Page 35 of Whispers from the Past

‘Nothing. Nothing. Have a great time.’

‘I’m sure we will,’ Rose answered tartly. She was getting defensive and this was not how she’d intended their conversation to develop.

‘You know about Lucy though?’

‘Yes. He’s really missing her. And not that it’s any of your business, but Tony and I are just friends.’

‘Sure.’ Luke nodded and turned to walk further down the path, but Rose caught his arm. Relieved to see that he didn’t flinch in pain where she touched him, she realised his arm must have healed enough not to be painful anymore.

‘Luke. What is going on? You’ve been in a terrible mood this afternoon. Have I done something to upset you?’

Looking down at her hand on his arm, he gently pulled away. ‘Nothing is going on. You haven’t done anything. Have a good time with Tony.’ And before she could press him any further he was striding off ahead.

They made their way back to the farmhouse a few minutes later to an expectant Mrs. Gibson.

‘So, how were they?’

‘They were great Mrs. Gibson. People will really enjoy walking them,’ Luke said sincerely. Without any prior warning he then added. ‘Can I ask a favour?

‘Of course.’

‘I didn’t keep track of the time and I’ve got a car to collect in Whitby this afternoon. Can you drive Rose back to the village for me?’

‘I’d be happy to,’ Mrs. Gibson smiled at Rose.

And without another look in her direction, he was off and in his car before Rose could even say goodbye.

‘Such a nice man,’ Mrs. Gibson sighed as he drove off. ‘Not the same since Hannah though,’ she added sadly.

‘Did you know her well?’

‘Was hard not to with her. She made everyone feel like a friend. And they were such sweethearts. I’ve hated seeing how he’s been since she died.’ Pursing her lips she turned to Rose. ‘Right let’s get you home.’

Later that evening, Rose had just finished her dinner when her phone pinged beside her.

Sorry about earlier

She was still irritated with him, but she typed back regardless.

Hope the ‘car’ in Whitby was collected ok

I really did have to go to Whitby

Ok

But I could have taken you home first.

And you didn’t because?

Because I’m a rude idiot?

Something we can agree on

I meant what I said about you and Tony though. Have a good time.

Rose considered replying, but couldn’t see much point. The conversation wasn’t going in a direction that would help solve the conundrum of Luke, so she just left his last message unanswered. Instead she took out her frustration on the build up of dirty plates and cups in her kitchen sink. But it didn’t help and instead of turning in for the night early, she slipped back into her fleecy crocs and crossed the cobbled street to check in on Holly.

The pub still had a fair few customers for a Sunday evening, so Rose ended up helping behind the bar until closing time. When the final customer left, she pulled a stool up to the bar and got settled across from Holly as she cashed out the till.