by Fay Keenan
A little while later, they were munching on Somerset Brie and grape baguettes and sipping lattes in the window of the Cosy Coffee Shop. Harry, who was a more seasoned coffee drinker, walked up to the counter to get another one. Jack Winter was in conversation with another customer, so he waited patiently. While Jack was making his cappuccino, they chatted idly, until Jack interjected suddenly.
‘I know what I meant to tell you,’ he said as he frothed the milk for the top of Harry’s coffee, ‘if Kate’s looking for another decorating job before she goes back home, I might be able to point her in the right direction.’
‘Oh yeah?’ Harry replied. He wasn’t sure, given Kate’s timeframe, that she’d be in the market for another job, but it might be worth mentioning to her, just in case. After all, if it meant she hung around in Willowbury a little bit longer…
‘There’s a bloke who bought a house a couple of streets from here a few years ago as an investment who’s now looking to sell. Needs the money for some other development he’s got. He was in here the other day asking if we knew of anyone who could spruce it up for him. Make it look presentable for the estate agent’s pictures. I thought Kate might be up for the job, if she’s got time. I’ve no idea if it’s just a quick lick of paint or something more involved, though, so it might not be a goer for her.’
Harry’s mind began to race. ‘Any idea what his name is?’
Jack looked quizzical. ‘Chris… something, I think. I’ll see if I can find out. Do you have Kate’s number, in case he comes back in?’
‘Let me have a word with her first,’ Harry said, uncomfortable at the notion of just handing over Kate’s personal mobile number for Jack to give to someone at random. ‘I’m seeing her later, so I’ll let her know, see if she’s interested.’
‘Okay,’ Jack said. ‘But I know he was keen to get the ball rolling, so don’t get all distracted and forget to mention it.’ He winked at Harry. ‘I know that’s a possibility as far as you and Kate are concerned.’
‘Very funny,’ Harry muttered as Jack handed him his coffee. Chances were, Kate wouldn’t have time to do another job before the end of the summer, but he owed it to her to pass on Jack’s message, just in case, and it would give him a reason to ask her out for a drink later, after all.
58
Kate, having done the final ‘snagging’ of the work at Tom and Aidan’s house, was at a loss as to what to do with herself for once. She’d spent the past five weeks scraping, painting, sanding and repainting the walls of this happy terraced house, and now, finally satisfied that she’d done the best job she could, she could relax a little. Aidan had already paid her agreed fee, and so she was free to do what she wanted for a week or so before she had to go back to Cambridge.
The trouble was, she was so unaccustomed to having the time to do what she wanted, she didn’t quite know what to do. She should be setting up a website, getting Aidan to write her first testimonial and putting the word out there about her new business, but she felt in a strange sort of limbo. In truth, she still couldn’t start any of that until she knew exactly who she was aiming to attract with this new business; clientele in familiar, cosy Cambridge, or willing new customers in Willowbury?
Walking aimlessly through to Corey’s room, she flipped idly through his copy of Artemis Bane’s newest novel in the Redcliffe Trilogy. The blurb on the back made it seem like pretty standard Young Adult fiction fare; a continuation of the story about the young, vulnerable hero, thrust suddenly into a world he doesn’t understand, who has to fight against seemingly insurmountable odds to gain a foothold into a new existence, complete with complex first love and the inevitable heartache that it brings. Although she smirked at the predictable premise, she was soon drawn back into the story of the young man, Malcolm, and his trials and tribulations, and found herself captivated by the strength and clarity of Artemis Bane’s writing. Much as she hated to admit it, she could see exactly why he was a multi-million selling international star.
