by Jill Mansell
“Now you’re getting carried away. Besides, I have Seb.” Lottie felt it was only fair to point this out.
“And? Am I allowed to ask how it’s going?”
“Everything’s fine.”
Playfully Cressida said, “Everything?”
She was implying sex. Which was fine, of course it was, it was just that if Lottie were honest, sleeping with Seb wasn’t quite the thrilling, heart-stopping experience she’d been hoping for. It was nice rather than spectacular, adequate rather than dazzling. Oh well, maybe they just needed more practice. Anyway, she couldn’t tell Cressida this; it wouldn’t be fair on Seb. Lottie smiled and said firmly, “It’s all great.”
“So,” Cressida went on, “which one do you prefer?”
“Honestly? Marks out of ten? Seven for Seb, nine for Tyler.” Lottie paused, wondering if Tyler was actually a ten. “But it doesn’t matter which one I prefer. Nat and Ruby adore Seb. They can’t stand the sight of Tyler.” She shrugged and said, “So they’ve made that decision for me. It’s not as if I have the choice.”
“And you’re happy with that?” Cressida looked concerned.
“Hey, it’s not as if they’re making me go out with some hideous old guy. You haven’t met Seb yet. Just wait until you see him,” said Lottie. “He’s gorgeous.”
* * *
Lottie was downloading the addresses of potential clients who had requested brochures via the website when the door opened and Kate Moss walked into the office.
Not really Kate Moss, but similar enough to bring the name instantly to mind. This girl had long, wavy, light brown hair, a delicate heart-shaped face, and incredible cheekbones. She was wearing a slithery olive-green dress, high-heeled boots, and a billowing cream wool coat with a burnt-orange silk lining.
Lottie, wondering whether a film crew, a stylist, and a makeup artist were about to burst in behind her, said, “Hi there, can I help you?”
“I sure hope so. I’m looking for Tyler?” The girl was hesitant, American; she had the face of Kate Moss and the voice of Jennifer Aniston. Now how could that be fair?
“He’s not here. He’s gone to an awards lunch in Cheltenham.” Lottie scooted sideways away from the computer and picked up a pen. “Can I take a message? Or maybe I can help you?”
The girl shook her head prettily. “No, that’s OK. Do you have any idea when Tyler might be back?”
“Sometime this afternoon. I couldn’t give you an exact time. Give me your name,” Lottie said efficiently, “and I’ll tell him you were here.”
OK, not efficiently. Nosily.
But to her frustration the girl was shaking her head again. She smiled and reached for one of the color brochures Lottie had been preparing to send off.
“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t want to put you to any trouble. I’ll catch up with him later. All right if I take one of these?”
She had perfect teeth—like little pearls—and an Audrey Hepburn smile. Feeling more and more like Hagrid, Lottie said, “Feel free.”
“Thanks. Bye.” The girl flashed another smile and gracefully retreated from the office. Moments later Lottie heard a car start up and pull away. Launching herself across the desk, she seized the phone and punched out Tyler’s number.
It was turned off. Understandably, seeing as he was at an awards ceremony. Hmm, to leave a message or not to leave a message? Hi, Tyler, this is Hagrid. Now listen, I don’t know if you’re interested, but there’s been this absolutely stunning looking American girl here asking for you. Sorry? Prettier than me? Hell, loads prettier than me!
Lottie pulled a face at her reflection in the PC monitor. Maybe not.
Was that immature of her? Oh well, he’d be back soon enough anyway, and then she’d have a chance to find out who the girl really was.
* * *
Two hours later, Ginny Thompsett from Harper’s Barn came into the office to return the bottle of superglue she’d borrowed earlier to fix the snapped heel on her shoe.
“All mended. Thanks for that. They’re my favorites,” said Ginny. “And of course Michael’s thrilled because it saves him from having to dig out his credit card and pay for a new pair.”
“You could tell him you need a new dress to go with them,” Lottie suggested. “To celebrate saving so much money on new shoes.”
