Chapter 29
CHAPTER 29
N ina sat in the quiet living room at Booth Farm. She had been there years before, when it was decorated in an old style. The whole room had been Sydney Booth’s sitting room, with dated furniture and furnishings. Since then, it had been transformed into a clean living area with kitchen. But while it was modern, it looked very sterile in her opinion, with wipeable sofas and furniture. At the end of the room was a conservatory full of plants, which were kept watered and looked after by the rotation of students living there. This area of the house had been specifically set up to accommodate those who came to the farm as part of their studies. Some like Harry and Millie taking an entire year out to work there.
Am I being foolish? Nina thought as she checked the clock. It was half an hour since Warren had texted her to say he’d found Belle. She looked down at the coffee table, upon which was a six pack of cans of fizzy drink, one of which she’d drunk already. and a packet of toffee popcorn. She flushed; it felt like a teenage date, certainly not something she was used to. On a night spent in with Ethan, they would have shared a flavoured water with vegetable snacks, like parsnip crisps. What are you doing? she asked herself. When she was with Warren, everything seemed simple. It was as if they were in their own little bubble. She liked him and he definitely liked her – he’d made that clear and he wasn’t worried about the age gap. And he made her feel special. Is that it? she asked herself. Am I just flattered?
She pulled at her top as the heat rose from her chest, and then her phone dinged with a text. Hoping it was from him to say he was on his way, she lifted her phone from the table. It was from Lindsey:
I’ve got a few issues with this pattern. I’ve tried it twice and I’m getting into a right mess.
She’d been messaging Lindsey since Saturday at the farmers’ market. Lindsey had brought her sewing machine down from her attic and had popped into the hub that afternoon to pick up a pattern. They’d chatted briefly and Lindsey was enthusiastic about helping Nina run up the clothes. Following her text was a picture. Nina saw immediately where Lindsey had gone wrong and decided to tell her she would visit the following day. It would be easier to explain it at her own sewing machine. As she began to type, another text came in, this time from Warren. She switched to it.
Sorry, the police have just arrived. They want to take a statement. Will get there asap feel free to start the film and popcorn xx
She returned to the text she was sending to Lindsey.
I’m free now, if you want me to pop over?
Lindsey replied immediately:
That would be amazing, the kids are in bed.
Nina didn’t send Warren a return text. She took a pen from her bag and ripped a page out of the small notebook she carried with her.
Called out by Lindsey the seamstress. Hope Belle is okay. I guess it wasn’t meant to be. Let’s keep it as friends. Nina x
It seemed cowardly to say that in a note. But it was far simpler that way. She felt foolish and life was way too complicated to add a relationship into the mix. She was going to be a mother, with a huge responsibility. She had to think with her head and not her heart.
Lindsey answered the door before Nina knocked, clearly waiting for her to arrive. Nina guessed she didn’t want to risk the doorbell waking the kids up.
“Hey, come in. Tea or coffee?”
“No thanks, I’ve just had a can of fizzy orange. I’ll only be wanting the loo again.”
Lindsey laughed. “I remember the feeling.”
Nina spotted Lindsey’s sewing machine as they entered the lounge, which was set up in the corner, sectioned off by a child gate.
“I’ve set up this space, away from the kids. I’ve been loving doing this, Nina. Thanks so much for the opportunity.”
“The thanks goes to you for supporting me in this venture. Especially when I’m not sure it’ll work out!”
“Of course it will. What’s next?”
“Setting up an online store, which I know how to do as I had one with…the bridal boutique. I took a few email addresses at the farmers’ market so will invite them to my new mailing list, once I’ve set it up. And Jaz is seeing Tyrone and Crystal for a party in a couple of weeks.” Jaz was friends with a football player and his influencer wife, having sold him a car and a motorhome. “She’s taking one of my dresses for their daughter.”
“Crystal? I love her! And she’s expecting again. That Jaz knows all sorts. It’s so exciting, Nina. I know you’ll do amazing, you always do.”
Nina sat on the sofa. “Not so lucky at relationships, though.”
“They’re never easy, I’ve had my moments with Sean. But you’re gorgeous. I’ve lots of friends with children who find new relationships. Once you’ve got used to motherhood, I’m sure you can find someone.”
“I’ll worry about that in a couple of years.” She rubbed her bump. “I’m just looking forward to being a mother now.” But all she saw was Warren’s image in her mind.
“You’re so positive.”
“Right, show me this dress then.” Nina stood up and went to the sewing machine and helped Lindsey, all the time wondering what Warren would say when he saw the note she’d left, feeling a sickness inside, wishing she’d not written it and that she was still there, waiting for him to arrive home. Wondering what would have happened if they’d had the kiss at the weekend, rather than it being interrupted.
The dress was soon completed.
“Thanks Nina, and it looks so good.”
“I think with a few more people on board, this could turn into a profitable business.”
“I’m seeing Becky tomorrow, I’ll ask if she’s up for it. Why don’t you see how many more of us from college are still available?”
“I don’t remember their names, do you?”
“Go on the socials. There’s a page for our old college.”
“Is there?”
“Yeah, look I’ll get us some tea, biscuits and my laptop and we can have a look who’s about and if we can remember any of them.”
Nina sat down as Lindsey made them drinks, imaging Warren’s face when he saw the note she’d left. She reached for her phone to text him then put it back in her bag. No, it’s for the best.