Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
‘ T hank you, Fleur. I knew you’d be able to pull it off, however crazy my request sounded.’ Helen stroked the petals on the sunflower of the large table centre sitting on the flower shop’s counter.
‘Haha, it didn’t sound crazy at all. You’d be surprised what some people ask for. Some expect miracles! Besides, how could I refuse my neighbour?’ Fleur smiled as she carefully tore the order form from the tissue paper the sunflower display was wrapped in. ‘I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating your mum’s eightieth.’
‘I’m sure we will. She’s been looking forward to it for months. Although I’m not too sure if it’s the fact the whole family will be getting together or that they’ll be a disco at the hall that she’s more excited about.’ Helen chuckled.
‘Aw, sounds fun.’
‘Why don’t you pop in after you’ve shut up shop? It’s only at the town hall.’
‘I’d love to, but unfortunately, the lovely Gregory has strong-armed me into playing host at Ruby’s tonight for Nettleford’s first foray into the world of speed dating.’ Fleur grimaced. She still couldn’t quite believe that she hadn’t managed to wriggle her way out of it.
‘Ah, yes, I heard about Ruby’s poor dad. Have you got any updates?’ Helen frowned.
‘No, nothing yet. I spoke to her briefly this morning, and she said they were still in the hospital waiting for some x-ray results.’
‘Bless him. Here’s hoping he’s okay.’
‘Yes, definitely.’ Fleur nodded. In the four years she’d known Ruby, she hadn’t heard her so upset. Not that she’d have ever admitted it, of course, but Fleur could tell by the tone of her voice.
‘Well, give her my love and tell her we’re thinking of her dad if she calls again. Won’t you?’
‘I will.’ Fleur nodded. Helen had been her neighbour since she’d moved in with her grandparents at the age of fifteen and she’d always been there, supporting her. Even during her wild teen days, she’d never once complained to her grandparents about the noise from her stereo, or the fact that Fleur had often used her garden as a secret pathway to the street to stop her grandparents from realising she was skipping out on being grounded.
‘Good, thanks, love. And how are you? I noticed that Matty is back.’ Helen reached out and placed her hand on Fleur’s.
‘Oh, I’m fine.’ Fleur fixed a smile on her face. She’d wondered when Helen would bring up this particular topic. She’d half-expected her to knock on the door last night in a bid to glean if Fleur had noticed.
‘Good, good. I know it must be a little strange for you having him move back to Nettleford, especially after all these years of not seeing him, but I knew you’d be okay. I’m sure it’ll just take a little getting used to, that’s all.’ Helen removed her hand and picked up the sunflower table centre, seemingly happy with Fleur’s reaction.
‘Right, of course.’ She swallowed. He’d moved back? That’s what she’d said, wasn’t it?
‘Have a lovely day.’ Helen walked towards the shop door before pausing and turning around. ‘And remember, if you’ve time after the speed dating, pop by the town hall for the party.’
‘Thanks. I will.’ Fleur watched as Helen pulled open the door and headed out into the street before turning and hiding her face in her hands. Matty was moving to Nettleford. He was here to stay. Here to live permanently. This couldn’t be happening. It just couldn’t be.
Forcing herself to straighten up again, she turned back and looked out of the window. And speaking of him, there he was. Just as though he could hear her thoughts. Large as life, he was standing outside, speaking to Helen herself. Could this day get any worse? Not only did she have the delightful speed dating experience looming ahead of her, but now Matty was clearly about to walk right in here and with no other customers about, she’d have no excuse not to face him and answer any questions he might have.
Before she could change her mind - or Matty had time to dip out of his conversation with Helen and make his way inside - Fleur grabbed her coat and raced towards the door before turning the welcome sign to Closed and slipping outside.
Making sure not to look in his direction, or even worse, to catch his eye, she put her head down and marched across the green towards Bea’s bookshop. With any luck, Helen would keep him talking for a while and distract him from even entertaining the idea of catching her up.
‘Fleur! Hold up.’ Squeezing her hands into fists in her pockets, she pretended not to hear him. Picking up her pace, she halted as she collided with someone. ‘Sorry.’
‘Fleur, I’m glad I caught you.’
Looking up, her heart sank as she came face to face with Gregory. ‘Hello, Gregory. Sorry about that. I wasn’t looking where I was going.’
‘Yes, well, it’s a fortunate turn of events that, firstly, I wasn’t a tourist who you just collided with, and, secondly, that I happen to have been on my way to speak to you, so your misdirection has in fact saved me a trip.’
‘Right.’ Umm, the flower shop was only a few metres away, so she hadn’t saved him more than a few seconds. Or more likely, a second at the most. She sneaked a glance behind her, her eyes locking instantly with Matty’s. Despite him being back in deep conversation with Helen, his eyes were following her every move. She needed to get away. ‘Sorry, Gregory, I’m going to have to run as I’m just on my way to go over my speech with Bea for opening the speed dating event.’
‘Oh, of course. I shan’t get in your way then.’ Looking slightly taken aback, Gregory smiled.
‘You thought I’d forgotten, didn’t you?’
‘Er, no, no. I have every faith in you, Fleur. I’m looking forward to this evening.’ Gregory tapped her awkwardly on her coat sleeve.
‘You’ll be there?’ She frowned. She hadn’t banked on him keeping such a close eye on proceedings. She’d planned on winging the whole event, not having someone like him standing there and scrutinising her every move.
‘Why, of course.’
‘I thought you were still dating your lady friend?’
‘I am.’ He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his feet, pride flushing across his face. ‘We’ll both be there to support you.’
‘Gee, thanks.’
Gregory cleared his throat. ‘Of course, we won’t be partaking in the speed dating...’
‘No, of course not.’Shelooked behind her again. He was still there, but by the looks of it, Matty and Helen’s conversation was ending. ‘Anyway, I’ll let you get off. I’m sure you want to catch Matty andwelcomehimbackto Nettleford personally.’
‘Ah, yes. I have beenmeaningto catch him...’
‘Great. See you this evening.’ Nodding, Fleur stepped away from him and beganwalkingtowards the bookshop again. She felt guilty for subjecting Matty to one of Gregory’s welcomingspiels,but needs must. As she reached the door to the bookshop, she glanced behind her. It had worked. Gregory hadaccosted Matty and by the looks of it, she should be safe for good while.