Chapter 101
ONE HUNDRED AND ONE
From the kitchen in The Wood Oven, Imogen could hear the faint sounds of the band at the top of the high street.
She was going to open an hour later tonight – most of the villagers would be down by the water until the solstice celebrations were over anyway.
She only had a small amount of prep to complete before she could go and join them.
She started at a sound – someone had come into the restaurant. But she’d locked the door. She tentatively moved so she could see through the kitchen hatch.
It was James.
‘What are you doing here?’ she asked, coming round into the dining room.
‘Saw the light was on – came to say hello.’
He looked distracted, thought Imogen. ‘Everything OK?’
‘Yes, fine.’ He kissed her hard on the lips.
‘Don’t,’ she said, pulling away. The procession’s coming past soon.’
James pulled out a chair, rubbed his hands through his hair. ‘Mind if I wait here until it’s gone?’
His voice had a sense of purpose about it, thought Imogen. ‘Before what?’
‘Just got something to sort out.’
She was going to ask more but the band were coming into view outside the window.
The players’ brass instruments gleamed in the light from the procession torches.
The drummers’ beat thumped through her. Next to pass by was the Spring Queen.
Imogen watched, tight-lipped as the imposter child sat atop the pony she’d once bought for Rosie.
Then it was the turn of the straw bear. Imogen looked out at what she knew was her husband in the eerie costume.
She smiled and waved. He didn’t wave back.
She frowned – she was sure his head was turned in the direction of the restaurant window, although it was hard to tell as there were no eyes.
She watched him continue down the high street. Felt James step up close to her, but she moved away. There were still people walking past outside.
James understood. ‘I’ll see you down at the water later,’ he said.
Imogen nodded. ‘Maybe.’ She didn’t like him being there, she realized, and thought perhaps it was time to bring an end to their affair.
Dylan had done an amazing thing getting that job and she still loved him.
Things were on the up for them. She watched as James left the restaurant.
She didn’t feel guilty; they’d both got something out of the relationship.
She’d have to let him down gently, didn’t want him making a scene, but she’d manage that somehow.
Imogen turned and went back into the kitchen.