Chapter Nineteen
LUKE
Eight Months Before the Anniversary Party
Hey. I know you’re probably very busy, but I wondered if I could ask a favour?
He reads the message and smiles. Sure.
I’m doing a house in Dulwich and I wondered if you remembered the name of that reclamation yard you got those amazing church pews from? My client is DESPERATE for some.
Sullivan’s. That’s the name of the reclamation yard. Near Paddock Wood in Kent. An absolute treasure trove of old doors, flooring, tiles and oddities. They nearly always had a church pew or ten in stock.
He taps the name of the place into the box and presses ‘send’.
She responds with five thumbs-up emojis and a face with hearts for eyes, which makes him laugh.
Elena is always so warm and enthusiastic, and it’s nice to feel as if he’s been helpful in some way.
It’s nice to feel useful. Wanted. He’s about to add another message, reminding her that, because it’s out in the back of beyond, the sat nav will try and take her down a dirt path with a gate at the end, but he’s only typed two letters when he stops.
Stuff it. Who’s got time for long-winded messages? It’s probably just easier to call.
Seconds later, the phone is ringing and then a soft, warm voice says, ‘’Ola?’