Chapter 48
48
SIX MONTHS LATER
Dee read the letter slowly. That was it then, the divorce would soon be finalised. To her surprise, Nigel had been eager to settle and get the divorce through as soon as possible. She would have enough money to buy Edna’s cottage with ￡50,000 left over, which would cover all the things she wanted to do to the cottage and leave her quite a bit spare. She could probably have fought for more, as her solicitor had pointed out she’d worked unpaid for Nigel for years and helped him build up his business. Nigel still had most of his pension and stocks and shares, but she was happy with what she’d got. She loved this cottage, and living in Port Telwyn. She’d made a wonderful life here. And she had more than enough money to live on as she was working regularly in Moira’s Café. Moira had come back to the café now her daughter was better but she had asked Dee to stay on part time, which Dee was happy to agree to.
Loki, Dee’s rescue dog, barked at her and Dee patted the little tri-coloured cockapoo’s head. ‘Yes, it’s time for our walk, come on.’ She took down the lead from the hook where she kept it and fastened it onto Loki’s collar. Then she set off down to the beach. It was out of season now, so Loki could be let off her lead and run free. She really enjoyed that, running in and out of the waves, barking with happiness. Dee no longer walked Betsy because the Slaters’ son had bought one of the affordable housing apartments in the new development and he and his wife and children now lived down here. The Slaters were so happy. They popped into the café now and again to say hello and catch up with Dee.
A paper bag floated towards her as they walked along and Dee put it into the rubbish bag she always carried with her when she took Loki for a walk along the beach. They still had regular beach clean-up days, so there wasn’t that much litter about, but there was always someone who couldn’t be bothered to walk to the nearest bin, and sometimes the sea brought litter ashore.
She heard a shout and turned to see Glenn and Sammi, walking across the sand towards her. She waved to them.
‘We’ve been collecting shells,’ Sammi said, showing Dee her bucketful of assorted shells. ‘I’m going to wash them and make a treasure box with them.’
Dee smiled. ‘Another craftswoman in the making here,’ she said to Glenn.
He thrust his hands in his pockets. ‘I never did thank you properly for, you know, what you did. Getting me that job and home.’
‘It was Gordon’s idea.’
‘Only because you told him about me, about how hard it is to get reasonably priced accommodation around here. We all owe you, you and Kenny.’
‘You don’t owe me anything. I’m so grateful how you’ve all made me welcome and part of the community.’
Glenn nodded. ‘Aye, you’re one of us now.’
They carried on walking down the beach and Dee and Loki walked over to the new development. So many of the apartments were occupied now, although there were still some to be completed. In a couple of years, it would all be open, new shops, restaurants, leisure facilities. Babs and Geoff had visited again a few weeks ago and they’d been amazed at how the new development was progressing.
‘To think you could have lived in one of those posh apartments,’ Geoff had said as he gazed at them.
She was glad she’d turned it down though. She was happy in Primrose Cottage, happier than she ever thought she could be. She was happy with Kenny too. He was a gentle soul who gave her love but respected her need for time alone, as she respected his. He was working at the studio this morning, finishing a painting he’d been commissioned to do. They spent a lot of time together but they’d both agreed to keep their own homes, their own personal space. For now anyway.
Babs and Geoff were currently in Wales. They’d taken to spending whole weeks away in their camper van. And they both seemed happier than they had ever been. She was so pleased for them.
Annabel had let it out of the bag that Nigel was going to remarry. To the woman he’d been cheating on her with in Portugal. Apparently he’d been having an affair with her for some time. That’s why he’d cooperated with the divorce and settled so quickly. Dee wasn’t bothered. She felt sorry for the woman. Or maybe Nigel would treat her better than he did Dee, maybe he really did love her.
‘Dad wants Hallie to be bridesmaid, Mum,’ Annabel had said, worried that her mother would be upset.
‘Of course he does, dear, she’s his granddaughter. I don’t mind! I have everything I want here.’
Annabel had been surprised and relieved, but it was true. Dee turned back from the development and, calling Loki to her, put her on the lead and set off into the village, stopping off at the Artists’ Studios that were buzzing with life. There were twenty units and each one was filled with an artist. Such a variety of crafts. She stopped at the one Kenny was working in, watching him add the final touch to a sunset.
‘It’s beautiful,’ she said in awe. She never lost her admiration for his skill with a brush.
‘Thank you.’ He stood up, turned to her, wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in for a kiss. ‘There’s still one studio space left if you want it.’
She’d started doing her paper crafts again, spending the winter evenings creating collage pictures, paper flowers, beads, a variety of jewellery. Kenny told her they were incredible and tried to encourage her to take some to craft fairs but she wasn’t ready yet.
She thought about working here, having her work on display for people to come and look at. She listened to the buzz of the place, the lively atmosphere. Could she really be one of them?
‘Try it for six months. What have you got to lose?’ Kenny suggested.
She nodded. ‘Okay, I will.’
His face broke into a beaming smile. ‘Good for you!’ Another hug, then he picked up his jacket. ‘How about we go for some lunch. I’m starving.’
‘Me too,’ she said.
Hand in hand they walked down the hill with Loki to The Pirate’s Head to meet their friends.
Life had never been so good, Dee thought happily. She glanced at Kenny, he looked almost wistful.
‘Penny for them,’ she asked.
‘I wish I could freeze time. Keep everything like this for ever. I don’t want anything to change,’ he said.
She kissed his cheek. ‘Change isn’t always a bad thing. I had to run away, just to find my way home,’ she reminded him.
He touched her cheek tenderly. ‘You’re right there.’