Page 142 of The Cottage at Brambleton Hall

Nate marched across the room and took hold of her arm. ‘Come with me,’ he said.

He steered her into the kitchen, nudging the door closed until the noise dropped to a dull throb. ‘Tell me,’ he said.

‘He’s letting me go.’ Her fingers found the counter, tracing the worn line along it. ‘I was close.’

‘I know.’

‘I had it. Nearly.’

He held her close, and she sank into his warmth. Losing the job was bad, losing Nate would be unbearable.

From beyond the door, Chloe’s voice. ‘Sam? Come in here.’

Sammy freed herself. ‘Better go,’ she said stepping away.

Chloe seemed brighter than usual. She thrust a glass of wine into Sammy’s hands. ‘Shall I tell that couple to pack their stuff?’ she said.

‘I’m not coming back yet,’ Sammy replied. She wasn’t giving up, she had a week to turn this around.

Chloe topped up her own glass. ‘Well, you will be, though, won’t you?’

‘I’ve still got to work till the end of the month.’

‘And after that?’

Jimmy tipped his beer bottle up, pouring a steady stream into his mouth. He belched. ‘Back where you belong.’

Nate stepped forward. ‘Enough.’

Jimmy’s mouth curved. ‘Touchy.’

‘Don’t start Jimmy,’ warned Nate.

Chloe waved her glass. ‘Oh, come on, calm down, we’re not attacking her.’

‘You are,’ Nate said.

Chloe reached for the wine again. ‘We’re trying to help. She’s worn out. You come on back home,’ Chloe said. ‘Your room’s still there. I can get those two out by the weekend.’

Sammy saw it – the same narrow bed, the same view onto the street; her shoulders sagged.

Nate shot Chloe a penetrating look. ‘Reckon you’ve been here long enough. You should pack your bags tonight; I’ll give you a lift to the station.’

Chloe stared back at him. ‘What? I can’t leave now. Sammy needs me.’

‘As if. Why not go back with him for the night,’ Nate said, indicating Jimmy. ‘Then back to Swansea in the morning. Find some work. Both of you.’

Jimmy barked a laugh. ‘You serious?’

‘Yes.’

Chloe slammed her glass on the table. ‘You don’t get to come in here and start telling people . . .’

‘She’s just lost her job,’ Nate said. ‘And this is how you two react.’

‘I’m trying to help.’ Said Chloe

‘This isn’t helping her.’