Ginny laughed. “Absolutely a girl after my own heart. Listen, we’re having a bit of a party tonight to celebrate Michael’s fortieth. His family is all coming over from Dursley. They’re great fun. If you’re not doing anything else, would you fancy joining us?”
Lottie had taken an instant liking to the Thompsetts, helped along by the fact that when they’d arrived last week they hadn’t whined about the still-damp carpets in the bedrooms of Harper’s Barn and had taken the lingering traces of Trish Avery’s nostril-curling perfume in good part.
“I’d love to.” Even better, Mario was taking Nat and Ruby off to the movies this evening to see some awful sci-fi film. Delighted to be invited to a party instead, Lottie said, “I’ll bring a bottle. What time d’you want me?”
“Around eightish. We thought we’d invite Tyler along too,” Ginny added cheerfully.
“That’s…fine!” It was, Lottie told herself. Nat and Ruby tolerated her working with Tyler because they had to, but they wouldn’t like it if they knew she was socializing with him after hours. Which was why it was extra handy that they’d be out with Mario at the movies.
“So can I ask if there’s a little something or other going on between you and Tyler?” Ginny had her head tilted to one side and an inquiring twinkle in her eye.
“We just work together.” The harder Lottie tried not to blush, the hotter her cheeks grew.
“Call me a nosy witch, but I think there could be more to it than that.”
Damn, was it that obvious? Attempting to sound like a Jane Austen heroine, Lottie said primly, “I have a boyfriend.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize. Well, bring him along with you.”
“He’s in Dubai.”
“OK then, don’t.” Mischievously, Ginny said, “Do you want me to ask Tyler, or will you?”
So much for primness.
“It’s your party, you can invite him.” Lottie gave up; first Cressida, now Ginny Thompsett. Honestly, was Hestacombe awash with meddling women?
“I’ll pop a note in his mailbox.” Ginny paused. “By the way, any idea who that girl is, outside his house?”
Outside Tyler’s house? Lottie’s heart sank. “Is she pretty?”
“Very. And wearing the most gorgeous cream coat.” Ginny gestured with enthusiasm. “I just came past Fox Cottage on the way up here and there she was in her car by the front gate. Just sitting there in the driver’s seat. But I know Tyler isn’t seeing anyone at the moment because I asked him the other day. That was when I decided you two would be perfect for each other, by the way.”
Touched, Lottie smiled and said drily, “She came in here earlier asking where Tyler was.”
“Well, I’ve got to nip up to the shop for cigarettes. But if you like,” Ginny offered, “I can ask her what she’s up to on my way back.”
“Thanks, but it’s OK.” As she said this, Lottie sensed that it wasn’t going to be OK at all, not from her point of view at least. “I’ll go down there now and check her out.”
Chapter 45
Last week’s wild storms had passed and the Hestacombe valley was once more looking as a Cotswold valley should look in the depths of autumn. The trees were a riot of color, and the sun had turned the fallen leaves to crisps. Crunching her way along the narrow leaf-strewn lane, Lottie had to dodge chestnuts as they dropped, gleaming and waxy, from their prickly casings. A fox darted in front of her, its russet tail brushing the ground as it searched for the scent of easy prey among the undergrowth. In the distance a rook cawed, its plaintive cry echoing
across the glassy surface of the lake. Lottie, her hands stuffed into the pockets of her red jacket, realized she was holding her breath as she rounded the bend in the lane that would reveal Fox Cottage ahead. The best thing would be if Kate Moss had gotten tired of waiting for him and gone. The very best thing would be if she’d gotten tired of waiting and had gone back to America.
But no. The very best things had a habit of not happening when you wanted them to. The car, a nondescript gray Audi, was still there. The girl, about as far from nondescript as it was physically possible to be, was sitting in the driver’s seat.
She pressed a button to lower the window as Lottie approached the car. Smiled.
“OK, I know what you’re probably thinking, but you don’t have to worry, I promise. I’m not a mad stalker.”
