Chapter 3
3
‘Hi!’ The woman gave a cheery wave as I walked into the snug little café in the village. I’d spent the last few days doing research for the restoration, making spreadsheets and costings, and now I just needed a change of scene from the same four walls and plastic sheeting I’d been staring at since I got here.
‘Hi,’ I said, my Manolos clicking on the floor as I walked to the counter.
‘You must be the new owner of Paradise Farm.’
I let out an unintentional laugh. ‘Yes. That’s me.’
‘Julie Woods. Nice to meet you.’
Woods?
‘Felicity DeVere. Likewise.’
Her smile seemed genuine and at least she was making an effort, unlike the other customers, who I knew were looking at me while pretending not to. But I’d dealt with that before. I ignored them and focused on what I’d come here to do.
‘How’s it going?’ Julie called over the surprisingly unobtrusive sound of the coffee machine as it ground the beans. She saw me glance at it. ‘I know, quiet, isn’t it?’
‘It is.’
‘The other one was driving me mad and I was moaning about it once when my brother was here and next thing I know, this had arrived.’
‘Wow. Nice brother.’
‘Yeah. He’s all right,’ she said with a grin. ‘Take a seat anywhere you like and I’ll be with you in a minute.’
I click-click-clicked over to a table for two by the window, took a seat and began to study the menu.
‘So, how you getting on up there?’ Julie asked as she got to my table, pad and pen in hand.
‘In Paradise?’ I asked, with a wry smile.
Julie laughed. ‘Yeah. I gather it’s not quite that just yet.’ She pulled a sympathetic face. ‘But the views are amazing.’
‘The weather hasn’t really been the best since I got here but I’m sure they are. Although I’d prefer to view them through glass rather than plastic sheeting.’ Why I’d mentioned the plastic, I had no idea. Usually, the minimum amount of small talk was enough for me. But I was so grateful for this woman’s warm, friendly smile and greeting after everything that had happened, I was surprisingly eager to extend the conversation.
‘I can’t believe he left it like that. That wasn’t the deal.’ She shook her head.
‘The deal?’ I asked as I chose the avocado on sourdough and Julie scribbled it down.
‘My cousin. He made a right hoo-ha about wanting the place and how he had always dreamed about having it. Everyone knew my brother was the one who was supposed to get Paradise Farm once Gran died but he’s such a softy, he let our cousin have it. He even lent him the money to do it up it as he’d made such a song and dance about caring for it. Instead, Joe ripped out all the original fittings that were worth anything and flogged them to a salvage dealer, sold the place and scarpered with the money.’ She threw a dark look. ‘Jesse’s money.’
‘Jesse?’ I repeated.
‘Yeah. He’s my brother. Oh, that’s him now,’ she said as the tiny bell above the door tinkled and her brother’s large frame filled the doorway. ‘I’ll introduce you.’
Before I could speak, she was beckoning him over from where he’d stopped to chat to a young couple with a newborn who were sitting near the door. He glanced over, gave her a wave, gave me a brief nod then turned back to his conversation.
‘That’s OK,’ I said. ‘Some other time.’
‘OK. I’ll bring your order over when it’s ready. Cutlery’s over there.’ She pointed to a wooden dresser, its shelves displaying a stylish mix of teacups and saucers and teapots. Below those stood utensil pots and mini condiment sets along with a water dispenser, slices of lemon and lime bobbing inside it.
I clipped over to the dresser, aware of the sound of my shoes, which suddenly seemed deafening over the quiet chatter of the café. Back straight and chin up, I gathered what I needed, including a glass of water, then made my way back, sat down and pulled the laptop out of my Hermès shoulder bag and resumed my project management of the house.
A short time later, Julie appeared at the table bearing the most delicious-looking brunch.
‘This looks amazing,’ I said. ‘Thanks.’
‘Julie’s food is the best around by miles,’ a deep voice added, pride in his tone.
