Chapter 56
Throwing his kit bag down by the front door, Ben kicked off his trainers and headed for the kitchen. With a sigh, he put a pan of water on the hob to boil and grabbed a tin of budget tomatoes and a half-empty pack of pasta from the packet.
All day, he’d been hoping to hear from Jenni – was now the time to follow his own advice and be brave? He didn’t want to lose what he thought they had between them without even trying.
Pulling the tin opener from the drawer next to the sink, he was hit by the sudden sensation of being watched, and glancing over to the window he noticed two bright eyes staring at him intently.
Oscar.
‘Hello, mate,’ Ben said, opening the catch to let him in. ‘It’s so good to see you! I hear you’ve been on holiday!’
Oscar was purring loudly, turning in circles on the kitchen counter and arching his back as Ben stroked him gently.
‘Oh, Oscar,’ Ben whispered. ‘Am I glad to see you.’
Tears pricked behind his eyes as Oscar gave a timid meow, the sound touching Ben’s heart in a way he didn’t think possible.
‘You poor thing, you must be starving.’ Ben turned to reach into the cupboard for Oscar’s favourite biscuits.
And that’s when he saw it.
A note tied to Oscar’s collar.
His heart racing, his fingers fumbled to loosen the knot, before taking a deep breath and unfurling the paper.
Dear Ben,
If you’re reading this, you’ll know that Oscar is home safely. I’ve fed him hundreds of times today, I’m surprised he’s managed to jump over the fences and into your garden, but that’s Oscar, I suppose. Where there’s a biscuit, there’s a way!
I’ve been so worried about him, but you made a horrible situation so much easier. Thank you for helping me. Thank you for being so kind and thoughtful, and for caring about Oscar as much as I do.
I’d got used to being on my own, but I realise now that I’ve missed having someone to share my life with. Both the good bits and the really awful bits too.
A wise person once told me to Be Brave. (The capital letters seem necessary here.) So, would you like to go on a date with me? 8.30 tomorrow at the gallery?
Jenni x