My body jerked in surprise, and I looked up to see a few flashes of color through the trees. How much could they see? I reached between us to pull my robe closed.
“Yeah,” chorused a whole lot of young male voices.
“If it’s rocking, don’t come knocking!” yelled another one.
“Oh no,” Tim groaned. “One of the kids was wearing my company T-shirt. He’s the young lad I fired on Monday. Looks like they’re headed in the direction of the village, probably to the pub, but I wouldn’t put it past them to come back. We’d better get going.”
He breathed heavily. Our faces were still nearly touching, and I sensed he wanted to kiss me again. I did too, but the moment had passed. I felt a sudden rush of annoyance those boys had taken this brief, wonderful respite from the responsibilities of my life.
Tim reluctantly moved off me as I pulled my robe all the way together. “I’ll take you home.”
I secured my tie, and he helped me to my feet. Within seconds, we had everything packed up. Tim took my hand as I stepped up into the truck and then, rounding the back, slung the baskets in. He climbed in beside me and started up the engine, grim-faced, keen to get away.
Kissing Tim had been heaven, and I was both mortified and disappointed that we’d had to stop. I’d felt so wanted as he’d devoured me.I’ve not had that for a long time. And I shamelessly wanted more.
But where did that leave us?
25
Tim
Idrove us backfrom the river, glad I had something to do while we fell into a charged silence. I could feel every inch of Tabitha’s presence as my mind was consumed with flashes from the riverbank—the sweet sounds of her singing, the splash of water lapping over every secret dip of her skin, the rustle and slide of her climbing out of the river naked.
“So,” Tabitha said, her voice shaky, like she was as worked up as me. “Your mum is still swimming? I love that she was into that wild swimming way before it was trendy.”
Tabs had been vulnerable with me again, and now I craved that closeness with her.
“She’s actually not doing the wild swimming anymore.” My breathing went tight. “I wanted to tell you something, Tabs.You’re actually only the third person I’ve said this to. My mother has early dementia.”
Her eyes went wide, almost disbelieving. “Early dementia? Yourmother?”
I nodded, pressing my trembling lips together. I’d thought this was already real for me, but telling Tabitha, saying Mum’s name with the diagnosis, seeing Tabitha’s shock, really brought it home. There was no going back to our old lives.
“Oh my God, Tim. I can’t believe this. What a shock. That’s terrible, I’m so sorry.” She touched my arm and stared at me. “When did you…? H-how?”
“How did I know? It started about six months ago. She was forgetting so many things, her purse, the day, friends’ names. Then it started getting dangerous. She left the pot boiling, driving to the store, she was confused by road signs. She woke up one night, horribly distressed, and wanted to walk to my house.”
She blinked hard, stunned. “Oh, that’s awful, Tim. Your mother is so confident, so self-contained, so capable.” She rubbed my arm. “When did you get the…diagnosis?”
“Um. I think three months ago.” I was being a bit cagey with the timing. “It’s advanced quite fast. I’ve moved in with her.”
“How on earth are you coping with work and your mother’s care? Oh, I wish I had known. Tim, how can I help?”
“Thanks for offering, but I have it under control.” I turned the truck around a corner and sighed. “She has two carers, twin sisters, who are there during the day and at night until I get home.”
She touched my shoulder. “Your poor mother. And poor you.”
“I’ve got her into a really nice memory care place in a couple of months. Bibury Castle. It’s beautiful, and it has a pool where she can swim supervised.”
She hummed her recognition. “I’ve heard about that place. It’s very luxurious.”
“It’s really expensive, ten thousand pounds a month. I’ve already paid the hefty deposit, and now I need to pay six months in advance. That’s why I need the prize money.”
Her eyes flickered with understanding. “Now I see why you’re on this show. It all makes sense.” She turned to me with a new energy. “Did you know there’s a memory care place in the village? It’s much simpler but much closer for you—and much more affordable.”
I gripped the wheel tighter. “I want the best for Mum.”
“I’m sorry. It’s your and Amy’s decision, of course.”