I looked up to see Jesse now standing by his sister.
‘He’s biased, obviously. And probably just wants free food.’ She gave him a nudge with her shoulder.
‘Well, if there’s some going,’ he replied, exchanging a grin with her.
‘This is my brother I was telling you about,’ Julie said. I didn’t miss the brief shadow that passed across his face as she said the words.
‘Jesse, this is Felicity DeVere. She’s the new owner of Paradise Farm.’
‘Felicity.’ He nodded. ‘Nice to see you again.’
Julie’s head snapped round towards him. ‘You’ve met? When? You didn’t tell me.’
Jesse folded his arms across an expansive chest and tilted his head the smallest amount as he eyed his sister. ‘I wasn’t aware I had to report every new acquaintance I made.’
‘No, obviously not.’ She rolled her eyes at me. ‘Eat, eat!’ she said, chivvying me up, but it felt a little uncomfortable to start eating with the audience I now had. I was also more than aware a few more ears had perked up in the meantime. ‘I’m just surprised you hadn’t mentioned you’d met Felicity here, what with her being the owner of the farm now.’
‘I left something behind at the DIY shop and your brother kindly brought it round for me,’ I explained, sensing Jesse’s discomfort.
‘Oh.’ Julie seemed disappointed. ‘Right. So, are you eating?’ she asked, looking up at her brother.
‘That looks good,’ he said, pointing at my plate.
‘Coming up.’ Julie laid a hand on my shoulder, then headed back behind the counter, leaving her brother standing by the table.
‘Sorry about that.’
I looked up.
‘About what?’
He inclined his head towards his sister, who was now busy laughing with another woman as the café began to fill with what seemed to be regular customers. ‘She’s always been pretty chatty.’
‘I think she’s lovely,’ I replied genuinely and my words brought a smile.
‘Thanks. I’ll… I’ll leave you to get on with your lunch.’
He turned to take the last table behind me just as an elderly couple swooped in. ‘Sorry, Jesse, love. You don’t mind, do you?’ they asked, making themselves comfy.
‘Oh… No, not at all.’
I caught his eye and pushed the empty chair at my table with my foot. He hesitated.
‘I won’t bite,’ I whispered, widening my eyes at him as he rested his hand on the back of the chair. ‘Besides,’ I continued, ‘you’re not my type.’
The smile was slow and way too sexy, something he was apparently unaware of. ‘Touché.’ His gaze fell to the laptop screen taking in the builders’ website I’d pulled up.
‘Don’t use them. You want someone who’s a specialist in restoration ideally.’
‘They’ve got a lot of good reviews.’
‘That’s as may be, but you’ve got a Victorian farmhouse. That’s not the same as sticking an extension on a new build.’
‘Thank you for that excellent example of mansplaining but I’ll do my own research, if you don’t mind.’
Jesse looked as if he very much did mind, judging by the tiny muscle in his jaw that was flickering away like a dodgy light bulb.
‘I’m trying to help.’
‘Which I appreciate but, as I said before, if I need it, I will ask.’
He sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. ‘Right.’
‘Here you go!’ Julie appeared at the side of the table and put Jesse’s lunch down in front of him.
‘Looks great, Jules. Thanks.’
His sister squinted her eyes then stood back and put her hands on her hips. ‘What’s wrong with it?’
‘Nothing!’
‘Then what’s with the face?’
‘No face,’ he replied, jaw still tense. ‘Same old face.’
‘I don’t think so.’
He threw her a look that told her to leave it. I knew exactly what the problem was and, having witnessed their close relationship earlier, had no wish to cause any ripples in that particular pond by her thinking he was turning his nose up at her cooking.
‘I just think your brother would rather eat elsewhere. We have differing viewpoints on the renovation of my house.’
‘Oh,’ Julie said, apparently relieved that the problem was not with her food. Then she cast a glance around. ‘Well, sorry, big brother, we’re full, so you’ll both have to just agree to disagree for the moment. Enjoy!’ she said and walked back to the counter.
