I wandered down to the other end of the house and into the master bedroom. Wow! Just wow! There was obviously attic space above the other rooms, but the master bedroom went straight up into the eaves of the cottage showing exposed beams. The external wall had been stripped back to stone and the remaining walls were a warm cream. A sturdy oak sleigh bed took pride of place in front of the exposed stone wall, flanked by a matching oak chest of drawers and a wardrobe. Glass doors at the back of the room opened onto a small balcony with views over Stevie’s garden and the fields beyond. What an incredible bedroom.
Feeling suddenly self-conscious about staring at another man’s bed, even though I’d been given permission, I made my way back downstairs. I found Stevie in the kitchen tidying away some pots.
‘When can I move in?’ I asked.
‘You like it?’
‘It’s gorgeous. I’m not a hundred per cent taken with the carpet in the spare bedroom, but the rest is stunning.’
Stevie laughed. ‘Oh, but that’s the template for the rest of the house! How could you not like it?’ He pointed to the kettle. ‘You’re sure you don’t want a drink?’
‘I’m sure. I’d best be going. Will you promise me you’re going to get some rest?’
Stevie pointed towards Meg nuzzling against my leg, ‘I know a certain Border Collie who’s not going to let that happen.’
I big my lip as I stroked her head. ‘Will you be okay walking her? Do you want me to do it?’
‘Will you stop worrying about me? I’ll be absolutely fine. I’ll walk her round to my Uncle George’s. I need to check he’s had something to eat.’
‘His birthday meal. Oh my goodness, I’d forgotten. I’m so—’
‘Don’t you dare say you’re sorry. Uncle George won’t mind. If I know him, he’ll have seen it as the perfect excuse to go to the chippy instead which, if I’m honest, would be his preferred option over a Michelin-starred restaurant any day. We’ll celebrate his seventieth another time. Maybe you could join us?’
I smiled at Stevie. ‘That would be lovely, thanks. Although I’m not sure your Uncle George will want an evening in my company after he sees the state of you.’
‘Elise …!’
I put my hands up in surrender. ‘Okay, I’ll stop taking the blame. I’d best let you get round to your uncle’s. I’ll call you in the morning to work out how I get your car back to you.’
Stevie reached across and drew me into a hug. I gently squeezed him back, taking care not to knock against his nose. ‘Thanks for staying with me at the hospital. I really appreciate it.’
‘I was never going to abandon you there. It was the least I could do in the circumstances.’ I released my hold. ‘Is there anything else I can do for you?’
‘One thing.’
‘Name it.’
His eyes took on a puppy-dog appearance as he said, ‘Dump Daniel.’
‘Stevie! I told you in the hospital that I don’t know what I’m going to do yet. There has to be an explanation for what he did.’
‘Does it matter? Surely nothing excuses behaviour like that. Please, Elise. Dump him and go out with…’ He stopped and looked away.
For a moment, I thought he was about to add ‘me’. I bit my lip. ‘Go out with whom?’
He smiled as he looked back at me. ‘Someone who will treat you like you deserve to be treated.’
‘Like a princess?’ I joked.
‘If that’s what you’d like. I was thinking more about like a beautiful, intelligent, funny woman who deserves respect and understanding.’
‘Oh. Is there such a person? Right now, I’d settle for someone who doesn’t lie.’
He held my gaze. ‘Not all men lie, you know.’ Meg nudged his leg, making him look down. ‘Looks like nature calls.’
‘Please send my apologies to your Uncle George and I’ll call you tomorrow.’
As I passed a turn-off to Shellby Bay ten minutes later, I knew what I had to do. I checked nobody was behind me then slammed on the brakes, reversed down the road, then turned left and sped towards Daniel’s. I wanted an apology. And I wanted answers.
Daniel’s car was parked in front of the cottage and so was Michael’s jeep. I banged on the door. No answer. I banged again. Still no answer. The downstairs was lit, as was Michael’s bedroom, but I couldn’t see Daniel’s bedroom with it being round the back. Exasperated, I lifted the letterbox and shouted through it, ‘I know you’re in there, Daniel. We need to talk.’ I let the letterbox slam shut then banged on the door again.
