Honey Bun

by Natalie Kleinman

  Whirlwind Romance?

  Honey felt as if a light had gone out in her life. The brother she adored, together with his wife and their son, had returned to Australia leaving a void she was finding it difficult to cope with. They say you don’t miss what you’ve never had but in Lucy she’d found a friend and in Tom a feeling she couldn’t even begin to put into words. Now another niece or nephew was on its way and heaven alone knew how long it would be before that new acquaintance was made. If her mother had her way Daisy would see them before Honey, who could see no way of leaving the business to travel abroad.

  Circumstances had put Honey in the tearooms and up until now she hadn’t questioned her situation; after all, she truly loved what she did for a living. She’d never thought of a different future, one with a family, with children of her own. She was thinking of it now. Before she’d had no experience of what it could be like. Basil’s visit had changed that. Before the only man she would ever even have considered in the role of soul mate was travelling the world; enjoying other women; thinking of her if indeed he ever did think of me only as a scrubby kid. But he’d come back into her life as well and changed everything. And now he’d gone again. Had been gone for almost two weeks and she had no idea when or even if he would return. And if he did? There was no understanding between them and a good deal of animosity on her side which was a barrier to the feelings she tried so hard to suppress. And where did that animosity come from. She needed no reminder that work was proceeding at The Grange in its owner’s absence. Whether Guy came back or not the new care home would be built. Her mother would have to move; her mother, who somehow didn’t regard the impending change with the same dread as her daughter. She just doesn’t know how difficult it might be.

  With her usual practicality Honey got on with the job, did what she could to make her mother’s life a little brighter, and gave no indication to the outside world how unhappy she really was. I’m damned if I’ll let anyone see me cry. But cry she did, in the privacy of her room, late at night, when for a few hours she could allow the mask to drop; could admit to herself how much she was missing Guy; how much she dreaded his return and how lonely she was without him. Always the final thing she saw before falling into fitful sleep was the shock on his face a couple of weeks before he’d left, a look she had herself induced. She could still hear the scrape of the chair as he hurriedly pushed it back from the table and rushed out of the Honey Bun without so much as a backward glance.

  “Oops! Sorry. My fault. In too much of a hurry as usual.”

  Honey found herself clasped firmly by her upper arms which was just as well or she’d have fallen over. She’d almost been felled by the man who was now smiling ruefully at her as he stepped back to allow her into The Grange.

  “I’ve come to see my dad. He moved in a couple of days ago. We were lucky to get the place. Been on the waiting list for ages.”

  As he paused for breath Honey took the opportunity to introduce herself.

  “I expect we’ll be seeing a bit of each other then. My mother’s here too. I’m Honey Bunting.”

  “Rufus. Rufus Thornberry. I’ll be back in a minute. Got to get something from the car. See you inside,” and with that he was off and Honey felt as if she’d encountered a whirlwind. Once inside she stopped to talk to Betty in the foyer when the door opened and her new acquaintance came back in, only this time he was not alone. Looking at her with huge round brown eyes was a golden retriever, straining towards her but held firmly by his lead, he obviously wanted to be her friend.

  “Is it okay if I stroke him?” she asked, as she moved towards the dog but before his owner had time to answer he rolled over, offering her his tummy. Honey lost her heart to him. She wasn’t the first and she wouldn’t be the last. Rufus laughed.

  “Up to your tricks again eh, Ruff?” he said to his dog, and then to her, “Ruff by name but definitely not by nature. Silly I know but, well, Ruff and Rufus, Rufus and Ruff. One man and his dog. Like I said; silly.”

  Honey didn’t think it was silly at all and decided she’d like to get to know both her new acquaintances rather better.

  “Come in, Rufus. It’s a wonderful idea and I can’t think why we never thought of it before. You’ve heard of the PAT dog scheme, Honey? Pets as Therapy. Apparently Rufus and Ruff are regular visitors to the hospital.”

  Honey looked at Rufus with respect. Anyone who gave their time to help others was okay in her book.

  “It wasn’t until Derek arrived and we got talking that the subject ever came up. Derek is in Room Five now that poor Mr Gable has had to go into Hospice care.”

  “And I’m sorry of course about Mr Gable but so glad we’ve got Dad in here at last. He’s been waiting a long time and we were beginning to despair and think he might have to go elsewhere. It was a close run thing. He hasn’t been managing at home for a long time now.”

  Honey wondered if Rufus knew there was to be further upheaval when the new home was built. Apparently he did, she found out later, and he was quite sanguine about it.

  “With the care that Betty and her staff give and in such beautiful surroundings it has to be streets better than some of the places I’ve seen.”

  They were in the foyer once again, each on their way out after Honey had spent time with Daisy and Rufus and Ruff had introduced themselves to the residents, most of whom were sitting in the lounge so Honey was able to see their immediate response. Faces lit up; arthritic hands that could barely move managed to pat the dog’s head or stroke his back. Daisy too seemed delighted and certainly the change in atmosphere in the room was tangible.