I took another bite of my food, trying not to smile.
‘Don’t think I can’t see you smiling over there.’
I widened my eyes as I swallowed my mouthful. ‘I don’t know what you mean.’
Jesse gave a grunt and concentrated on demolishing his lunch. I finished mine, put the plate aside and returned to my research, sipping on the refill of coffee Julie had just provided me with. I switched screens back to my vision boards for the house and scanned through the one for the bedroom. The scheme was soft and feminine, romantic and cosy – all of the things that my London apartment hadn’t been. But then I’d been a fan of the minimalistic look. Working long hours had meant I wasn’t always there an awful lot and if I was, I had my head buried in a laptop. So it had been quite a surprise to find that the mood board I was creating for the main bedroom began to come together in a style I’d never thought I’d consider. But it felt right.
‘Is that for the main bedroom?’ Jesse interrupted my thoughts, and I looked up to see him glancing over at the screen.
‘Yes,’ I replied. ‘Although I suspect you’re about to tell me that’s all wrong too.’
He wiped his mouth with his napkin and placed it back on his lap. Interesting. For someone who seemed so rough around the edges, his grasp of table etiquette was on point.
‘Nope. Not at all. From what I can see, it looks perfect.’ The smile flashed on his face. ‘Don’t look so shocked. And…’ he cleared his throat ‘…I apologise if earlier seemed like “mansplaining” to you. That wasn’t my intention. I just wouldn’t want you to waste your money on a bad job.’
‘Thank you. I appreciate the apology. Well…’ I drained the last of the coffee and then pushed my chair back. ‘Things to do.’
‘People to see?’
‘Unlikely, as I don’t know a soul, but yes, that kind of thing.’
‘You should come round for dinner.’ Julie popped up at my elbow.
‘Oh! No, that’s really kind of you but it was just a turn of phrase. I’m fine, really.’
Her hand was back on her hip.
‘Do you know anyone around here?’
I opened my mouth, glanced at Jesse, who was now resting his chin on his steepled fingers, watching, the faintest hint of amusement on a mouth that some might call tempting.
‘Well, no, but?—’
‘That’s that, then. We always have a big roast on a Sunday and you have to come. It’s got to be ever so lonely up there. Oh, go on, say you’ll come. We never get any new and interesting people around here.’ She had the same big, grey eyes as her brother and they were hard to say no to. Just as I imagined it would be hard to say no to him, given the right situation but that was certainly not something I needed to worry about.
‘I wouldn’t want to inconvenience anyone.’
‘No inconvenience!’ Julie replied, grinning now. ‘Lunch is at one so Jesse can come and get you about half twelve. Sound OK?’
‘Oh no, I don’t need a lift, honestly.’ Now that I’d had my rear windscreen repaired, at least one thing I owned had all its windows as they should be.
‘Of course you do. You’ve got to have a glass of wine, or two.’
‘What if I wanted a glass of wine or two?’ her brother asked.
‘Then you’ll manage without,’ she replied, not skipping a beat. ‘Ah, that’s great. I’m going to ring Mum and let her know.’ She pulled her phone from her apron pocket. ‘See you Sunday if not before,’ Julie said, touching my arm as she left, her phone already to her ear.
I turned slowly back to face Jesse. ‘What just happened?’
‘She might look like a stiff breeze would blow her over but she’s a steamroller when she wants to be.’ He stood from the table, placing his napkin on top of it now that he was finished. ‘Guess I’ll see you Sunday, then. If not before.’ He echoed his sister’s words then held out a hand, indicating for me to go first as we made our way out of the café, its windows now steamy with the heat being generated inside. Outside, the sky was a leaden, flat grey with the promise of yet more rain. A gust of wind howled around the corner. I wrapped my ankle-length, fitted, wool coat around me and knotted the belt.
