Chapter Thirty-Seven
The fancy home-office-cum-summerhouse – to use Milo’s description – was perfect as a stop gap.
‘I don’t know what to say,’ I said.
We were standing slap bang in the middle of a twenty by ten building. It was possibly bigger than Lisa’s lounge. Certainly, it was less cluttered.
A neat kitchenette was at one end. A door led to a shower room and loo. At the other end was a sofa which became a double bed. There was even a small television set upon the wall.
Underneath the TV was a large sideboard that provided storage space. On its surface was an Echo Spot. Oh good. I’d be able to have conversations not just with Cindy, but also Alexa.
Elsewhere, an occasional table had a lift-up lid. This provided further storage. Midway, between the kitchenette and sofa area, was a generous floor-to-ceiling cupboard. I opened the door and discovered a vacuum cleaner, ironing board and steam iron, also a hanging rail.
‘You’ve thought of everything,’ I said in amazement.
‘Even the kitchen sink,’ Milo joked. ‘However, there isn’t a washing machine.’
‘That’s fine,’ I said, wondering if there was a launderette in the area. Not that it mattered if there wasn’t. ‘I can handwash stuff. Anything bulky can go to the drycleaners.’
‘Don’t be daft,’ said Milo. ‘I’ll give you a key to the cottage. Use my washing machine.’
‘I really couldn’t impose.’ I shook my head.
‘Up to you,’ he said with a shrug.
I had a sudden vision of stepping through his backdoor. Laundry basket held aloft. Milo in the open-plan area. One of his swipe right ladies draped across the sofa. That would never do.
‘It’s fine,’ I said firmly. ‘I can wash clothes in the shower. And there’s a drycleaner two doors down from my work.’
‘Okay, but the offer is there if you change your mind. Meanwhile, perhaps we should let Rambo and Cindy get reacquainted? After all, they’ll be sharing the garden. We don’t want any territory issues.’
‘Righto,’ I agreed, following Milo out of the summerhouse.
We walked along the pretty meandering path to the cottage’s backdoor. Even though it was dark, I couldn’t help noticing how beautiful the garden looked. Milo’s electricians had created some serious mood magic around the flowerbeds and fencing. Numerous nightlights bathed everything in a soft glow. It was – dare I say it – the perfect setting for romance.
Milo let Rambo out. Seconds later the pint-sized dog had strutted over to Cindy. The chihuahua greeted her with a bit of a rumble and lots of posturing. Seconds later, he’d headed over to the apple tree to cock his leg.
‘Let Cindy off her lead,’ said Milo. ‘She might as well romp around the garden with Rambo.’
‘Will he be okay with her?’ I asked nervously. ‘After all, he’s already marking his territory.’
‘He’ll be fine,’ said Milo. ‘He’s not a German Shepherd.’
‘Why is it good he’s not a German Shepherd?’
Milo regarded me gravely.
‘Because they mark their territory with a beach towel.’
‘Oh, for goodness’ sake,’ I snorted. ‘That’s a terrible joke.’
‘But it made you laugh,’ he countered. ‘Gotcha.’ He pointed a finger at me. ‘You’ve looked so sad ever since we left the pub. I wanted to see you if I could make you smile.’
‘Well, you did,’ I said. ‘And I’m not sad. Not really. Things are on the up. Thanks to you,’ I added shyly.
Only hours ago, I’d thought this man beyond annoying. Instead, he’d become something of a life saver.
We stood there for a minute or two. Not saying anything. Just watching Rambo and Cindy sniff each other’s backsides, wag their tails, and then check out a rosebush together. Milo was the first to speak.
‘Move your stuff in tomorrow.’ He handed me the key to the accommodation.
‘Thank you,’ I said, curling my fingers around it. ‘Be sure to tell your son about me. That soon a stranger will be living at the bottom of the garden. Otherwise he might wonder who I am.’
‘I’ll introduce you when he’s next around,’ said Milo. ‘Currently he’s with some mates. There was talk of a stag weekend in Prague. I don’t like to ask questions otherwise I’m accused of being a nosy parker – which, of course, I am,’ he grinned. ‘A parent always worries about their child, no matter how old they are. JJ didn’t tell me his return date. Which rather suggests a stag week. I’ve had too much going on in my own life lately to keep track of my son’s diary too, what with setting up a new clinic and everything.’
‘I see,’ I said, wondering what Milo did for a living.
‘I’m a dentist,’ he explained, as if reading my thoughts. ‘I’ve set up a new practice in Meopham.’
‘Oh!’ I exclaimed. ‘That’s where I work. Perhaps we’ll bump into each other.’
‘Maybe,’ Milo smiled, before whistling Rambo to heel. ‘Good boy,’ he said, scooping up the little dog. ‘The two of us will now walk you and Cindy back to your car.’
‘You don’t need to do that,’ I protested.
‘Nonsense,’ he said gruffly. ‘It’s highly unlikely you’ll get mugged around here. Not unless Hugo Cartwright’s cows have made a break for it. A couple of days ago a few of them did just that. Hugo is tighter than my jeans after a roast dinner. He wasn’t pleased to stump up the readies for new fencing. Cows aside, there’s no street lighting around here. Anyway, no woman should walk anywhere late at night.’
‘Well, if it’s no trouble,’ I said, secretly relieved.
‘It isn’t,’ he assured. ‘Oh, good. You’re smiling again.’
I didn’t like to tell Milo that the smile was completely involuntary. That I couldn’t have stopped beaming if my life had depended upon it. Inside, my heart was singing. Even though Milo Soren was on a dating app, even though he’d likely given himself tendonitis from all the swiping right, even though he dated women faster than cars visiting a McDonald’s drive-thru, none of that mattered. Because, right now, he was with me.
‘And I’d just like to say’ – he added, his face suddenly serious – ‘you truly have a beautiful smile.’
I was so flabbergasted, I didn’t know how to respond. Instead, I stood there, feeling gormless, but still giving him my beautiful smile.
‘Won’t be a mo,’ he said.
He disappeared into the cottage; Rambo tucked under one arm. I clipped Cindy’s lead onto her collar. A moment later, Milo was back, this time with Rambo attached to a long leash.
‘Shall we?’ he said, offering me an elbow.
And it seemed like the most natural thing in the world to link my arm with his and let him lead me through the garden gate.
Hmm, said Cindy. So long as you don’t get led up the garden path.