Chapter 36
THIRTY-SIX
Thom steered the car down the narrow country lane, Sennen beside him. Trevellen was only fifteen minutes away now and he kept glancing at the time.
‘I feel so bad,’ he muttered, gripping the wheel tighter.
Sennen shoved a piece of chewing gum she’d found in the centre console into her mouth. ‘About Poppy?’
‘Yes, I’ve been a fool, haven’t I?’
‘You’ve been a complete tosser.’ Sennen quickly scrolled her train app and on reaching a crossroads, pointed to the right. ‘Well, Polheron station is only ten minutes down that way, and the London train will be pulling in in exactly thirteen minutes.’
Thom swerved sharply to the right and slammed the accelerator.
The Porsche skidded into the station car park, tyres squealing, leaving a few passers-by staring as if a stunt show had broken out in their lunch break.
Sennen shouted from the passenger seat. ‘Quick! Go, go!’
Thom leaped out and ran across the tarmac. On the platform, Poppy sat on the edge of a bench, coffee cup in hand, eyes red from crying and fatigue. She didn’t look up.
Thom stopped a few feet away. ‘Poppy…’
She lifted her gaze, holding his steady for a moment. Thom stepped closer.
‘I don’t blame you for not wanting to see me again,’ he said. ‘I’ve been worse than wicked to you. But I want you to know that I am truly sorry.’
Poppy cradled her cup with both hands. She looked up at him. ‘And what do you expect me to do with that information?’
Thom gave a small shrug, grin widening. ‘Do what you will… just promise me one thing: please keep being beautiful, erratic, caring, thoughtful. You.’
Tears filled the pretty woman’s eyes. ‘How could you ever expect me to trust you again?’
‘I don’t know, is my answer to that.’ Thom cocked his head to the side. ‘But you could maybe try?’
‘I… I always go for the bad boys.’ Her voice was low, defeated. ‘And you… you’re the worst kind.’
Thom sighed deeply. ‘I wasn’t brought up to be trouble. But I’ll leave it out there, whether you forgive me or not, I think you’re great.’
Poppy glanced toward the tracks as the train approached, then back at him. Tall and handsome, his auburn hair catching the sunlight. Relying on his looks and charm to get away with whatever he wanted, just as he always did.
She righted her wheelie case and straightened her back. ‘At least the train’s showed up on time. Unlike your excuses. Goodbye, Thomas.’
With a flick of her hair and without a backward glance, Poppy Wallis stepped onto the 13.15 to Paddington, the carriage doors sliding shut behind her with a decisive click.