by J. Dorothy
Gabriella didn’t understand his feelings. Not that she wanted to. For now though, she had the part of the concerned sister to play.
She patted his knee. “I promise I’ll clear things with my friends and I promise they won't cause any more trouble.”
“Good. Thank you.”
“Um ... but I don't suppose you’d let me tell them how you left a model for her?”
“No. No more stories, Ella, just tell them the truth.”
“Alright ... Only can I say one of your London friends led me to believe you were dating a model?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Fine,’ she pouted at him. ‘They're not going to like it and probably won't speak to me again.”
Spencer smirked. “If you have to make something, tell them I told you to do it to keep your girlfriends off my back. It sounds like I have an inflated opinion of myself, but anything to save your reputation.”
She smiled sweetly. “Thanks. That might just work. And Spencer, I really am sorry. I hope you believe me and forgive me.”
He put his arm around her and gave her a quick hug. “I can never be mad with you. I’ll always forgive you.”
Gabriella gave him a bright smile and got off the bed. “Well, now that's cleared up I need to get ready.”
Spencer frowned. “By the way, who were you really with the other night? We saw Mason outside the cinema and he said he hadn't seen you all night. I was a little worried.”
Gabriella didn't answer straight away, and then tapped the side of her nose. “No more stories, right! Just know that I'm safe and you have nothing to worry about. I might tell you someday,” she said, grinning to herself, as she walked out of the room.
FIFTEEN
Jo turned up the volume on her iPod, her favourite track now playing. The rain had started to fall heavily as they drove through the English countryside. Jo hoped the weather would improve, but had her doubts. Then again, bad weather or not, nothing could put a dampener on spending three days with James. She sat in the back of Peter’s Land Rover with James as front passenger while Spencer and Beth followed behind in his car.
They planned to stop for lunch in the local village and wait for the train. Spencer’s friends, Luke and Tobias were travelling down from Scotland and needed to change in London before travelling on to Cornwall. Luke had been staying with Tobias over the Christmas break.
Jo’s thoughts wandered to the weird events over the past couple of days—glad that Spencer and Beth had sorted out their problems. Jo was still baffled how everything got so mixed up. All in all, it was sorted, and Beth believed Spencer had been caught up in Gabriella's little white lies and wasn’t involved with a model or anyone else in London.
Jo chuckled to herself. Spencer had given Beth the mobile numbers of all his friends and their emails. Jo could just see Beth as a paranoid girlfriend texting his friends to monitor his every move. Spencer acted like an idiot sometimes. Beth had much better things to do with her time than act like a demented stalker.
When they stopped in the village to wait for the train, Spencer offered to go ahead to the cottage and get things organised. She and James shared a smile and even Peter had a knowing expression. Spencer was so obvious. Then when Luke and Tobias arrived half an hour early Jo couldn’t help laughing, knowing how annoyed that would make him.
Luke and Tobias were, as Spencer said, friendly and easy going. Jo sat sandwiched between them on the back seat listening to them chat about their holiday break, and surprisingly, felt comfortable and included, not out of place like she normally would.
Tobias had short cropped auburn hair and multiple piercings around his ear. He had a broad Scottish accent and seemed to be in the process of growing a beard. Luke stood just over six feet and appeared lean in contrast to Tobias’s stocky build. He had long straight black hair and each piece of his well-worn clothing had a hole in it. Jo couldn't help wondering if he wore it as a fashion statement or he had a plague of moths in his wardrobe.
On the last corner of the undulating road, Jo had her first glimpse of the cottage sitting tucked into the side of a large hill. The thatched roof complemented the whitewashed walls, just as Jo remembered, when they’d come here as children. The amenities were basic at best and she shuddered, thinking about the tepid water in the shower and the shabby used furniture.
