Chapter 45
They walked along the promenade in companionable silence at first, their footsteps echoing softly on the damp pavement.
The storm had passed, leaving the air scrubbed clean and sharp with salt.
Streetlamps cast pools of amber light, reflected in the dark windows of the cottages and tall townhouses that faced the sea, their curtains drawn, lives quietly continuing behind their closed doors.
Bridie breathed it in. Suffolk at night still had that way of wrapping around her, reminding her she belonged there – even if she wasn’t quite sure whether she would stay.
They cut down a narrow side street between cottages, then emerged onto the high street. Ahead, across the road, was the familiar entrance to Cobblers Yard.
A car swept past, tyres hissing on wet tarmac. They paused on the pavement to let it go.
Jack broke the silence. ‘When will I see you again?’
Bridie hesitated. ‘I don’t know.’
‘How about when the cleaners have been in?’ he suggested. ‘You can see if it meets with your approval. Or if you still need your friends to come in.’
She wasn’t sure if there was a hint of sarcasm there or if she was imagining it.
‘All right,’ she said. ‘Let me know when it’s ready.’
Excitement fluttered in her chest. ‘I can’t quite believe it,’ she added. ‘That it’ll actually be ready. Ready to stage a play.’
Jack’s expression didn’t match her enthusiasm.
‘Why the glum face?’ she asked. ‘It’s what you were doing it for, wasn’t it? So I could stage a play?’
He didn’t reply.
They crossed the road together. Jack insisted on walking her down the short lane that led into the yard.
It was gloomy there, the cobbles slick and uneven, but ahead the single old-fashioned streetlamp glowed softly, illuminating the centre of Cobblers Yard while the surrounding shops melted into shadow.
Bridie slowed before they reached it.
Although the shops were closed, the place wasn’t empty. There was light in the bookshop – Henry and his carers – and she knew that Reggie would be upstairs in his flat. She’d only told a few people about Jack’s involvement in the theatre, but she wanted to keep it as quiet as possible.
‘You don’t need to see me right to my door,’ she said quietly, unsure why she was whispering.
Jack tilted his head. ‘No nightcap then?’
She frowned at him. The smile that followed told her he was joking – or mostly joking. But the temptation was there all the same.
After a week of sharing the flat with her sister, it was going to feel very empty. What harm would one cup of coffee do?
She was just about to say something – about to ignore Hannah’s warning, echoing loudly in her head – when Jack’s phone buzzed.
‘Is that your phone?’ she asked, instantly regretting how stupid it sounded.
Jack frowned at the screen. For a moment, he didn’t move.
Bridie didn’t voice the other question that flashed through her mind. Is that your wife? Of course it was. Probably wondering where he was. She couldn’t imagine he’d told her about the theatre. Or about Bridie.
For a moment, Bridie had forgotten they weren’t kids anymore; his life had moved on. And yet when they were together ...
Bridie shook herself. That was years ago. ‘So,’ she said firmly, ‘let me know when the theatre’s ready. We’ll arrange to meet there.’
‘You promise?’
‘Of course.’
His gaze flicked towards the yard, dark and quiet. ‘I’d better go then.’
‘Yes,’ Bridie said, lingering all the same.
They both leaned in. Then a light flicked on in Reggie’s shop.
Bridie stepped back at once. ‘Goodnight, Jack.’
‘Goodnight.’
She watched him go before stepping out of the shadows and into the yard. Reggie was stepping out of his shop just as she entered the yard, Barney pulling eagerly at his lead.
She glanced over her shoulder, checking Jack had gone, wondering if Reggie had seen him, when she noticed someone standing outside the art and craft shop.
Soaked. Shivering.
At first, she didn’t recognise him. He was facing away from the yard, looking up at her flat.
As she drew closer, Reggie did too.
They spoke at the same time. ‘Oliver? What are you doing here?’
He turned, his eyes going straight to Bridie. ‘Oh! I thought you were in. I waited and waited. I didn’t realise you were out.’
She realised then that she’d left a light on upstairs. He obviously hadn’t seen or heard her at the head of the lane talking in hushed voices with Jack. Fortunately, although the rain had subsided, strong winds were whipping up another storm, which meant he wouldn’t have heard them.
‘You’re soaked through,’ she said. ‘How long have you been out here?’
‘A while.’
‘You’re going to catch a chill. Reggie, can you bring Barney inside and put the kettle on?’
She unlocked the door and ushered them in. Oliver sneezed violently.
‘Come upstairs,’ Bridie said. ‘Change out of those wet clothes.’
‘But … what will I wear?’
‘I’ll find something.’
Upstairs, she rummaged in her wardrobe and pulled out an oversized tracksuit that had once belonged to Julian. She didn’t know why she’d kept it.
‘Here,’ she said, pressing it into Oliver’s shaking hands. ‘Change in the bathroom. I’ll put your wet clothes in the washing machine.’
‘You don’t have to—’
‘Oliver, just do it. Leave them in the bath when you’re changed and come downstairs. Reggie’s making a cup of coffee.’
She was about to shut the bathroom door. ‘What are you doing here, Oliver?’
‘I … I wanted to see you. I’m sorry I missed your text, you see, my—’ he sneezed again.
Bridie held up her hand. ‘Explain later. Just get out of those wet clothes, for goodness’ sake.’
Downstairs, Barney bounded over, ecstatic. Bridie laughed as he jumped up and licked her face.
‘All right, all right,’ she said, laughing. ‘Calm down.’
Reggie handed her a mug of coffee quietly. He was unusually subdued.