This was just what Lottie was afraid of. Mad stalkers were easily dispatched; they could be carted off by the police and charged with mad stalking. You couldn’t ask them to arrest a completely normal girl because she was too beautiful.
“My name’s Liana.” A slender hand was held out for Lottie to shake, the fingers delicate and Barbie-like. “I’m a good friend of Tyler’s.”
That was the other thing Lottie had been afraid of. She wasn’t proud of it, but she couldn’t help herself. Next to Liana even Halle Berry might feel a bit dumpy and plain.
Lottie said, “Is he expecting you?”
“No, I wanted it to be a surprise. Although he has invited me over lots of times,” Liana hastened to explain, “so hopefully it’ll be a nice one!”
The brochure lay on the passenger seat next to her, open to the page showing a map of the grounds. This was how she had located Fox Cottage, Lottie realized. Under the circumstances she could hardly order the girl off the property, tempting though it—
“Hey, that could be him now.” Liana’s eyes lit up at the sound of an approaching car. “Oh wow, I’m so excited! Is it him? Is it? Oh my God, it is!”
Lottie found herself almost splattered cartoon-style against the side of the car as Liana flung open the driver’s door and leaped out. Metaphorically picking herself up, Lottie watched as Liana raced over to Tyler. His response was all-important here; if he looked appalled and tried to lock himself back in his car, that would indicate that she wasn’t, in fact, as welcome as she imagined. Whereas if he—
“You’re here! Hey, I don’t believe it! This is incredible.” Tyler, his arms outstretched, enveloped Liana in a hug and swung her around. “It’s so good to see you again. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? My God, let me look at you. More beautiful than ever.”
“Shhh, you’re making me blush.” Liana laughingly pressed a perfect Barbie-type finger to his lips. “And we’re not alone. You mustn’t embarrass other people.”
“Trust me, nothing embarrasses Lottie.”
Feeling foolish because Tyler had never even so much as mentioned Liana when he clearly should have done, Lottie said, “Well, I’ll leave you to it. Um…Ginny Thompsett’s invited you to a party tonight at Harper’s Barn.”
Tyler said, “I don’t think so. Not now that Lee’s here.” He gazed down at Liana. “How long are you staying?”
“As long as you like. I’m easy.” Liana gave his hand a squeeze. “My cases are in the trunk of the car.”
Lottie knew when she was beaten. Whoever Liana was, she was here now. Maybe it was just as well she hadn’t gotten herself involved with Tyler, if girlfriends of this caliber were likely to pop up out of the woodwork. Turning to leave, she said, “I’ll tell Ginny you can’t make it.”
“Thanks.” Clearly distracted, Tyler said, “Have you been invited?”
“Me? Yes.” Lottie watched as Liana opened the trunk of her car to reveal four enormous powder-blue suitcases.
“Have fun then,” Tyler said easily.
“Oh, I will.”
“You have a great time at the party,” Liana chimed in, cheerily waving Lottie good-bye. “It’s been real nice to meet you. See you around!”
* * *
“I don’t know how to tell you this.”
“Tell me what?” As always the sound of Tom’s voice on the telephone caused Cressida’s heart to miss a beat. She smiled, convinced that he was teasing her. It was Friday morning and she was in the kitchen making a shepherd’s pie for when Tom and Donny arrived tonight.
“My mother’s had a fall and broken her hip,” said Tom.
This time Cressida’s heart skipped a couple beats, and not in a happy way. “Is this a joke?”
“I wish it was. She’s been taken to the hospital and they’re going to operate tomorrow. But she’s gotten herself into a state,” Tom went on wearily. “She wants me there with her. How can I refuse?”
“She’s your mother. Of course you have to be there.” Tears of disappointment and frustration slid down Cressida’s cheeks. Appalled by her utter selfishness, she dashed them away. “Poor thing, she must be so upset. Don’t worry about us; you go to your mum. I’ll make her a special Get Well Soon card.”
