by Karen King
‘I expect you could get radiators put in. Has Marcus modernised his place much?’ Nick’s voice cut through her thoughts.
‘What?’
‘Does he have central heating? Has he replaced the windows?’
Hattie cast her mind back to the couple of times she’d been in Marcus’s cottage. ‘He’s replaced the kitchen cupboards and put doors in the archway but I’ve no idea about central heating or the windows. I’ve not noticed. I’ve only been in the lounge and kitchen,’ she added.
‘Well, it’ll be up to the buyers to make any other changes. They might want to put a couple of radiators in to make it more comfortable for holidaymakers who stay out of season.’ Nick stretched. ‘Well there’s just time for us both to try out the new shower before we head next door. I’ll go and put the kettle on if you want to go first?’ He checked his watch. ‘What time did he say to be there?’
‘Seven,’ Hattie replied. ‘I haven’t heard from him since yesterday, though, so I wonder if I should text and check that it’s still on.’ She still couldn’t believe that he’d invited them both.
Nick looked surprised. ‘Why would he cancel?’ He shrugged. ‘But yeah, go ahead if you feel you should. We can always go out for a pub meal if he has changed his mind.’
Hattie wondered whether to text or phone Marcus, then decided to phone – she’d be able to pick up on his mood better if she could hear his voice.
‘Hi, Hattie, is it all going okay?’ Marcus’s voice sounded warm and friendly, she noticed with relief.
‘Hi, yes. We’ve had a new bathroom suite fitted and painted the bathroom walls. It’s all looking good.’
‘That’s great. You’re not calling to say that you’re too busy to come for dinner, are you?’
‘No, I was double-checking the time you wanted us there – unless you’re busy and want to cancel?’
‘Definitely not. I’ve already started the prep. Any time after seven is good. We can have a drink before the meal. And I have plenty of wine so there’s no need to bring anything.’
‘I don’t want to come empty-handed . . .’
‘Just bring yourselves, it’s all in hand. You can return the favour another time, if you feel guilty.’
Was he inviting himself around to hers for a meal? ‘I’ll hold you to that,’ she said.
Marcus had been thinking about what to cook for Nick and Hattie ever since he’d dished out the invitation to them, and had finally decided on grilled salmon with dauphinoise potatoes and roasted vegetables, followed by warm brownies and ice cream. Simple, but tasty. He didn’t want to be ages in the kitchen cooking, leaving Hattie and Nick to entertain themselves.
He hadn’t actually planned on inviting them around for a meal, the words had just come out of his mouth before he’d even realised he was going to say them, spurred on by a desire to see Hattie again. They’d had such a wonderful weekend – he’d felt that they’d grown closer, reached an understanding – then Nick had arrived and suddenly it was back to being distant again. That was probably his fault for getting all huffy over the painting. He’d seen her eyes cloud over as though she’d sensed that she’d done something wrong but wasn’t sure what it was. She probably wouldn’t have spoken to him again if she hadn’t needed the travel cage for Buddy – and his help getting the parrot into it. Which would have been a shame, as he liked Hattie. Really liked her.
Well, don’t get too hung up on her, she’s only here for the summer, he reminded himself as he turned the oven on to warm up then set about peeling and slicing the potatoes. When that was done, he placed them in a bowl with grated garlic and seasoning, poured cream over them and mixed it all well before transferring into a large gratin dish. The dauphinoise needed to go in first, as they took the longest to cook. He pressed the potatoes down firmly with the back of a spoon and put the dish in the now-warm oven. He wished that it was a meal for two, and that he was spending the evening with just Hattie as they planned for the other night, but now he thought that probably wouldn’t be a wise thing to do. Hattie would be moving away soon so it might be best for them not to get too close. Maybe it was a good job Nick would be there. Besides, he seemed like a decent guy and Marcus was looking forward to a pleasant evening. It had been ages since he’d had company around for dinner. It wasn’t something he did often, unless he was dating someone but even then he often preferred to eat out. His home was his sanctuary. And it had been a while since he’d dated anyone long enough to invite them around for a meal.