He handed her a mug. ‘I saw you with Jack Harrison. I heard that Jack is involved in the theatre. So, that’s why you haven’t asked for our help again. He’s taken over.’
Bridie didn’t know what to say.
‘It’s true, isn’t it?’
Bridie cast her eyes to the ceiling. She could hear the creak of the floorboards. Oliver was still changing.
Bridie frowned. ‘Did Hannah tell you?’ She had thought Hannah would keep it to herself.
‘No, I overheard rumours in the Co-op that Jack must have finally got his hands on the theatre because people have spotted his crew, who’ve worked on properties in the town, in the theatre.’
‘Please don’t tell Oliver you saw me with Jack,’ she whispered. ‘It’s not what you think.’
‘So why didn’t you tell me who you were meeting when you asked me to look after Barney?’
‘Because I knew you’d think what you’re thinking.’
‘And that is?’
‘That there’s more going on. There isn’t.’
Reggie studied her. ‘Are you sure?’
Her cheeks burned.
‘Tread carefully, Bridie,’ he said quietly. ‘Jack has always wanted that theatre.’
Bridie rolled her eyes. Talk about déjà vu. It wasn’t the first time she’d been warned.
Footsteps again. This time on the stairs.
She cast her gaze up to the ceiling. ‘Please,’ she murmured. ‘Don’t tell Oliver.’
Reggie sighed. ‘He’s a good boy. Always has been. Don’t break his heart.’
‘I’d never hurt my friends,’ she said and realised immediately it wasn’t true. She’d hurt Jack when she’d dumped him to go to London all those years ago.
‘Love triangles never end well,’ Reggie said. ‘I speak from experience.’
Before she had a chance to ask if he was talking about him and the actress, Isobel Raine, and her dad, they both turned at the sound of Oliver walking down the stairs.
Bridie quickly reiterated, ‘There’s nothing going on between me and Jack, I swear. It’s just business.’
Reggie said, ‘Are you sure about that? I heard his marriage is going down the pan.’
Bridie sighed. If one more person says that, she thought. She quickly added, ‘And there’s nothing going on between me and Oliver.’
‘So, what he is doing here, late on a Friday evening?’
‘I don’t know,’ Bridie whispered back.
‘I heard he’s held a torch for you all these years. That’s why he’s still single.’
Bridie shot back, ‘Is that why you never married, because you held a torch for Isobel Raine, but she loved another – she loved my dad?’
Bridie raised her eyebrows, wondering why she’d said that. But the look on Reggie’s face said she’d hit a nerve. ‘Is it true?’ She added, ‘Did my dad and Isobel have an affair? Am I—?’
Bridie was interrupted by the door to the stairs opening.
Oliver stepped into the shop and immediately caught the atmosphere. He looked at Reggie, sitting on the sofa staring into his coffee, and then at Bridie, biting her lip and frowning.
Oliver said, ‘I’d better go.’
‘No, Oliver,’ Reggie said briskly. ‘I’d best be off.’ He stood.
‘Here, take this.’ Bridie handed Oliver a hot cup of coffee. He was still shivering.
Bridie got up as well and put a throw around his shoulders as he took a seat. Barney immediately jumped on the sofa and put his head on Oliver’s lap.
While Barney entertained Oliver, rolling on his back for a tummy rub, Bridie followed Reggie to the door.
Reggie stepped outside and turned around. ‘You haven’t told your father about the theatre – have you? That’s why you asked us all to keep it a secret.’
Bridie shook her head. ‘You were in love with her. Isobel Raine.’
Reggie stared at her. ‘She was my one true love.’
Before she could ask anything more, Reggie said, ‘You need to speak to Rufus, Bridie.’ He looked past her into the shop. ‘Now I think you should go inside and close the door, otherwise Oliver really will catch his death.’
Bridie nodded. ‘Reggie, you will help me stage a play, won’t you? I’d be lost without you.’
‘Of course I will. We should meet at the theatre and make a plan.’
Bridie grinned. ‘You’re a good friend, Reggie. I wish you and my dad …’
She trailed off, not wishing to bring up the subject of Isobel Raine again.
Reggie changed the subject. ‘When shall we meet at the theatre?’
‘I’ll let you know.’
‘Great.’
Bridie said, ‘You are going to be in for such a surprise when you see the theatre next.’ She lowered her voice. ‘Jack is sending in professional cleaners once the works are completed next week.’
Bridie was about to close the door when she noticed Reggie hesitating. He had something on his mind. ‘Reggie?’
‘What is he getting out of investing in the theatre? Because I presume that’s where the money has come from to do it up.’ Reggie added, ‘I hope you know what you’re doing, Bridie, because Jack has a ruthless streak. He is not the same guy you once knew.’
Bridie begged to differ, but she wasn’t about to stand there and tell Reggie that, especially with Oliver just behind her in the shop.
‘Oliver,’ Reggie added, ‘hasn’t changed. He is still the same sweet guy he’s always been. Just be on your guard, Bridie.’
‘I’m fine,’ Bridie said, smiling. When it came to their assumptions about Jack, she couldn’t wait to prove them all wrong.
Behind them, Oliver sneezed again. Bridie said, ‘I’d better go inside and find out why Oliver’s here.’
Reggie raised his eyebrow. ‘I thought that was obvious.’ And with that he headed home across the yard.
When Bridie went back inside, Oliver was sitting with Barney sprawled across his lap. He was smiling weakly.
‘Now,’ she said gently, ‘tell me what you were doing standing outside in a thunderstorm.’
Oliver looked at her, eyes earnest.
‘I thought,’ he said softly, ‘that was obvious.’