by Georgia Hill
Tash nodded and staggered up the hill to where she’d parked her car half an hour earlier. She was never ill. She fumed to herself, – she couldn’t afford to take time off.
The estate was deserted when she drove onto the drive. The house seemed hushed and slightly disapproving as she padded upstairs, took off her work clothes and sank into bed.
She came to a few hours later feeling much better and, to her surprise, hungry. Taking some dry toast and a glass of water into the garden, she sat in the shade. It was hot and the cloudless blue sky hurt her eyes. Going back in to find her sunglasses, she was distracted by the plop of a letter onto the doormat. The post. She was rarely at home when it arrived. Adrian was more often back from work before her and he put her post on the kitchen island. Not that she got all that much. Picking up the letter she frowned. It was to a Mrs Anna Williams. Right address, though. She flipped it over but there was no clue where it had come from. Probably a rookie postie seeing the surname and assuming it was for them. Williams was a common enough surname. Putting it on the kitchen table she found her sunglasses and went back to the garden. She’d investigate later and return it to the sender.
Adrian got back from work early. When she told him, she thought she had a stomach bug his attitude changed. He fussed over her, insisted she return to bed and said he’d go to his meeting on his own. Tash gave in to him with relief; the dinners with his business contacts were excruciatingly boring. She went back to bed, slept for another two hours and woke up feeling her old self. Coming downstairs in her dressing gown to watch some mindless television, she noted without interest that the misdirected letter had disappeared. Adrian must have dealt with it.
Chapter 15
‘We missed you on Saturday night.’
Tash tore her eyes away from the computer screen where she was updating the agency’s website and glanced up at Emma in surprise. It was Monday morning and, after a quiet weekend at home insisted upon by Adrian, she was fully recovered. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Well, I assume you were still too poorly to come but thought you might have rung me back. We’d arranged to go out to Laughsinnit, remember?’ Laughsinnit was the new open mic comedy slot at the Regent, Berecombe’s little theatre.
Tash pushed her chair away from her computer and looked blank. Her heart began to pound. Was this something else she had forgotten? She put a thumb to her temple and massaged. Was she going mad? Having a breakdown? She had been working too hard for months now, probably because, as Emma had said, Pete’s promotion had left them short-handed. ‘I don’t remember.’
‘I rang you on Saturday morning,’ Emma explained impatiently. ‘I mean, fair enough, it was all a bit last minute, but I thought it was just your sort of thing. Millie mentioned it at training, which you also missed. Honestly Tash we hardly see you these days. Amy came along, Millie and Jed were there and Kit tagged along too. He said he’d hoped to see you,’ she added meaningfully. ‘It was brilliant fun. Why didn’t you want to come?’
‘I didn’t know about it! Did you ring the mobile or the landline?’
‘Your mobile was dead, so I left a message on the landline. Didn’t you get it?’
‘No.’ Tash thought quickly. She’d slept in on Saturday morning and Adrian had gone to get the papers but they had an answerphone. ‘Maybe the phone’s not working properly. It goes through phases like that. I’ve missed one or two messages from Mum as well. I’ll get Ade to have a look at it. He normally fixes it.’
Emma gave her an odd look. ‘Well, shame you missed out, it was a good night. They’re doing them monthly though so maybe you can come for September’s?’
‘I’d like that.’ Tash smiled. She felt her well-ordered, efficient life was being eaten away at the edges. She hated this sense of losing control.
‘Training tonight. You going to come? Feeling up to it?’
Tash nodded and then picked up the ringing phone. ‘Good morning, Hughes and Widrow Estate Agents. Tash speaking, how may I help you?’ She took a deep breath. ‘Ah, hello Mrs Morrison.’
Chapter 16
Tash jogged to the end of the beach and stopped, putting her hands on her knees. She was out of puff and they’d only been running for ten minutes. The rest of them were way ahead of her so she straightened and concentrated on getting her breathing controlled. Maybe she wasn’t over the stomach bug quite yet.