‘I need to make some calls about getting some replacement windows fitted sooner rather than later I think,’ I said, casting the sky a disapproving glare.
Jesse nodded, his gaze dropping to my stiletto heeled shoes. ‘Kind of amazed you made it out in those.’
‘I have some most unflattering wellies in the car that I found in the boot room for commutes between my car and house until I get some paving laid.’
‘I see you’re learning.’
‘I wish I’d learned that huge spiders like to hibernate or whatever they do in said wellies before I put them on my feet.’ I shuddered again at the feel of long, furry legs tickling my feet as I’d shoved them into the oversized boots earlier today. ‘I’m amazed you didn’t hear the screams, to be honest. I was sure half the county did.’
‘Not a fan of spiders?’
‘No, not terribly. Especially not on my person.’
He looked down at the scuffed toes of his work boots before suddenly returning his gaze to me. ‘I’m really sorry about this, you know. I had no idea what a state the house had been left in.’
‘It’s hardly your fault,’ I replied. ‘Even though I know now that the place was supposed to go to you.’
‘Ah.’
‘Your sister told me. I can understand why you don’t like me?—’
‘I never said that.’
I stopped mid flow. ‘Well, no. But… I can see how irksome it must be to have me swoop in from out of town and buy the house of your dreams.’
‘To be honest, that’s not the house of my dreams.’
‘Oh!’
‘It looks a hell of a lot better in my dreams. For a start, it’s got functioning windows.’ He gave a flick of the dark brows.
‘Hilarious.’
‘What’s that for?’ He nodded towards my car. Two straw bales were stuffed into the back seat with another on the front.
‘Bedding for the chickens, according to Google. I know it’s not enough, before you say anything, but it’s a start. The chap at the supply store said he’d drop the rest round for me.’
‘Brendan?’
‘Yes.’
‘Blimey. Special privileges there. He must have taken a shine to you.’
I flicked him a look. ‘Hardly.’
‘Coming round to the idea of them now, then, the chickens? Didn’t seem so keen on them when you first met.’
‘Thank you for reminding me of that particular moment in time but, yes, I think I am. They’re really rather sweet, if a little untrained when it comes to being herded back into their house.’
‘Herded?’
‘Yes.’
‘Why don’t you just pick them up?’
I looked up at him. The only chicken I’d ever picked up was pre roasted and in a wrapper from Waitrose.
‘They might flap a bit at first but they’ll settle as soon as you’ve got them and they’re quite cosy to cuddle. Nice gentle breed you’ve got there.’
Never in my life had I imagined that I would ever be talking about how cuddly any chickens were, let alone my own!
Jesse sensed my hesitation. ‘One step at a time though, maybe.’
‘Yes, I think so. I’d better get back to this… whatever I’m supposed to do with it.’
‘Need some help?’
‘That’s very kind but I’m sure between Google and YouTube, I’ll work it out.’
He nodded.
‘Thanks, though.’
‘No problem. Glad they’re growing on you. I’ll see you half twelve Sunday.’
With that, Jesse gave a nod and then strode across the narrow main road of the village to where his pick-up was parked. As he went to get in, a lithe-looking woman stepped out from a nearby shop and called his name. He turned and I saw the woman’s face light up with a huge smile as she walked towards him, reaching up to kiss him on the cheek. I guess she was more his type.
He was right about the chickens. They were growing on me. Having done some hasty research online, I was now feeling rather guilty about the grubby state of the coop I’d inherited. By the looks of things, I’d also need to investigate getting the run repaired too as the chickens still had a tendency to be found in various parts of the farm that they shouldn’t be and the last thing I wanted was for a fox to get them.
I flashed the locks on my car and slid behind the wheel onto the soft leather just as large droplets of rain began to gather pace on the windscreen. Great. Did it ever do anything but bloody rain around here? As soon as I got home, I was ringing someone to sort out the windows. If I could at least weatherproof my house, that would be a start.