Chapter 33
?? From Andy
Last night on the pier was amazing. I don’t want to be pushy but I do have to be back at work on Monday. I know it’s Saturday and you’re busy at work but can we talk tonight? Please xx
I twiddled with a piece of foliage. He was right. He’d been very patient so far.
?? To Andy
I’ve got some stuff to do but, you’re right, we do need to talk. Can we say 8 pm at Seashell Cottage? Can you eat at the hotel first?
?? From Andy
Will do. See you at 8 xx
I slipped my mobile back into my jeans pocket and returned to the bouquet I was making, but it was a struggle to concentrate.
My mind kept wandering to the evening ahead and every time I tried to visualise us sitting on the sofa having a serious discussion about what the future may hold for us, my thoughts drifted to an image of me lying on the sofa kissing Nick. A flush crept up my body.
?? From Elise
Really hate to say this but I saw Nick the closest colours I could find to replicate stop and go lights.
FOR
Used to be perfect
Loved him for years
Always thought meant to be
We’ve had fun
He’s gorgeous
He’s rich
He wants to marry me – I think
He’s called Steven
AGAINST
He broke my heart
Is it love… or nostalgia?
Clare’s comments: why now?
Will the fun last?
Looks just look at your parents.
Who do you have that with? Andy or Nick?
If it’s neither, then end it with both before you cause you or them more heartbreak.
And don’t panic about becoming like your Uncle Alan.
Even if you stay single, you’ll never be alone like him as you have a family and great friends who’ll always be here for you.
If you do choose one, make sure you’re not settling for second best; your Tim.
I’m going to say goodbye now because I think I’ve lectured you enough.
Find your Charlie, Sarah, and hang onto him with all your strength because he’ll be worth it and, no matter what that CD says, don’t let the Steven thing be your guide. Let your heart be your guide xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I wiped my eyes with shaking hands then rummaged in my pocket for a tissue. Wow! That was unexpected. Poor Auntie Kay. I had no idea. No wonder she got mad when I set her up.
I was about to type in a reply when my phone beeped. Nick.
?? From Nick
Sorry I sent Callie in yesterday but I did promise you I’d stay away.
It wasn’t easy, though. I came to town with her and must have walked past your shop 20 times while you were with her, trying to pluck up the courage to come in.
But a promise is a promise, no matter how hard it is to keep!
I really miss you! Hope you’re happy and Andy is treating you well. Thinking of you, always xx
He missed me? He was thinking of me? That wasn’t a text from someone who’d moved on. Did it mean Blonde was out of the picture? Or that she was never in the picture? Maybe she was just a one-off? But Elise had seen them together twice since.
Sitting back in the chair, I reflected on Auntie Kay’s email, what Mum had said, and my session with my Post-it notes. The one common theme was whether I could imagine growing old with Andy. Would he be the one who stopped me being alone?
I typed in a quick reply to Auntie Kay to thank her for her email, say sorry for her loss, let her know my decision, and tell her I’d send her a longer reply later.
Almost as soon as I finished typing, there was a loud knock on the door. Time to face up to things…