Aidan and Tom had taken Will and Tom out to Bristol for the afternoon for an impromptu trip to walk Clifton Suspension Bridge and to explore the cave tunnels in the Avon Gorge, and Kate, being nervous both of heights and enclosed spaces, had decided not to go with them. They were planning on taking the boys out to eat before they came home, too, which meant that she had an uninterrupted afternoon and some of the evening ahead of her. Selina was next door with Sam and Florence. She’d cleaned their house from top to bottom and had now gone to the supermarket to get in some provisions. Kate had laughed at Sam’s text, which he’d sent her when their mother had been elbow deep in washing up, which explained that, while he was grateful for the help, their mother had a way of making him feel completely useless. Kate, grinning, had told him to suck it up and be pleased he’d have a spotless house for a while. Selina was going back that afternoon, anyway, being reluctant to spend too much time away from home.
As the minutes ticked by, Kate forgot all about the world outside the book, and the fact that, while looking for the snags in her work, she had decided to put a final coat of paint on the hall skirting boards, as she was drawn further and further into Malcolm’s story. When Malcolm was thrown headfirst into dangerous challenges, having lost everything of his old life except his memories, she found herself reflecting on how hard it was to start again, at any age.
Perhaps now really was the time to take the plunge in her own life. She’d broached the subject with the boys, who, while cautious, hadn’t vetoed the idea outright, Harry was clearly ecstatic at the possibility of having her move closer and Sam and Aidan were also more than happy for her to move here, if she decided to. She’d come to Willowbury for a break from the traumas of the last few years, to get some breathing space before she, like Malcolm, started again. Why couldn’t she just do it? What was she so afraid of?
She pondered, for a long time, exactly what was holding her back. Phil had hurt her deeply when he’d fallen in love with Jennifer, even though she knew things hadn’t been right between them for years. She’d had the thought, more than once, that she’d wait for the boys to leave home and then leave Phil. The irony was that he’d got there before her. And, really, after two years, that was all it was. If he hadn’t made the move, ended the marriage, would she still be sharing that bed with him, wondering how her life had come to this?
And yet. Phil had been security, stability; barring the end. Now she was on her own, making decisions for the boys and herself. Did another relationship fit into that life? Would it ever fit in? Just as she was finishing the penultimate chapter of Artemis Bane’s novel, she received a text from Harry:
Are you busy tonight? I have some news that might interest you! H x
Texting back a quick, positive response, she wondered what he had to tell her, but before she could think much further, the phone flashed up Phil’s number in a call.
‘Hi,’ she said, answering her phone.
‘Hi, Kate,’ Phil replied. She was still so attuned to the tone of his voice, she knew immediately that something was bothering him; you didn’t stay married to someone for sixteen years without being able to recognise nuances like that.
‘Everything okay?’ she said.
‘You tell me.’
Kate drew a breath. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘I spoke to Tom earlier. He said you’ve been talking to them about making a move to the West Country. Were you planning on letting me know at any point?’
‘It’s an idea I’m throwing around at the moment, Phil, that’s all. Nothing’s been decided. After all, I’ve got Mum’s annexe to go back to. And school’s starting again soon, too.’
‘Well, that’s a relief,’ Phil replied. ‘After all, I’d like to think that you’d speak to me if you were seriously planning on taking my sons halfway across the country away from me.’
‘Of course I would!’ Kate replied. ‘As I said, it’s just an idea. I spoke to them this morning to see how they might feel about possibly moving closer to
their uncles. I wouldn’t make that kind of decision on the fly, without thinking carefully about it first. And talking to you, of course.’
‘I’m glad to hear it,’ Phil said. ‘The way Tom told it, you’d basically decided that was what was going to happen. He didn’t seem hugely impressed.’
‘Look,’ Kate said, forcing a patience into her voice that she was rapidly starting to lose. ‘When have you ever known me to make a decision without thinking things through? Of course I’m not going to just move the boys here without talking to them, and you. But you have to understand that I need to draw some lines under everything that’s happened over the past couple of years. Moving here, to be closer to most of my family, is something I’m considering.’
‘It’s quite a revenge tactic, Kate, moving our sons all that way away from me.’ Phil didn’t sound angry, Kate realised, rather more hurt.
Kate leaned back against the kitchen counter, suddenly feeling more than a little light-headed. ‘It’s not about revenge, Phil. You know that. If I was into that, I’d have made life far more difficult for you when we split. But I didn’t, did I? You and Jennifer have had the chance to make a fresh start, set up your new home; why shouldn’t I have the chance to do the same?’