‘Alright, I’m coming. Keep your hair on,’ yelled a man’s voice. The door flung open. ‘What the hell…? Oh, it’s you.’
‘Sorry. I was after Daniel.’ I tried to avert my gaze from Michael’s wet, naked torso and the towel fastened loosely around his hips.
‘He’s not here, Elise.’
‘His car is.’
‘Well he’s not.’
‘Then where is he? You live in the middle of nowhere. He can’t be far away.’
‘I don’t know where he is. Come in and search if you don’t believe me.’ Michael stepped aside.
‘I will if you don’t mind.’
‘Be my guest. As you know, I’m not exactly his biggest fan so, believe me, I’m not hiding him from whatever it is he’s done to upset you so much.’
I paused at the bottom of the stairs. ‘Who says I’m upset?’
‘Erm… perhaps the beating the crap out of the door and the screeching through the letterbox like something possessed might be a clue?’
‘Sorry about that.’ I bit my lip. ‘Am I okay to go upstairs?’
‘Help yourself. Don’t forget to check under his bed, under my bed, the shower, and the airing cupboard.’
I’m ashamed to say that I did. I checked everywhere, but Michael was right; Daniel wasn’t there. My legs shook slightly as I made my way back down the stairs, cheeks burning. ‘I feel a bit silly now. Apologies for the irrational behaviour.’
‘Don’t worry about it. You look like you could use this.’ Michael handed me a cup of tea. I breathed it in. Camomile. I could have done with a stiff drink, but given that I was driving — and driving a car that wasn’t mine — this was definitely the next best thing.
‘Why don’t you sit down and drink that while I put some clothes on?’
‘Oh, you don’t have to.’ I felt heat rush to my already flushed cheeks and squirmed. ‘That came out wrong. I just meant don’t put yourself out. Continue with your shower or whatever you were doing. I’ll just drink this then leave you in peace.’
Michael smiled then sprinted upstairs. When he came down less than ten minutes later, he’d shaved and put on a pair of jeans and a plain royal blue T-Shirt, which accentuated the blue of his eyes. I found myself staring at him thinking that he was actually better-looking than Daniel when he wasn’t scowling. ‘So what’s he done?’ He curled up on the other end of the corner sofa.
I looked at my tea instead and blew on it to keep me from staring at him. ‘He punched my friend Stevie and broke his nose.’
Michael whistled. ‘I’m assuming it wasn’t an accident.’
‘Do you think I’d be have been “beating the crap out of the door and screeching through the letterbox like something possessed” if it had been?’
Michael smiled. ‘Fair point. Is your friend okay?’
‘He will be.’
‘Why did he do it?’
I shrugged. ‘He saw Stevie hugging me and went into what I’m assuming was some sort of jealous rage. Stevie and I are just friends. I was upset and he was comforting me, but even if it had been more than that, it doesn’t excuse what he did.’
‘In my mind, there’s never an excuse for violence. He didn’t hit you, did he?’
‘No. I don’t think he would have done.’
Mich
ael ran a hand through his damp hair then shook his head. ‘I can’t believe he got jealous and hit your friend. How hypocritical can he get?’
I put my tea down. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Sorry, Elise, it’s between you and Daniel. I don’t want to get involved.’
‘Seriously, Michael, you have to stop this.’
‘Stop what?’
‘The cryptic comments. On Monday you told Sarah to tell me to be careful, then you repeated the warning to my face earlier, and now you’re saying Daniel’s hypocritical for being jealous, but you won’t expand.’
‘Can you forget I spoke?’
‘If you’ve got something to say, I’d rather you just came out and said it. I’m a big girl. I can take it.’
Michael gazed into my eyes for a while and I found myself holding my breath. ‘No,’ he said eventually. ‘I can’t. There’s a big enough wedge between us as it is. I’m not going to cause any further problems.’