She’d checked the answerphone when she’d got home. It was blank. All old messages deleted, it stated. Adrian had arrived home as she was reading the user manual. Assuring her he would sort it, he’d suggested she went for her run. For once, he seemed desperate for her to go out. She’d shrugged and had run upstairs to get changed. She really couldn’t keep up with his moods these days. Maybe Emma had rung the wrong number? Maybe the phone was faulty? The things were so complicated.
Putting it to the back of her mind, she concentrated on the view instead. The light was just going, leaving a rippled orange streak above the dark sea. It was very calm this evening, with barely a suggestion of a wave at the shoreline. The pubs and restaurants in town were packed and there was a steady stream of people wandering along the promenade. They stopped every now and again to admire the scenery or enjoy the planted flowerbeds. Berecombe was dressed in its summer party outfit, with red and orange begonias bursting out. It was still warm and Tash felt sweat cooling on her neck. Tying her hair up in a ponytail and repeating her thigh stretches, she hoped it was still the after-effects of her illness. Otherwise, it meant she had let herself become very unfit.
Emma jogged back to her. ‘What did Mrs Morrison want?’ She stretched her arms over her head. ‘Was it a complaint about me?’
Tash straightened. ‘No, actually. She wants one of us to go over and discuss the house going on the market.’ She grinned. ‘Mrs Morrison especially asked for the enthusiastic young lady who was so positive about her conservatory and was a big Poldark fan.’
Emma giggled. ‘That would be me.’ She pulled a face. ‘And conservatory? It’s a mildewed lean-to. It’ll take some selling, that place.’
‘It’ll sell as long as it’s on at the right price. The market down here is hot at the moment.’
‘All the more reason to have another agent working with us.’ They began jogging along the beach to catch up with the others.
‘I agree, Em. I’ll mention it to Pete at the next meeting. Again. Oh, and here’s a thought. Maybe Biddy and Arthur might like a look at the Morrisons’ place?’
‘Worth a try.’ Emma hiked up the strap of her running vest. ‘We deffo need another member of staff, though. I mean, look at you, Tash,’ she continued. ‘You’re never ill and you’ve been really poorly lately. We’re both doing too much and we can’t keep up. When was the last time you had any time off? And being off sick doesn’t count.’
As they joined the group, Kit looked over at Emma’s indignant voice.
Tash shot Emma a warning look. ‘Hi everyone,’ she said. ‘Didn’t mean to hold anyone up.’
‘You didn’t,’ Kit answered. ‘We’re just taking a breather before tackling the hill.’ He came closer. ‘Are you alright? You disappeared very quickly the other night.’
Tash looked up at him. She couldn’t help but take in the way his jogging bottoms clung to his muscles, how strong his arms looked and, more importantly, the warm concern in his eyes. She wished she could tell him what was happening. But she wasn’t even sure herself. Was she losing her mind? Was she run down or was she simply overworked as Emma had pointed out? ‘I’m fine. Thanks. Just laid low with some bug or other.’ She smiled at him and felt something fluttering inside. It was happiness. He made her happy and she hadn’t felt that for so long. She liked him. Would like to get to know him more. She gave herself a little shake. She’d told Emma off when she’d lusted after him and here she was, doing the same. Except it wasn’t just physical. She sensed a gentleness in Kit. A deep-rooted gentleness borne from his innate confidence. He was content being who he was. Adrian was always t
witchily looking to see what other people had got, what they drove, how much they earned. Where he sat in the order. How he could get one in front of them. Kit was simply Kit. Happy to be who he was. And she didn’t think winning money had anything to do with it. She thought it had everything to do with the man himself.
‘Are you okay Tash?’
His hand, firm and warm on her bare arm, brought her back. ‘Yes,’ she managed. ‘Just getting my breath back.’
‘Ready to carry on?’
‘Ready.’
As one, the group turned and began running back along the promenade. As they jogged past the bookshop, Amy peeled off apologetically. They dodged through the crowds that were gathering on Millie’s terrace to enjoy the sunset and Emma, Millie, Jed and some of the others soon gained speed and surged ahead. Tash, still feeling under the weather, maintained a steadier pace and was pleased when Kit slowed to run alongside her. They didn’t speak but she was comforted by his presence. They skirted around the tourists until making their way to the narrow lane which ran steeply parallel to the main street. It was a quieter route out of town, away from the throngs of people and the fumes of the traffic.