‘No one’s saying you can’t do that.’ Phil sighed. ‘But do you have to do it quite so far away? The boys’ll hate being uprooted from their friends, their sports teams, their school. You’re not being fair to them.’
Kate let out a long sigh. ‘Don’t you think I’ve thought about all that since I’ve been here? This isn’t just some pie in the sky idea, Phil. I’ve got family here, family who’ve kept me going over the past couple of years. I think a move here could be a really good thing for us.’
There was a silence on the end of the line.
‘Look,’ Kate said, wanting to finish this up as calmly as she could, and not wanting to go over old ground. ‘As I said, I haven’t made any decisions yet, and if I do decide to move, I’m going to need your support. I’ve no intention of just uprooting the boys from their home on a whim. If, and I mean if, I do this, they’ll need to know that you’re going to be there for them, too. Can you do that?’
‘Of course I can!’ Phil said. ‘They’re my sons, and I want what’s best for all of them. But, Kate…’
‘What?’
‘I know you. And this kind of decision-making isn’t your style. You’ve always been so rooted in Cambridge. As someone who still cares very much for you, and our boys, please don’t jump into anything that you might regret.’
Kate smiled, despite herself. ‘Perhaps it’s time I did a little more jumping, Phil. Things are different now.’
‘Just be careful, Kate,’ Phil warned as they ended the call. ‘I know I have no right to say that, but I don’t want to see you doing something you’ll regret.’
‘I know,’ Kate said softly. ‘And don’t worry. I’ll keep you posted about my wild and wacky plans, for the sake of the kids.’
As she ended the call, Kate reflected on the implications of a move to Willowbury. She knew it couldn’t just be about what she wanted; her boys had to come first. But even in the short time they’d been here, she could see the good the change of scenery was doing them, and the increased contact with her brothers and their families. Going back to Cambridge was the safe thing, the sensible thing, but was it time to take some risks? If she didn’t, would she end up regretting it? Or was a move to Willowbury going to be a huge mistake?
59
Despite his earlier reservations, Harry was buzzing with excitement when he brought the drinks out to the table on the front flagstones outside the Travellers’ Rest. Kate picked up on this and smiled.
‘What are you looking so pleased with yourself about?’ she said, taking the glass of rosé wine he’d bought her.
Harry grinned. ‘I was talking to Jack earlier. He mentioned that he might have found another decorating job in Willowbury, if you’ve got time before you go back.’
Kate swallowed her wine a little too quickly, and coughed. When she’d recovered her composure, she shook her head. ‘I’m not sure I’ll have time for another one! Doing your shop as well as Aidan’s house was a push, and I’m going back to Cambridge next week.’
‘Well, if you change your mind, Jack said to leave your number at the coffee shop and he’d pass it on,’ Harry said. ‘I’ve no idea if it’s a big job or a small one, but it might be good for your portfolio. You’ve already got some great shots for your website, when you set it up, but it’s good to give prospective clients as much of a visual as possible, especially as a new business.’
Just as he was taking another sip of his pint of cider, Harry’s phone buzzed with a text. Kate saw him glance down and give a smile.
‘It’s Jack,’ he said as he swiped and read. ‘That guy came back into the coffee shop this afternoon and left his number. Did you want it?’
Kate felt her brow furrow. ‘I honestly don’t know,’ she said. Then, after a moment more thought, ‘I suppose there’s no harm in talking to him. If it’s a small job, I could probably squeeze it in before I have to go back. The boys are going back to Phil’s at the weekend anyway. I was planning on going back with them, but a day or two more won’t hurt, if it’s money in the bank.’
Harry swiftly forwarded her the text from Jack and she stored the number in her phone’s memory. ‘Shall I call him now?’
‘If you want to,’ Harry said. ‘Might be worth finding out what he wants.’
