Chapter 19 #2
‘I’ve realised,’ he said now, ‘that some marriages simply run their course and that’s how it was for Jennifer and me.
If she hadn’t met Jack then we would probably still be together, but I don’t know that for certain.
Maybe we would have split up anyway. What I do know now, and it took me a while, is that what we had together is over and I can only take the positives from that: my kids. ’
They walked for over an hour, through open fields, over stiles, and into the woods, along hilly paths and trails.
They pointed out different things to each other: the shadows cast by the sun through the woods, the squirrels playing a game of chase around the trees, the birdsong reverberating around them and of course Barney padding happily ahead.
By the time they returned to Hollyhocks Cottage, Tess felt that she knew so much more about Rob.
‘Right, well, I really enjoyed that; thanks for inviting me. I’m going to make myself a well-deserved coffee and some toast. Do you fancy some breakfast?’
‘I’d love some,’ said Rob, ‘if you’re sure I’m not taking up too much of your time?’
‘Not at all, and besides, I have an ulterior motive: there’s something I wanted to ask you.’
Inside the house, Tess popped some bread into the toaster and laid the kitchen table with plates, knives and spoons, jars of jam and marmalade, and butter.
While she set up the coffee machine, she noticed Rob from the corner of her eye taking in his surroundings, his gaze running around the old oak beams, the hand-painted kitchen cabinets, the stone floor and the window seat overlooking the front garden.
‘You’ve certainly got a gorgeous place here,’ he uttered.
‘Thanks.’ Tess always found it gratifying when someone new came to the house and they looked around them in awe, appreciating the beauty of the cottage.
‘It was a real labour of love, done over several years, but we were able to get it just the way we wanted it. We always called it our Forever Cottage,’ she said wistfully.
‘Ahh. So, who is the creative director here: is that you or Charles?’
‘That’s me,’ she said, focusing on pouring the coffee, feeling a sense of pride. ‘It’s one of my passions, interior design. I’ve been on several courses, and devour all the glossy magazines to find my inspiration, but I think my style is pretty traditional with a modern twist.’
‘Well, you’ve certainly done a great job. It’s very warm and welcoming.’
Tess handed Rob his coffee and placed the toast in a basket on the table.
‘Well, get stuck in then,’ she said, sitting down opposite him.
‘Thanks for this,’ he said, doing exactly as Tess urged him.
He helped himself to a slice of toast, spreading it thickly with butter before adding a covering of apricot jam, tucking in enthusiastically.
‘This is great. Just what is needed after our walk. You know you’re very welcome to join me again any time if you want to. ’
Tess nodded her eager response, thinking she might take him up on that offer. She had to take Barney out anyway, and sharing the walk today with Rob, having someone to chat with, made it all the more enjoyable.
‘So, what was it that you wanted to ask me?’
‘Oh yes, that! Well it’s a favour, actually.’
‘Ask away,’ he said, with a warm expression.
‘Well, I’m going away, next weekend, just for three nights, and I wondered if you might look after Barney in my absence? That’s if you haven’t got any other plans?’
‘Of course, that’s no problem at all. I’ll be here anyway, and it will be good to have some company on my walks, won’t it, Barney?’
Barney immediately went to Rob’s side, looking up with doleful eyes and a waggy tail, thinking he might be in line for a crust of bread.
‘Thanks. I’ll let you know what he has food wise, and where the treats are kept; in fact, it’s all in the cupboard there, by the window, but it will be a weight off my mind knowing he can stay at home and his routine won’t be completely upended.’
‘We can get some work done in the garden, and Barney has taken to wandering into my room as he pleases so he’ll be perfectly happy and well looked after.
You’ll have no need to worry. If there are any other jobs you want me to do while you’re away, then let me know.
I know you mentioned you wanted to change the colour of the front door. I’m a dab hand with a paintbrush.’
Tess laughed, relieved that Rob was so accommodating.
‘Where are you off to then? Anywhere nice?’ he asked now.
‘Annecy in France. With my best friends. It’s a bit of a last-minute thing.
Gina was meant to go with her partner, but they’ve recently split up – there must be something in the water around these parts – so Suzy and I are going along in his place.
We’ve been friends since the children were small so it should be fun, a proper girls’ holiday. I’m looking forward to it.’
‘Well, go and have the best time ever and I’ll take care of things here,’ said Rob, and Tess couldn’t help thinking how grateful she was that Rob had come into her life.
She might be doing him a big favour by providing a roof over his head for a couple of months, but he’d repaid that favour already by helping out around the place, agreeing to look after Barney, and most of all for being a good support and listener.
She was hopeful that when Rob did move on, they would keep in touch because she considered him a friend and she didn’t like the idea that he might only be a temporary presence in her life.