Jo entered the house first. Putting down her bag she surveyed the layout. The facilities were cleaner and in better condition than she remembered. The fireplace dominated the large space in the main room and had two comfy white sofas close by. There were two bedrooms off the main room containing sets of bunk beds. The door adjacent to the lounge lead into what Jo remembered as the kitchen and another lead to the bathroom. She hoped the upgrade included a new hot water system.
Spencer knelt over a pile of unlit kindling close to the fire, concentrating like he was trying to rub two sticks together. She went and knelt beside him. “Hey, Spencer. The train arrived a little early.”
“So I see.”
He didn’t look amused, but Jo couldn’t help smirking. “Where’s Beth?”
“Um … she’s making up the beds in your room,” he said trying to sound offhand as he arranged and rearranged the small stacks of wood.
“Here, let me help you,” Jo offered, moving closer.
Spencer frowned.
“I do it all the time at home. I’m really good.” She smiled as she stacked the wood into a more organised pile and lit a match. She bent down closer and began blowing underneath, creating a stream of smoke and the first sign of a glowing flame.
Spencer raised his eyes, just as Tobias and Luke entered the room.
“Hey Spencer, nice to see you. Thanks for inviting us, this looks grand.” Tobias said flicking an admiring glance around the cottage.
Spencer wiped his hands on his jeans and shook hands, just as Beth came out of the bedroom her arms loaded with sleeping bags and linen.
Tobias and Luke did a double take when they saw her. They both spoke in unison, “Hiya, nice to meet you,” and offered their hands, saying their names at the same time.
Beth smiled sweetly putting the linen down and shook their hands in turn. “Nice to meet you too, I’m Beth.”
Spencer watched and shook his head. Jo knew what he was thinking. Every male reacted the same way when they first met Beth. James had been the only exception she could remember.
“Are you a relation or a friend?” Luke asked Beth.
“Er … I’m a friend of Jo's.”
Spencer scowled, making Jo smile.
“You’re good friends with James and Spencer. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“That sounds a bit one sided, we haven’t heard anything about you,” Luke said, sounding like he’d love to hear more.
Beth looked directly at Spencer. “Is that a fact? Well I’d be happy to fill you in. Maybe you two can help me make the beds and I’ll tell you all about myself.”
At that moment James rushed in dumping a load of bags on the floor. “Sorry we arrived so soon. I hope it didn’t ruin the moment for you two love birds.” He grinned and Spencer scoffed then turned to put more kindling on the fire.
Tobias and Luke shot each other a mystified glance while Beth picked up the linen and marched back into the bedroom, ignoring James's comment.
Luke turned to Spencer. “Two love birds? Are you two together?”
“Well I think so, though she doesn't seem to want to advertise the fact. I think she might be keeping her options open.” Spencer smiled and shook his head.
“Right,” Luke said, still looking a little mystified. Tobias laughed and slapped Luke on the back before he turned to go back outside. Getting up, Spencer glanced at the now stoked fire and followed, leaving Jo to finish tending it, which she was more than happy to do.
A few hours later after everything had been put away and everyone had settled in, Jo crouched on the stone floor in the small kitchen, looking through the cupboards. That night was
New Year's Eve and they all planned to have a quiet one. A shared meal and then a few drinks to see in the New Year. She had been assigned cooking duty with James and Tobias. Spencer and Beth had gone for a walk and Luke was in his room listening to music. Jo suggested they make vegetable soup, she just needed to find a big enough pot.
Tobias and James were in the lounge reading and Jo decided not to ask them to help just yet. She’d rather get organised and give them jobs later, James had already mentioned that he was a terrible cook, and better at cleaning dishes than making them.
The door stood ajar, and she couldn’t help listening in as they started up a conversation about Spencer and Beth.
“Beth and Spencer, huh? Some kind of holiday fling?”
“It might be more than that,” James replied.
“They seem pretty tight. How long have they been together?”
“A couple of weeks.”
“A couple of weeks! You wouldn’t think by the look of them. They seem pretty set with each other.” There was a pause. “… How about you, James? Seen anyone over the holidays?”
