’t that a coincidence?” Olive said as they drew near, and Travis offered them both a smile. “We were just talking about you a moment ago.”
“Oh?” he said. “Good things, I hope?”
“Naturally. Courtney was just telling me about how the two of you have come to an arrangement regarding this assistant work you urgently needed taking care of. I hope it works out for you both.”
“It already has,” Travis said, smiling at Courtney. “She’s doing a great job.”
Courtney felt a blush warm her cheeks at the compliment. She was about to respond when a pinging noise had Olive taking her phone from the handbag looped over her shoulder and glancing at the screen.
“Oh, it’s a message from my daughter, Gillian,” Olive said, squinting at the screen over the top of her glasses. “It’s rather early in the day to get a message from her. She lives in Toronto, which means it’s not even dawn there yet.”
Seeing Olive’s frown deepen as she read the message she’d received, Courtney frowned too. “Is everything okay, Olive?”
Olive was quiet for a moment as she read the rest of the text message. “It sounds like there’s been a minor mishap with some wedding arrangements.” At Courtney’s blank expression, she waved a hand. “My grandson is getting married next month. I’m flying over to Canada to help him celebrate his big day. But according to Gillian, some snafu with the arrangements for the wedding reception have caused an almighty argument between bride and groom, and my poor grandson is understandably upset. Gillian wants me to ring him up for a chat. My grandson and I have always had a special relationship, despite living on opposite sides of the ocean, and she feels sure I can talk some sense into him and calm him down.”
Olive tucked her phone back into her bag. “You don’t mind if I leave you, do you, Courtney?”
“Of course not,” she replied. “I hope you have a good chat with your grandson and help smooth things over.”
“I hope so, too. But you’ll be okay getting back home on your own?”
Courtney laughed. “Of course. There’s no need to worry about me. I’ll have a nice walk around the park and enjoy the sunshine.”
“I’m sure Mr Stone can keep you company,” Olive said and turned to Travis. “Won’t you, young man?”
“Uh, sure,” Travis said.