I toyed with pushing it, but changed my mind. I felt emotionally drained and wasn’t sure I really wanted to know. ‘Does he have a history of violence?’ I asked.
Michael laughed. ‘You sound like the police! He used to beat me up when we were kids and I wasn’t allowed to touch him because I was older and bigger, but beyond that, I’ve never known him to hit anyone so I’m a bit surprised. Something must have really riled him. Not that I condone what he’s done, even if he was wound up.’
I sighed. ‘I guess there’s a first time for everything. Let’s change the subject. How was photography today?’
Michael’s eyes lit up. ‘Absolutely amazing. We went to Kittrigg Forest then on to Shellby Bay. It was one of those days where everything seems to come together: the weather, the colours, the wildlife…’
I curled up on the sofa with my tea and listened to him enthuse about his day. I asked him about the greatest photography experiences he’d had and he told me about amazing trips to South Africa, The Galapagos Islands, South America, and Russia. At one point, he jumped up and ran upstairs, returning with a MacBook.
‘These are incredible, Michael,’ I said as we scrolled through his online albums. ‘You’re very talented.’
‘Thank you. Dad’s a good teacher. Kay’s in very capable hands. From what I can see, she’s got a real eye for photography so Dad’s in his element. Do you ever—’
A loud clatter outside stopped him. He stood up and cocked his head. There was another clatter followed by a string of expletives.
‘Daniel’s back.’ His shoulders drooped and the light left his eyes. ‘I’ll leave you to it. Unless you want me to stay.’ He closed his MacBook.
‘It’s fine. Thank you. I’m only here for an explanation and an apology then I’m out of both of your lives for good.’ Stevie was right. I needed to dump Daniel.
The door burst open. Michael put his hand on my shoulder and whispered, ‘Good luck,’ before dashing up the stairs.
‘Bollocks,’ mumbled Daniel, trying to pick his keys up off the floor, but stumbling onto his knees instead. He pushed the door shut with his foot, crawled a few paces then hauled himself up, clinging onto the kitchen worktop. He swayed a little then surveyed the room. ‘Elise? Ish that you? Oh God, babe, I’m soooo sorry.’ Babe? Really? He staggered a few steps and flopped onto the sofa. ‘Sit still,’ he said.
‘I’m not moving. I take it you’ve been to the pub.’
‘Farmer Bill gave me a lift. He’s a nice bloke. Really nice bloke. But I’m not. I hit your friend.’
‘I noticed. Care to explain why?’
He looked at me with big sad puppy-dog eyes and shook his head.
‘Then I’ll be off.’ I stood up and walked towards the door.
‘Don’t go.’ He grabbed my hand. ‘Please don’t go.’
‘Then tell me why you hit Stevie.’
He flopped back and closed his eyes. ‘Amber. Saw her with Jake.’
‘When?’
‘This morning. Went to Lincoln. Still got clients there. Saw them together and she’s…’
‘She’s what, Daniel?’
‘She’s pregnant.’
‘No! Oh Daniel, I’m so sorry.’ My voice softened.
He opened his eyes again and tried to pull me down onto his knee. I resisted and sat down on the edge of the sofa instead. ‘I was so jealous,’ he said. ‘They looked so happy. Then when I saw you and him… I didn’t know he was your friend, Elise. I thought it was happening all over again. Should have known you wouldn’t do that. Should have trusted you. Please say I haven’t lost you.’
His words were a boost to my fragile ego, but could I trust him? ‘I can’t promise you that, Daniel. I understand how tough today must have been, but do you understand how wrong your actions were?’ I felt like I was speaking to one of my students instead of a grown man.
He nodded. ‘It won’t happen again.’
‘Damn right it won’t.’
‘I love you Elise. Don’t dump me. Please. I couldn’t bear it.’