Another pause and Jo’s throat constricted.
“… Not really. I took an old school friend out a few times while I was home but she still holds a torch for an ex-boyfriend in London. So I left things until she sorts herself out.”
Jo clenched the bench while her stomach twisted in knots.
“What if she ditches him?”
“Not sure. She’s easy on the eye and I fancied her for a bit when we were at school, so maybe…”
Jo froze, the loud pounding of her heart blocking out any more of their conversation. A wave of nausea coursed through her body, making her unsteady on her feet.
James mentioned going for drinks with an old school friend when they talked the other day, but she didn’t put it together.
Of course James has someone and why would he tell me? He just sees me as a friend. Didn’t he just say that the other day?
Jo wrestled with her rational voice, but couldn't stop her reaction. For the first time in her life she’d entertained the thought of liking someone and fantasised they might reciprocate.
So stupid!
Jo shoved pots aside until she finally found a large pot in the back of the cupboard. She pulled it out and banged it on the stove. Next she rummaged through the bags of groceries, not sure what she needed anymore. The onions had to be sautéed first, so she got them out and began to peel one. It only took the first layer of brown skin, before her eyes began to water and her tears fell unchecked. She put her head back, squeezed her eyes tight to try and stem the flow.
“You alright lass?” Tobias asked as he sidled up next to her. In her distressed state, she hadn’t heard him come in.
“… It’s just … the onions,” she managed, but couldn’t disguise the shakiness from her voice.
Tobias examined her face carefully, then took the knife out of her hand and moved over to the chopping board. “You’ll be pleased to know I’ve mastered the art. Me mum cries like a wee bairn. You stick to other kinder vegetables and leave these little devils to me.”
Jo could have hugged Tobias, but instead she took a deep breath, wiped her eyes on her sleeve, found the celery and started chopping.
Together they spent the next half hour slicing the vegetables for the soup, while Tobias chatted about his family and their Christmas. By the time James finally put in an appearance, Jo had almost composed herself. Almost.
“What's going on?” he asked with a smile. “I thought this was a team effort. Why didn’t you call me, Jo? You know how much I love cooking.”
Jo barely managed a smile, her stomach still clenched in knots.
“Jo and I have a good rhythm going,” Tobias said, not knowing that he was once again rescuing her from further embarrassment. “We don’t want to upset the soup's karma. Maybe you could set the table,” he said to James, motioning toward the plate cupboard.
James reached above his head and removed a pile of bowls. Jo knew she'd have to pull herself together. She couldn’t spend the next few days avoiding James, but for now she needed some distance to sort herself out.
The table was set and the soup simmering nicely. Being busy helped Jo ease her anguish and gave her the space she needed. Spencer and Beth had returned from their walk and were relaxing in front of the roaring fire. Luke was still in his bedroom and Tobias went for a shower to get rid of the onion fumes. He’d peeled and chopped loads of them.
James strolled into the kitchen and smiled at her. “How's it all going? You seem pretty confident cooking for so many.”
Jo mentally took a deep breath. He was a good friend. It was her problem, not his. She focussed on the pot of soup rather than looking at him. “Yeah, I help Peter sometimes. Sarah works late and Ella’s never around much these days.”
James made a low tutting sound and Jo turned to look at him. He seemed to be thinking about something. Then he picked up a piece of carrot and took a bite. In between chews he asked, “So, what do you think of Tobias?”
“Um …” Jo didn’t expect that question. “He’s certainly skilled. I’ve never seen anyone chop onions so fast.” She smiled half-heartedly, still unsure why he was asking.
“You both seem to be getting on. I hope I wasn't interrupting anything this afternoon.” James stared down at his feet, with a smug grin.
Jo frowned. “What do you mean, interrupting?”
James looked up at her and waggled his eyebrows.
Oh! No! Could this holiday get any worse?