He took a white linen tablecloth out of the bottom cupboard and put it on the table, his mind going back to the red, checked, plastic tablecloth Albert had always used, the one Hattie had wrapped herself up with. As a chef, Marcus knew the importance of presentation – not just of the food but of the table too. His nan had always had a supply of tablecloths and serviettes, using different ones to suit the occasion, and most of them were still as good as new. Marcus preferred white linen, it always looked good and you could use any colour serviettes with it. Today he was using red. And sparkling crystal glasses – his grandmother’s. He took her box of silver cutlery out of the cupboard too, without stopping to ask himself why he was going to so much trouble for his next-door neighbour and her stepbrother.
The table was laid, and everything almost cooked, when Hattie and Nick knocked on the door. Marcus took a deep breath to still the ridiculous butterflies that were somersaulting in his stomach and went to let them in.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
‘That was a delicious meal,’ Hattie said, rubbing her stomach as she pushed aside her now-empty plate.
‘It certainly was,’ Nick agreed. ‘That salmon was cooked to perfection.’ He put his thumb and finger together and kissed them to show his appreciation. ‘Parfait.’
‘Thank you.’ Marcus stood up and reached out for the dirty plates but Hattie was already piling them up. After he’d cooked them a heavenly meal like that, she wasn’t going to sit there and leave Marcus to clear up.
‘Anyone want dessert?’
Nick’s eyes lit up. ‘Yes please!’ He certainly loved his food, Hattie thought in amusement.
‘What is it?’ she asked, her tummy felt so full she was sure she couldn’t squeeze in another morsel.
‘Warm chocolate brownie with cream or ice cream. Or you can have cheese and biscuits.’
How could she resist chocolate brownie with cream? She’d find room for it somehow. ‘Chocolate brownie, please,’ she called as she carried the plates over to the sink.
‘And for me. Need a hand?’ Nick offered.
‘You could open another bottle of wine,’ Marcus suggested and Nick immediately got up to get one out of the fridge. They’d brought two around with them, despite Marcus telling them not to.
Marcus looked good in his stone-coloured cropped trousers and black T-shirt, Hattie thought. He’d tied his hair up into a man bun which showed off his chiselled cheekbones and amazing eyes. She got the impression he’d made an effort. Was it for her? She had made an effort too, putting on a pair of floaty patterned trousers and a lacy vest top and even some mascara, powder and a darker shade of lipstick, as well as a dab of concealer to hide the shadows under her eyes. She was tired, and knew that Nick was too; they’d both worked really hard the last few days, but she was delighted with the results. And glad that Nick had come over to help her. She liked Nick, he was easy company, laid back and amusing. He treated her fondly, like a little sister, and she knew that it had done her good to have him there.
Marcus took the brownies out of the oven and placed them on the cooling rack. There were already three empty dishes waiting on the worktop, so Hattie got the cream out of the fridge while Nick opened the wine.
‘I see you’ve modernised your cottage but managed to keep the character of the place too,’ Nick said as they sat down with their desserts. ‘I like the light oak cupboards; they open the kitchen up a bit. I noticed a couple of radiators so am guessing that you’ve got central heating too?’
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‘Yes, I had it put in a couple of years ago. My grandparents lived here all their married life, and their parents before them, so the cottage needed tidying and modernising, like Albert’s cottage does, but I didn’t want to lose the character.’ He took a sip of his wine. ‘How are you getting on with things next door?’
‘It’s mainly a “tidy up what you see” job, but the new bathroom suite has made a big difference, as has painting the walls and decluttering, although Hattie still has loads to do. I feel guilty leaving her to it really.’
‘There’s no need. You’ve been an amazing help,’ Hattie assured him.
‘Is there much left to do?’ Marcus asked.
‘Wardrobes, cupboards to declutter, and the shed. Uncle Albert was a bit off a hoarder, every cupboard I open is brimming with stuff.’ Hattie reached for the jug and poured a little more cream onto her brownie.
‘I’d help tomorrow but she’s refused to let me do anything else.’ Nick broke off a chunk of the brownie with his spoon and put it in his mouth. ‘Mmmm,’ he mumbled appreciatively.
‘I’ve insisted that Nick has tomorrow off and comes for a tour of Port Medden. He goes back Saturday morning and I feel guilty that he’s spent the whole time he’s been here doing up Fisherman’s Rest,’ Hattie explained.