Tash had to pull up halfway. Leaning against an oak tree, she pressed a hand to her side and gasped in pain at the stitch which had developed. Kit took her by the shoulders and led her to a gap in the hedge. Next to the kissing gate leading onto the coastal path was a bench. Guiding her to it, he sat her down and let her breathe through it.
Eventually she was well enough to sit up. Taking the water bottle he offered, she murmured, ‘Thanks.’ They sat in silence. Screened from the streetlights, it was dark, with only the occasional car headlights flaring briefly. The air smelled damp and bosky, of deep greenness and secrecy. An owl hooted somewhere. It made Tash jump and she laughed.
‘Noisy at this time of the year. Out hunting I expect,’ Kit said and they lapsed into silence again.
Tash concentrated on the moment and felt her shoulders relax. Her whole body relaxed. It was very peaceful sitting here. She’d forgotten the bench had such a fantastic view over Berecombe. She used to walk Benji along the coastal path but hadn’t done it for months. They often used to sit on this bench before the rest of the walk. Benji was lazy and demanded frequent rests. A laugh rippled through her as she remembered how he’d squat on his fat little bottom, refusing to move.
‘Wonderful view,’ Kit said quietly, echoing her thoughts.
It was. Tash’s eyes followed the trickle of white houses descending the river valley. The white lights strung along the prom like a diamond necklace leading to the harbour and its still, black water. ‘I love it here,’ she whispered, not knowing if she meant Berecombe or the intimate peace of the bench shaded in its arbour of trees. She turned to Kit. He seemed very close. She could hear his breathing. It was uneven and ragged. Was it possible he felt what she did? He inched nearer. She sensed rather than saw his lips move towards hers.
‘Tash?’
‘Oh, Kit.’
A flare of headlights blinded her and she jolted back. What was she thinking? She was in a relationship. ‘I have to go,’ she panicked. ‘I have to get back to Adrian.’
‘Of course,’ Kit muttered.
Was that regret in his voice, or was it her fevered imagination?
Chapter 17
Adrian bounced into the sitting room brandishing an enormous bouquet. ‘Roses for my rose. Lilies for my lily,’ he exclaimed.
Tash was touched. He used to buy her flowers every week when they first got together. She took them and inhaled. ‘Oh, they’re gorgeous Ade. And the creams and whites even match the colours in the room. I’ll go and find a vase. They’ll look perfect on the sideboard. Thank you.’
Adrian looked abashed. He pursed his lips. ‘Thought they might make up for my behaviour lately. I know I’ve been a grump. Work’s a bit—’ he paused ‘—tense at the moment.’
Tash stood up. ‘Oh Ade, why didn’t you say?’ She gave him a hug. ‘You know you can talk to me about stuff. It’s not good to bottle it all up.’
‘Yes well, I don’t like to bring it home.’ He huffed. ‘Nothing more tedious than a work bore. Your training going well?’
Tash, disconcerted by the change of subject, disentangled herself. She went into the utility and hunted for the Waterford crystal vase she’d stashed in the cupboard. A pang of guilt shot through her as she remembered the bliss of sitting on the bench next to Kit. Of so nearly kissing him. ‘Yes, fine. Didn’t I say?’
Adrian followed her. He lifted her hair off her neck and kissed it, sucking hard. It would leave a bruise later. ‘You just headed for the shower last night without a word.’ He gave a short laugh.
Tash frowned as she cut off the cellophane. She was sure they’d had a brief conversation about how far she’d run. She dismissed the thought and concentrated on arranging the flowers. Adrian was so thoughtful sometimes. He really liked to spoil her. ‘You still up for the meal at my parents on Friday? I’d like to spend some time with them before they go on holiday.’
Adrian pouted and then rearranged his face as he caught her look at him. ‘Nice to be able to jet off to the Algarve for six weeks.’