  “Will you be here again tomorrow?”

  “Unfortunately no. I live some distance away and I’ll only be able to get here a couple of times a week but even though I won’t see as much of Dad I’m happier to have him being looked after twenty-four hours a day rather than being left on his own while I’m at work.”

  “He lives with you? Lived with you?”

  “Yes but I travel a lot and Ruff often comes with me. I used to leave him at home sometimes, you know, to keep Dad company, but mostly he came with me. I suppose it sounds selfish but that’s why I got him in the first place. I spend hours in the car and it keeps my blood pressure levels down just having him sitting next to me. It’s what made me think of offering him as a PAT dog. You’ve no idea how calming the presence of a dog can be.”

  “I saw the evidence just now. Well, I hope to see you again soon, Rufus. It’s been nice meeting you.”

  “Do you always come at this time?”

  “Usually.”

  “Then I shall make a point of doing the same. It’s been nice meeting you too, Honey,” and there was no doubting the warmth in those words.

  Honey’s spirits were lifted as much as those of the residents of The Grove. While baking later that evening she realised she was humming to herself. Other than Guy – and she didn’t want to think about Guy – it had been a long time since anyone had shown any interest in her. Opportunity would be a fine thing. But opportunity had presented itself without her going in search of it. That Rufus was attracted to her was without question. She was astute and honest enough to acknowledge that. Would he take it any further? Only time would tell. In the meantime it was nice to realise that for some at least she was a desirable young woman. Even in her private moments she’d never given much thought to herself. Some safety mechanism had prevented her going down a path she couldn’t follow because of other commitments. Her mother and her work had been her life. Now, in a few short weeks, two men had entered her domain and her perspective was changing. Of Guy she had no hopes but if Rufus chose to ask her out she would definitely go. She’d enjoyed his company enormously in the short time she’d spent with him – and was still feeling as if she’d encountered a whirlwind!

  A Goodnight Kiss

  By the time Guy returned just over a week later Honey had already been on her second date with Rufus and was enjoying a social life she hadn’t realised she’d m
issed. On the Sunday Rufus took her for a drive in the country, stopping for lunch at what he said was one of his favourite pubs. The days were warm enough now, as long as one wore a sweater, to sit outside and Ruff lay quietly at their feet under the table in the garden.

  “I can hardly move, I’ve eaten so much,” Honey said as she pushed her plate away.

  “Time to get going then. There’s a circular walk,” the word walk was a catalyst that had Ruff on his feet and bouncing around with excitement, “Okay, boy, in a minute”, Rufus said, stroking his head. “There’s a circular walk from across the road so we can leave the car here. Did you remember to bring your walking shoes?”

  “After you reminded me twice how could I forget?” Honey answered, smiling at him.

  “Well it’s a nice day now but we’ve had a fair bit of rain and it can be quite mucky out there, as I’m sure Ruff will give the truth to by the time we get back. I don’t want you turning an ankle on me.”

  This of course reminded Honey of her outing with Guy but she put it resolutely to the back of her mind.

  “They’re in the bag, the one I put in the back of the car before we left.”

  “Right, let’s go for it then.”

  Once off the road and onto the footpath Ruff was released from his restraint and disappeared quickly into the distance. He had work to do. Not forgetting his manners he kept returning to check on his humans before rushing off again to explore his world.

  “A golden dog with a long coat who loves water. You made a good choice there,” Honey said wryly when Ruff stood patiently being rubbed down at the end of their walk.

  “Yes, I don’t suppose there was a puddle he didn’t roll in. Look at him though. Did you ever see such a picture of happiness?”

  “No, nor smell such a whiffy one,” she replied as Ruff settled on the blanket which covered the back seat.

  “Don’t be so proper. Didn’t you like to get yourself mucky when you were a kid?”

  “Loved it. Has it ever occurred to you this kid isn’t going to grow up.”

  “Nor would I want him to. I know one thing. If there’s another life after this one I’m coming back as a dog.”

  The next time she went out with Rufus was after they’d both been visiting their respective parent.

  “I shouldn’t really. I’ve still got my baking to do.”

  “Just a quick meal, then, and I’ll have you home in no time. Ruff is fine in the car for a while. It’s his second home. Come on, Honey. You’ve got to eat.”

  The Rose and Crown was busy by the time they got there but they managed to find a table. It was near the door and there was a bit of a draught but it was that or nothing and they weren’t going to let it spoil their evening. It seemed as if the world and his wife came in that evening, if not to eat then to have a drink, and there were a few raised eyebrows. People weren’t used to seeing Honey out enjoying herself and several wondered who this stranger was. They were at the coffee stage when Suzie and Jack walked in so after the initial introductions they all adjourned to the bar. Jack and Rufus hit it off immediately and during their conversation Honey discovered Rufus, who hadn’t told her much about himself, was area manager for a national company trading in components, of what she didn’t know, and this was the reason for him spending a lot of time on the road.

  “He’s obviously staked his claim,” Honey whispered to Suzie, referring to Jack sitting with him arm around her best friend’s shoulders.