‘I don’t mind, that’s why I came over,’ Nick said, his mouthful of dessert now finished he started to scoop up another spoonful.
‘Even so . . .’
‘Let me know if you need a hand. I can help any afternoon. It’s no trouble, so don’t feel awkward about asking,’ Marcus offered.
‘Thanks,’ said Hattie. Then she added impulsively, ‘Why don’t you pop around tomorrow and see what we’ve done? We’re out in the daytime, but maybe after your shift at the hotel? If it isn’t too late?’
‘Thanks, I will. I’m actually doing the afternoon shift again tomorrow as Shanise can’t make it – family stuff,’ Marcus told her. ‘I’ll be finished for seven thirty.’
‘Even better, come around about eight, then. We’ll be back by then and it will still be light enough for you to see it all clearly.’
When they’d finished the dessert, Nick washed up, Hattie dried it all, and Marcus put everything away. Then they took another bottle of wine and their half-full glasses into the lounge.
Hattie’s eyes rested on the painting over the fireplace; it was the one from Uncle Albert’s cottage. The one Marcus had painted and thought she was going to throw away, only it looked much brighter now. Marcus had obviously cleaned it.
‘She wasn’t going to dump it, you know,’ Nick slurred, following Hattie’s gaze.
‘What?’ Marcus looked at them both, puzzled.
‘That painting.’ Nick gestured towards it with his glass, almost spilling some wine as he did so. ‘She took it down so we could paint the walls. She was going to keep it to remind her of her uncle. And probably because you’d painted it, too.’
Damn! Trust Nick to loosen his tongue now he’d had a drink. Hattie felt terrible as she saw Marcus’s eyes widen. ‘Why didn’t you tell me that, Hattie?’ he exclaimed.
‘Cos she thought you really wanted it, and as you were the one who painted it—’
‘Nick!’ Hattie chastised him, mortified. ‘I told you not to say anything.’ She turned her gaze to Marcus, hoping that her cheeks weren’t as red as they felt. ‘Please ignore him, he’s had too much wine. Of course you should have the painting back.’
‘You really weren’t going to dump it?’ Marcus asked, his eyes holding hers.
She shook her head. ‘Definitely not! But I honestly don’t mind you having it.’
Marcus walked over to the fireplace and took the painting down. ‘Then please take it back and excuse me for jumping to conclusions. Again.’ He walked over and placed it down by the side of the chair she was sitting on.
She couldn’t make out whether he was pleased or not. ‘Are you sure? You have a gap there now . . .’
‘Which will soon be filled by a painting that I’m currently working on.’
‘Then, thank you.’ She flashed him a big smile.
Nick swallowed another mouthful of his wine. ‘So, all your paintings aren’t commissions or for sale then? You keep some yourself?’
‘Most of them are, yes. But this one that I’m working on is just for me.’
‘Thank you for a lovely meal,’ Hattie said as she and Nick got up to leave after what had been a very pleasant evening. She hadn’t enjoyed herself so much for ages, Marcus had been relaxed, laughing and chatting away, and Nick was entertaining company, especially with a few glasses of wine inside him. She was quite reluctant to go, but it was gone midnight now.
‘Don’t forget to pop in tomorrow evening,’ Hattie turned to remind Marcus as she and Nick walked up the path. ‘We’ll bring Buddy down into his big cage then too, and you can take the travel one back home with you.’
‘Sounds good to me,’ Marcus said. ‘Enjoy your day out tomorrow.’
They both waved and linked arms for the short walk next door. ‘Can’t have you falling over, you seem a bit unsteady on your feet,’ Nick said.
‘Cheek! You’re the one who’s tipsy. I’m holding you up!’
‘You’re both tipsy! And so am I!’ Marcus said with a grin, watching them totter up the path.
‘He definitely fancies you,’ Nick said as soon as they were back in Fisherman’s Rest.
‘No, he doesn’t.’ Hattie shook her head firmly. ‘I told you we’re just friends.’
‘Yeah, but you both want to be more. Don’t deny it.’
‘I think you need a coffee.’ Hattie walked over to put the kettle on, her heart skipping inside her chest. Was Nick right, did Marcus fancy her?