I looked into his sad eyes, wondering what on earth to do next. I couldn’t bear violence, but Michael said it wasn’t like Daniel and he certainly wouldn’t be covering for him. I knew I didn’t love him back and I knew I needed some me-time, but it was flattering having someone who loved me and wanted me after what I’d been through. What was the stronger pull? Dump him now and discover myself or have my fragile ego flattered for a bit longer? Was there any point when it would end eventually? I needed to sleep on it. Not with Daniel, though. Not tonight. I decided to avoid the subject altogether. ‘I think somebody could do with some coffee,’ I said.
‘Yes please.’
I stood up and wandered into the kitchen area. When I returned, he was snoring. I crept upstairs and knocked on Michael’s door. He opened it in just a pair of boxer shorts. An unexpected tingle of excitement ran down my spine.
‘All sorted?’ he asked.
‘I wouldn’t say that, but he’s apologised. He’s asleep on the sofa. I’m going to take his duvet down and put it over him, but I’m not staying. Will you tell him I’ll call him tomorrow, but it probably won’t be till teatime?’
Michael nodded. ‘I’ll tell him. Night.’ He moved to close his door then stopped. ‘I know the circumstances weren’t ideal, but I just wanted to say that I enjoyed spending time with you this evening. I’m sorry I’ve been off with you. It was nothing personal. It was about Daniel.’
I smiled. ‘I know. Oddly enough, I enjoyed this evening too. Thanks for showing me your photos, especially the local ones. You’ve somehow put beauty into places I’d previously thought were quite drab.’
‘Thank you.’ We stared at each other for a moment.
‘Right, well, I’d better get this duvet down to your brother. Good night, Michael.’
‘Good night, Elise.’
As I walked out to Stevie’s car a few minutes later, I glanced up at Michael’s bedroom window. He was silhouetted in the window, and I could feel him watching me. My stomach did a flip. Oh-oh! What’s this? Please, no! If I was going to dump Daniel, it was to discover me, and not to jump straight into another relationship. Especially with his brother! I had some serious thinking and decision-making to do over the weekend.
When I closed my eyes that night, though, it wasn’t Michael I pictured. It was Stevie.
Chapter 24
* From Sarah
I’ve chosen the dress… I think! Mum says it’s perfect, but there was a close second and I want to be absolutely sure by getting the opinion of my fabulous bridesmaids! I know it’s a bank hols weekend so I understand if you have plans. Clare’s up for the weekend so she’s free, Callie can do 2pm and mum can cover the shop. Would that work for you? xxxxxxxx
* To Sarah
Can’t wait to see it! Got no plans so see you there :)
* From Gary
<
br /> One of the couples who viewed on Sunday have offered £10k below the asking price. Lawtons are trying to negotiate it up
* To Gary
Promise me you’ll accept if they won’t budge. I want to move on
* From Gary
I promise
* From Sarah
Just heard from Callie. She says can you and Clare join her for drinks afterwards to discuss my hen do? ;)
* To Sarah
OK. See you on Sat xx
* From Gary
An extra £5k. I’ve said yes. The house is now officially sold STC. Hopefully it will be a smooth one
* To Gary
Let’s hope so. Thank you
‘I’m so relieved you all liked my first choice best,’ Sarah said as we left The Wedding Emporium. The first dress she’d tried on had been lovely, but the second one was definitely the one. It rendered us all speechless, even Clare!
‘You looked absolutely stunning in it,’ I said. ‘I’m so excited for you.’ I was too. I was in a very different place to where I’d been when we’d shopped for bridesmaid dresses.
‘Have you got time for a quick drink or do you have to go back to work now?’ Callie asked.
Sarah looked at her watch. ‘I’m probably good for another half an hour max.’
‘Minty’s it is, then,’ Callie said.
Clare and Callie went to the bar while Sarah and I secured some seats. I could have done without it. I’d been struggling to shake a headache the past few days and could have done with going home. The champagne in The Wedding Emporium hadn’t helped so goodness knows why I’d asked Callie to get me a glass of wine. Dutch courage to face an afternoon with Clare?
‘I saw Stevie on Tuesday,’ Sarah said.
‘Oh.’
‘Why didn’t you tell me?’
Getting over Gary (Whitsborough Bay Trilogy Book 2) Page 18