Tash didn’t rise to the bait. ‘Well, Dad worked hard. He retired early so he could do things like that and he loves his golf.’ She pressed her nose into the bouquet. Disappointingly, they had no scent. She wasn’t sure why Adrian was so jealous of her father. Tweaking the flowers, she said, ‘These are really lovely Ade. You’ll enjoy the meal when you get there. They always make such a fuss over you.’
As it turned out, Tash and Adrian didn’t make the meal with her parents. Just as they were about to leave, Adrian rushed to the bathroom and Tash heard him being violently sick. Coming out, he clutched his stomach saying he must have caught the bug she’d had.
Tash got him to bed. Putting a glass of water by his bedside, she was about to leave when he caught her hand.
‘Don’t go, Natasha,’ he pleaded. ‘You know how awful I am at being ill.’
She sat on the edge of the bed. ‘Oh Ade, it’s the last time I’ll see Mum and Dad before they go on holiday.’
He pouted. ‘They’re only going to Portugal. They’ll be back before you know it.’ When she didn’t say anything, he continued. ‘I don’t see my parents from one year to the next.’
This was true. Adrian was detached from his family; he rarely saw them. Tash had never met them. ‘That’s not fair Adrian, they all live in Cumbria. It’s not easy for you to get to see yours. And you know how close I am to mine.’
‘I wouldn’t be ill if it wasn’t for you.’ He sighed mutinously. ‘This must be the bug you had.’
‘That’s not fair either. I recovered days ago. It might just be something you ate.’ The words came out more sharply than she intended and made her feel guilty.
‘Oh Tash, stay,’ he pleaded as he grabbed her hand. ‘Keep me company. Let’s watch some television and be all cosy.’ He jack-knifed in the bed and groaned. ‘I feel awful.’
Tash looked at him in concern. Adrian was prone to stress-related stomach upsets and was a dreadful patient, but this looked much worse. He was clammy with sweat and had gone a peculiar puce. Perhaps she shouldn’t leave him. It was doubtful it was the same bug she’d had after the party; she’d been fine after sleeping it off. ‘Should I call a doctor?’
‘No, no,’ he answered weakly. ‘They always take ages to come out after hours.’ He turned and opened his eyes, a brilliant blue in his flushed face. ‘I’ll be okay as long as you stay with me, darling.’
Tash gave in. ‘I’ll just go and ring them and apologise.’
‘Good girl.’ He pulled the duvet up around his shoulders and relaxed. ‘And put the heating on, will you? I’m freezing.’
Tash’s parents were understanding. ‘I haven’t seen you for weeks, though, Tash,’ her father said on the phone. ‘I missed you when you collected Benji the other day. And didn’t you get the message your mother left
on Thursday?’
‘That must be the answerphone having a fit,’ she explained. ‘It’s been a bit erratic lately. Look, I’ll try and pop over in the morning before you go. Have a quick coffee.’ After chatting a little more, she hung up and went back upstairs.
Two hours later, after a couple of episodes of The Crown, Adrian declared himself suddenly better. ‘And you know what?’ He said with a grin. ‘I’m ravenous!’
Chapter 18
The following morning, Tash arrived at her parents’ house to find them in a state of panic.
‘Tash darling,’ Keith Taylor kissed his daughter. ‘Thank goodness you’re here. The kennels have just rung to say there’s been a mix up with the booking and they can’t take Benji. Your mother’s on the phone to them now.’
The Westie cowered in the corner of the hall, looking deeply unhappy.
Tash picked him up and soothed him. She kissed the top of his white head. ‘Poor Benji.’ His trembling lessened slightly. ‘He hates the sight of suitcases.’
They went into the kitchen where Nadia, Tash’s mother, was having a terse conversation on the phone. Tash could tell from her clipped speech that her mother was furious. She sat down with Benji on her lap and fed the dog a sneaky fragment of biscuit. Keith gestured to the coffee pot and she nodded.
Nadia put the receiver down very, very carefully. ‘Well, that’s that. I’m never, ever using them again.’ She registered Tash’s arrival, gave her a swift kiss and stroked the dog’s ears. ‘Poor boy. Homeless.’ She sighed, melodramatically and sank onto a kitchen chair.
‘Have you tried anywhere else?’ Tash pushed a mug of coffee towards her.