Chapter Twenty-Eight
‘It all looks amazing. It’s like a different cottage. I never dreamed we could transform it so much in just a few days. Thanks so much for your help,’ Hattie said as she and Nick sat in the kitchen having a late breakfast the next morning. Even though they’d done the cottage on the cheap, it was enough to give it a fresh new look. She passed Nick a mug of tea. ‘I think I might put a coat of paint on the kitchen cupboards too. It would be great to put in some new ones, like Marcus has, but at least painting them will brighten the kitchen.’
‘You could get a new sink too, that would make a big difference.’ Nick blew on his tea to cool it down. ‘I wish I could stay longer; I know that there’s still a lot more to do. Clearing out the wardrobes and cupboards is going to be a massive job, goodness knows what’s in them.’
‘I can do the rest of the sorting out bit by bit, and Marcus will help me. He might even want to keep some of Uncle Albert’s things,’ Hattie told him. ‘Even if we sell the cottage quickly it will take at least six weeks for the sale to go through. That’s plenty of time for me to clear out the rest of the things. I’ve told Dad that if I come across anything I’m not sure of, I’ll take a photo and send it to him. I don’t want to be throwing out any family heirlooms!’ She wiped her hands on her shorts. ‘Right, now, I’ll clear these mugs and then we’ll have that tour of Port Medden that I promised you.’
‘Sounds good to me. I’ll just give Glenn a call. I’ll be down in about ten minutes.’
‘Take your time.’ Hattie quickly washed the plates then went into the back yard. They’d cleared everything from it now, and had dropped anything that was broken at the local tip and then given the rest to a couple of charity shops. She wanted to get a few flowering tubs to make the yard look really pretty. She could put some pots out the front and paint the bench too. It would make the cottage look more inviting, cared for. She had to see Ellie and Reece tomorrow, but she had the rest of the afternoon and Sunday free, plenty of time to do what she had in mind. Jonathan was coming on Monday with a photographer.
She heard the back door open next door and looked over the wall to see Marcus coming out. ‘How’s it going?’ he asked.
‘Good. We’ve tidied up and are off to have
a walk around Port Medden now. Are you still popping around later to check out our hard work and have a goodbye drink with Nick?’
‘I’ll be there straight after work,’ Marcus promised. ‘It’s going to feel a bit weird being on your own when Nick has gone, isn’t it?’
‘It will but I’ve got plenty to keep me occupied. And Buddy is good company now he’s got used to me. Mind you, I’ll be glad to move him back downstairs, he wakes me up at stupid o’clock shouting “bugger off” to the seagulls!’
Marcus chuckled. ‘Yes, you can really hear them in the attic room, can’t you? Do they disturb you?’
‘They did at first, but I’ve got used to them now, but Buddy screeching at the top of his voice always jolts me out of my sleep and once he’s awake he’s non-stop chatter!’ She was getting very fond of the parrot, though, and was pleased that he was finally settling down with her.
‘Okay, I’m ready to go – ah, hello, Marcus. How’s your head this morning? We got through a bit of wine, didn’t we?’ said Nick, appearing in the back yard.
‘Nothing a strong black coffee couldn’t sort out.’ Marcus didn’t point out that it was Nick who had drunk most of the wine. He checked his watch. ‘Sorry, I’ve got a meeting with someone who wants to commission a painting so I need to get going. I’ll see you both tonight. Got to dash.’ He raised his hand in a wave and then was off.
‘I presume we’re having a walking tour? I’m not sure all that wine is out of my system yet,’ Nick said.
‘Yep, all the best places are within walking distance.’ Hattie sat down on one of the rusting chairs. ‘I’m so grateful for your help, Nick. This would have all taken me ages.’
He grinned at her. ‘We make a good team.’
Hattie grinned back. ‘We do. But it’s not something I’d like to do too often.’
‘Me and Glenn bought a run-down cottage and have been doing that up as and when we can alongside our jobs. It’s taking longer than we’d like, though.’ Nick sat down on the other chair beside Hattie. ‘We’ve toyed with the idea of going part-time so we can do the house up quicker, sell it on and buy another one, but were a bit worried about making the commitment. Now, I’m thinking it might be a good idea. I can’t believe what we’ve done in a few days.’