  “I can’t believe it. I’ve waited so long and now it’s perfect. Do you really think he feels the same?”

  “Actually I think it’s rather nice. It’s not like he’s being possessive, which I know you’d hate. It’s more that he’s comfortable in this relationship”.

  Suzie smiled contentedly and everybody relaxed into the evening. Rufus slipped out once to check on Ruff and nobody was more astonished than Honey when the landlord called closing time.

  After one glass of wine at dinner Rufus had stuck to water but Honey was way above her normal maximum and staggered slightly when the cold night air hit her as he escorted her across the road.

  “Watch out! I didn’t insist on walking shoes the other day to have you break a leg this evening. Will you be okay? You’re surely not going to start baking now?”

  Honey looked at her watch though she knew what the time was because of the Rose and Crown’s opening hours.

  “I’ve done it before.”

  “Not in this state surely?”

  “Probably not but I need to have something to offer my customers tomorrow.”

  “All right. Tell you what I’ll do. I’ll take Ruff round the block a couple of times and come back. If you still want to go ahead I’ll come in and give you a hand.”

  “You bake?”

  “You eat?”

  Honey had never worked in the kitchen with anyone other than her mother before but she found it companionable and she also discovered that Rufus could take instruction and was happy to help in whatever way he could. At two o’clock they had a cup of coffee and he left, kissing her tenderly on the cheek. Sober by now Honey had plenty of time to analyse whether or not she’d enjoyed it. She found she wanted to repeat the experience. Just to check. After all, it was so quick I didn’t really have a chance to appreciate it. She was just on the point of falling asleep when her phone signalled a text message.

  ‘Thank you for a lovely evening. Can we do it again soon? Sleep well.’

  Honey passed a dreamless night and woke feeling a lot better than she deserved.

  The evenings were lighter now, at the time both Honey and Rufus visited their parents, and Rufus was interested enough in the new development to ask Honey to go and look at it with him. She agreed, grudgingly, and they walked through the grounds to see what was going on. Access by road would be out of the question for some time, the plans being that a slip road off the main driveway to The Grange would be laid to the new buildings. In the meantime gravel had been put down not so much to protect the grass – it would be covered by tarmac later anyway – but as a damage limitation exercise to prevent the builders vehicles going further afield than was necessary.

  There was little to see when they got there. The site had been excavated and the foundations put down but there was no identifiable structure yet. Even so it was impressive.

  “It looks huge, doesn’t it? Do you know how many rooms it’s going to have?”

  “I haven’t been to look at the plans. I’m not really interested.”

  “But your mother will be living here. There’s nothing you can do about that.” Honey had made him well aware of her feelings about the whole thing. “Don’t you want to know what it’s going to be like?”

  “I don’t want her to move at all.”

  Rufus turned Honey towards him, his face full of concern.

  “You’ve made that abundantly clear but have you ever wondered how Guy might feel? It’s not just his home, it’s his ancestral home. How do you think you’d feel in his position?”

  Honey had never even looked at it from Guy’s point of view. She’d just thought he was being selfish and high-handed but Rufus had put the whole thing into a different perspective. Perhaps in her anxiety for Daisy she hadn’t been able to see anything else. It didn’t alter the situation, that she was convinced a move would be harmful to her mother, but it did at least make her think she was perhaps a bit unreasonable in her condemnation of Guy. And now he was gone and she might never have the chance to apologise. She shivered.

  “You’re cold. Come on, let’s you back inside.”

  She allowed Rufus to lead her back to The Grange but suddenly all the pleasure she’d gained out of the past few weeks seemed to disappear into the evening air. Guy had once more filled her mind and she didn’t like it. She didn’t like it at all.

  They went back into the building for a short time, just for one last check on Daisy and Derek, after which Rufus insisted on giving Honey a lift home. She’d quite have enjoyed the walk.
It would have given her the opportunity to assimilate this new information, or at least this new take on the information she already had. It seemed churlish though to refuse. As they pulled out of the drive they were passed by Guy’s beautiful car. Honey’s heart leapt to her throat. He’s back! He’s come back. To Rufus it was just another car. He’d never met Guy and didn’t know what vehicle he drove. For his part Guy didn’t give them a second glance. He was glad to be home. Glad and anxious. How would Honey receive him? They had parted on bad terms. Hadn’t parted at all in fact. He’d just walked out. Perhaps it was just as well he didn’t know he’d almost rubbed shoulders with her in the company of another man.

  Dinner Dates

  It didn’t take Guy long to discover Honey was seeing someone else.

  “You’ve just missed Honey and Rufus,” Betty said as he came through the door, forgetting he’d never met the other man. “I saw them walking over to the new development so maybe he’ll be able to knock some sense into her. She seems to listen to what he says.”

  “Rufus?”

  “Oh of course; he wasn’t here when you went away, was he? His father has moved in to Mr Gable’s old room. He brings his dog in when he comes to visit; Ruff; a golden retriever. He’s a PAT dog.”