Before she could change her mind, Kate pressed the green button. After a few rings, the phone was picked up. ‘This is Chris Charlton,’ came the voice on the other end of the line, cool and businesslike.
‘Er, hi,’ she said. ‘This is Kate Harris. Jack from the coffee shop passed on your number to me about some redecorating work. Is this a good time to talk?’
‘I’d love to,’ Chris replied. ‘But I’m up to my ears in lime plaster at the moment. Can we meet at the house tomorrow morning and you can take a good look, see if you’d like the job?’
‘Okay,’ Kate said. ‘Is eight o’clock too early? I’ve got my sons with me at the moment and we’re off out for the day after that.’
‘Eight’s fine. Can I give you the address?’
‘Absolutely,’ Kate said. She scrabbled with her other hand in her bag for a pen and a scrap of paper.
‘Right. So it’s on the edge of Willowbury town centre, on the main road towards Bridgwater. As you head out of the town, you’ll see a row of three terraced houses on the right-hand side, used to be railway workers’ cottages, all red brick. The house is the last one on the right, number three.’
All this, to Kate was sounding heart thuddingly familiar. ‘I think I know where you mean,’ she said, feeling slightly breathless.
‘Great,’ Chris said. ‘I’ll meet you there in the morning. Oh, you’ll need the road name as well, won’t you?’
‘Yes,’ said Kate faintly. ‘Of course.’
‘Sorry,’ said Chris. ‘Should have mentioned that first. It’s Bay Tree Terrace.’
60
The next morning, after battling with the twin sensations of excitement and trepidation, Kate got out of bed early and got ready to meet Chris Charlton at the last house on Bay Tree Terrace. She wasn’t quite sure what she was going to say to him, after all. When she’d found out that he was the one who owned the house she’d been fantasising about, she was suddenly thrust into a tailspin of ideas, some half-baked and some rather more down to earth. What if…? Shaking her head, she remembered what Harry had said as they’d walked home from the pub last night. There’s no harm in just taking a look.
That was true, but her agenda in doing so was suddenly very, very muddled. What she’d thought was going to be a possible job offer, to slap a bit of paint on some walls prior to a house sale, was suddenly far more complex. Should she mention to Chris that she’d been imagining buying this very house? Or would he just laugh in her face, and ask her to wait until it w
as up on the market officially? Was it too early to take a chance on her future, having literally just raised the possibility of moving to Willowbury with her sons? She was so confused. There would be other houses for sale in this area, of course, but the idea of buying the third house on Bay Tree Terrace had such a pleasing symmetry to it that she couldn’t stop wondering what if…?
It was coming up to eight o’clock. Kate, far too strung out to eat breakfast, put her teacup in the sink and then headed out the front door. Sam, who was on his way out, too, caught her on the way past the middle house.
‘Where are you off to?’ he said, obviously clocking the odd expression on her face.
‘You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,’ Kate said.
‘Try me.’ Sam fell into step beside her.
‘How about right here?’ Kate said, pausing at the rusted gate that led through to the front door of number three.
‘What?’ Sam stopped dead in his tracks. ‘Why here?’
‘The guy who owns it wants it redecorated.’ Kate paused, then added, ‘Before putting it on the market.’
Sam’s jaw dropped. ‘That’s, er, some timing.’
‘Isn’t it?’ Kate’s hand on the gate began to shake. ‘I mean, me having a pie in the sky idea after a couple of glasses of wine is one thing, but this changes everything. Makes it a bit more real, doesn’t it?’
‘Are you going to come clean about your, er, pie in the sky idea to this guy?’
‘God, Sam, I don’t know.’ Suddenly the reality of it all hit Kate like a cider apple falling from a tree. ‘I mean, truthfully, this changes nothing, does it?’
‘Or it changes everything.’ Sam gave a yawn. ‘Sorry. It’s not you. Mia was awake for most of last night. Florence has got her in our bed now, both of them sleeping it off.’
‘So I can’t rely on you for any sensible advice, then, in your current sleep deprived state?’ Kate smiled wryly at her brother.