She shook her head fiercely. “Don’t even go there. You know I only fancy, eighteenth century gentlemen that drink port and play cards.” She waved the spoon at him. “Find me one of those and you can match-make all you like.”
“I don’t want you to rule anything, or anyone out. An opportunity may present itself and you should take it,” James said, not entering into his usual banter.
Jo sighed and opened the lid on the soup. The steam swirled around her as she stirred, warming her cheeks and moistening her hair. She ran her fingers through it and brushed her hair away from her face.
“You should wear your hair like that. It suits you,” James stated his eyes sparkling as he examined her.
“What’s with you tonight? First you want to match me up and now you're giving me beauty advice. You’re full of surprises.”
“Who's full of surprises?” Spencer asked, walking into the kitchen.
Jo wanted to hug her brother for great timing. Discussing a relationship with Tobias was not a conversation she wanted to have with anyone, let alone James. “Never mind. Spencer tell me what you think,” Jo said offering him a spoonful of soup.
Spencer tasted it, and then lifted her up giving her a side splitting hug, knocking the breath out of her. “Girl, you sure can build fires and cook. I think we might find you a husband after all.”
Jo hit him on the back. “Well we've got no chance of finding you a wife. You can’t do either of those things. Beth needs to find a real man.”
Spencer put her down, and frowned. “I can so build a fire. I have the scout badge to prove it.” He grinned as he backed out the door quickly. “And as for cooking, well that’s what women are for. And I found me a goodun’.”
Jo held up the wooden spoon, aiming it at his head and he ducked out the door giving her a scout salute, while James followed behind laughing.
Beth, Spencer and Luke were busy in the kitchen cleaning, leaving Jo with James and Tobias at the table. Remembering the conversation she overheard earlier, she decided to make a fast exit, when Tobias looked at her. “Jo, I was wondering if I could borrow that book you told me about.”
“Sure, come with me and I’ll find it for you.”
James sat immersed in a game of patience, and didn’t look up when they got up from the table, although Jo thought she saw his lips twitch in a half smile.
Tobias followed her into her room and she emptied her backpack onto the bed.
&nbs
p; “Wow, that’s a lot of books for three days,” Tobias commented, as he surveyed the twenty plus books that were now scattered across her duvet. “Do you intend to read them all?”
“No, I’ve read most of them already.” She shrugged. “I can’t leave home without them. I never know what mood I’ll be in, so I bring a selection.”
He pointed to her t-shirt. “That quote. It took me a while to work out where I’d heard it before.”
Jo looked down. Her t-shirt had a picture of a stopwatch with the inscription: In a minute there will be time for decisions, and revisions that a minute will reverse. It was one of her favourites. Like her own personal anthem. Especially after everything she had witnessed.
“TS Elliot’s right?"Tobias asked sitting on the edge of the bed, smiling.
Jo nodded. “It’s a running joke between myself and Spencer. Each year he buys me a poet tee as he calls them. This was the first one he bought me.”
“He must be good at picking quotes you like.”
“Yeah, well I love the classics so that makes it easy. He also checks out my reading list each year.”
Tobias smiled at her again, and Jo swallowed, then turned toward her bed. “I’d better find that book.”
Being alone with him for any length of time, probably wasn’t a good idea, she had no intention of fuelling James’s matchmaking plans.
Jo picked out her copy of Catcher in the Rye and handed it to Tobias. “I can’t believe you've never read it.”
“Looks like it’s been read a few times,” he said examining the well worn pages.
She smirked. “Only a few, hopefully you’ll enjoy it.” Tobias chuckled and tucked the book under his arm while Jo glanced toward the door, feeling uneasy again.
“Well, I’ll leave you to get sorted and go and check on the fire. Cheers for the book.” Tobias heaved himself off the bed.
“No problem, and if you don’t like it I have loads of others,” Jo said spreading her hands over her book covered bed.
