Chapter 5
Iris was the one who greeted Rocco at the front door, taking his coat and thanking him for the box of chocolates he handed over.
‘I figured a little something for everyone.’ He really wanted it to be just for her but thought it might be a tad early to offer gifts. He lowered his gaze, ignored her sweet perfume entering his soul, and followed her to the dining room, telling himself to act casual.
‘Thank you. That’s very thoughtful. I’m sure they’ll go down well after dinner.’
There was only one person in the room Rocco hadn’t met yet.
‘I’m Jaxson,’ said the young man, offering his hand to shake.
‘My son,’ said Magnus.
Cookie entered with a plate of roast potatoes, the last of the food to go on the table. ‘I think you’ve pretty much met half the village today.’
Rocco had to agree as he shook hands with Jaxson. ‘I met a lot of ducks.’
‘Not any of mine wandering around, I hope?’ Norma checked beneath the table as though one might be there.
‘No, none from here.’ Rocco sat in the chair Iris offered, then watched as she sat by his side. ‘I’ve not had any luck finding Lady Vic yet.’
Cookie sat and told everyone to tuck in, then looked over at Rocco. ‘Luck won’t play a part. There’s no luck at the moment.’
Magnus speared a carrot. ‘Stop saying that. Some people like having hope.’
‘I’m being realistic.’
Jaxson broke into the conversation, asking Rocco if he liked Butterbrook yet? ‘I can show you all the sights, as I’m a tour guide for the area.’ His hazel eyes sparkled as he smiled.
Rocco scooped some broccoli onto his plate. ‘So far so good. It’s quieter than I’m used to, but that was the point of me coming here.’
‘Not your gran?’ Cookie shrugged as Iris frowned her way. ‘Iris mentioned your gran told you about Butterbrook.’
‘Yes, my grandmother enjoyed her time here.’
‘Fell in love?’ questioned Cookie, raising her eyebrows.
Norma looked up from her roast chicken. ‘Ooh, who with?’
‘I don’t know. She never said his name,’ replied Rocco.
‘What was her name?’ asked Josie.
‘Roberta White, but everyone called her Bertie.’
Cookie rested her chin on her hand for a long moment. ‘Hmm. Name’s not ringing a bell.’
‘She was older than you,’ Rocco told her. ‘If she were alive now, she’d be eighty-one.’
Cookie went back to cutting up her food. ‘Would you like me to ask around, love? See if anyone remembers her.’
Rocco wasn’t sure, and his face obviously told everyone that because Iris lightly touched his hand.
‘You don’t have to delve into your grandmother’s past. My aunt is just nosey.’
Cookie scoffed and shoved a piece of chicken in her mouth.
‘It’s interesting though, isn’t it?’ said Norma, a dreamy look in her eye.
Iris shook her head, clearly amused. ‘You’ll have to excuse my little sister. She just loves love.’
‘Nothing wrong with that,’ said Norma.
Magnus had his own opinion on the matter. ‘And what if the fella she was in love with is still alive and you dredge up unhappy memories for him or something?’
Norma wrinkled her nose. ‘Way to put a downer on it, Magnus.’
‘I’m just saying. Some things are best left in the past. No one knows why Rocco’s grandmother left here, so perhaps it wasn’t all roses and moonlight.’
‘Ignore him.’ Cookie leaned forward, her top almost meeting the gravy on her plate. ‘Let me know if you want me to ask around. I don’t think it’ll be a big drama. Someone here might have some nice memories of your gran to share with you.’
Rocco shrugged one shoulder. ‘I suppose there is that.’ He looked to Iris for her input, unsure why it mattered what she thought.
‘It’s up to you.’
He turned back to Cookie. ‘Okay. You can ask if anyone remembers her time here. It would have been around sixty-odd years ago.’
Cookie winked. ‘You leave that with me, love.’
He figured it wouldn’t do any harm, and even if some drama had happened, it was all so long ago, and his gran only spoke fondly of Butterbrook, so it couldn’t have been that bad.
The rest of the dinner was spent talking about Lady Vic, and the extension Florrie Sparks was having up at Treacle Topping Farm next month, which Cookie considered a waste of money, as the farm was big enough.
Norma and Josie headed home shortly after finishing dessert, and Magnus roped in Jaxson to help with the clearing up, even though Iris said there wasn’t much to do other than load the dishwasher and empty the bin.
Cookie had Rocco sitting by the fireplace in the communal living room, saucer of chocolate truffles in hand, before leaving him alone with Iris.
Rocco sat up as soon as Cookie left. ‘I don’t want to outstay my welcome. Everyone’s gone home.’
Iris always seemed to have such a warm smile. ‘You’re all right. We have no guests to see to, and it’s still early, but feel free to leave at any time.’
He offered her a chocolate, feeling quite comfy in his chair and her company. ‘Maybe five more minutes.’
Iris snaffled a chocolate as she smiled. ‘How are you getting on in the cabin?’
‘It’s better now it’s furnished. Homely.’
‘I’m pleased you feel settled.’
‘Well, this is my home now.’
‘You think you’ll stick around?’
He waited until he swallowed the sweet treat he was chewing before replying. ‘I don’t plan on going anywhere, Iris.’
‘Might be worth you taking up Jaxson on his offer to show you around. He’s a great tour guide, and not so busy this time of year. Check out the whole of Butterbrook. See what you think.’
He studied her face for a moment while she reached for a book on a side table. ‘So far, I think it’s quite magical.’
‘I do too.’
A fizz hit his stomach when she noticed him staring.
‘Erm, feel free to pop in here if you ever want some company. One of us is usually pottering around. Although, Magnus might get you helping out with repairs. You have been warned.’
They shared a laugh, then Rocco asked her to pass him a book from the pile. ‘How about if I just fancy reading by your lovely fireplace?’ He gestured at the flickering flames burning low in the brick-built nook.
‘Sure.’
‘And if you ever need some peace and quiet if it gets hectic over here, you’re more than welcome to bring your book to my cabin and relax in front of the wood burner.’
She flashed her gorgeous smile before settling back in her chair to read. ‘Looks like you and me have become firm friends already.’
From Rocco’s point of view, he already knew he liked her a little more than that, but he wanted to keep that information to himself. He was new to the area, Iris was simply trying to make him feel welcome, and it was for the best if he just found his feet first.
‘The marquees will be going up in Crescent Park soon for our January food festival,’ said Iris, eyes on her book. ‘If you’re not busy that day, perhaps you might like to go there with me. It’s a good day. Lots of food samples on offer.’
Was she asking him on a date? He couldn’t tell.
But as though reading his mind she added, ‘Just hanging out.’
Rocco bobbed his head as his heart still smiled. ‘I’d like that.’