“I’m sorry,” said Tom.
Poor man, he sounded wretched. “So am I. But it doesn’t matter a bit.” Consolingly Cressida said, “By the time we’re in our nineties we’re bound to meet up.”
When she got off the phone, she vented her rage on the bag of Maris Pipers on the table, hurling potato after potato at the kitchen wall.
“Why me?” Cressida bellowed, ducking as a potato ricocheted off the ceiling and missed her face by inches. “Why meee?” The next potato hit her favorite coffee mug and sent it flying into the sink. That did it. Now her favorite mug was broken. Grabbing every potato in the bag, she began flinging them in every direction like a demented cricket player. “Aaarrrgh, why meee? Why meee? Why—bloody—bollocking—fucking—meeeeee?”
Oh Jesus, how long had the doorbell been ringing?
Panting like a cornered animal, Cressida froze. The doorbell shrilled again. Whoever it was must have heard her. She couldn’t pretend not to be in. She hastily wiped her face, combed her fingers through her agitated hair, and forced herself to take deep breaths.
Right, just act normally. Maybe she hadn’t been as loud as she thought and they hadn’t heard anything at all.
Ted from the village shop was standing on her doorstep.
“Are you having a nervous breakdown?” Ted approached the subject with his habitual tact and finesse.
“No, Ted, I’m fine.”
“Didn’t sound fine to me, wailing like a banshee.”
Cressida did her best to look haughty. “Sorry, I was just a bit…upset about something. I’m OK now. How can I help you?”
Ted mopped his forehead with a big hanky. “You were in earlier asking for a walnut cake and I told you the delivery van hadn’t arrived yet. Well, now it has. So if you want a cake, you can come over and get one.”
Why was he looking behind her like that? Turning, Cressida saw that there were potatoes scattered along the hall carpet.
“That’s really kind of you, Ted. But I was expecting guests and now they’re not coming, so I won’t be needing a walnut cake after all.”
What must he think of her? Cressida didn’t have to wait long to find out.
“Fine.”
“Sorry you’ve had a wasted journey.” If you could call ambling up the High Street a journey.
“I wouldn’t call it wasted. I’m very glad I came.” Ted paused, shook his head, and said heavily, “You’re not a bad-looking woman, you know. I’ve had my eye on you for some time.”
Eek! “Oh…er…”
“You’re on your own, I’m on my own,” he went on. “To be honest, I thought we might make a go of things, you and me. I was going to ask you if you’d like to come out for a drink with me one night.” Ted waited again, breathing noisily through his nose. “But now I’ve heard the kind of language you use,
I’m afraid you’ve blown your chances. I won’t be inviting you out after all.”
“OK.” Looking suitably chastened, Cressida closed the front door. She headed back into the kitchen, collected up a few loose potatoes, and said, “Thank fuck for that.”
Chapter 46
Lottie had been at her desk for almost two hours when Tyler arrived in the office the next morning. She glanced at the clock on the wall—ten to eleven—and heroically resisted the urge to say good afternoon.
Because that would be childish.
“Everything OK?” Tyler took off his jacket.
I don’t know. Is it? Did you spend last night having sex with Liana?
Lottie didn’t say this either. Instead she said easily, “Everything’s fine. That was a nice surprise for you yesterday, Liana turning up like that.”
The look Tyler gave her told Lottie that she wasn’t fooling anyone.
“It’s kind of a tricky situation. Liana’s a friend.”
“Quite a good friend by the look of things.”
Tyler came and sat on the edge of her desk. He looked thoughtful.
“Remember I told you why I came here? Why I quit my job in New York?”
“Your friend died.” Lottie was superaware of his proximity, his denim-clad thigh.
“Curtis.” Tyler nodded in agreement. “My best friend since we were kids.” Another pause. “He and Liana were engaged.”
Engaged. Relief rolled over Lottie like a wave on a beach. Liana had been Curtis’s fiancée, nothing more than that. So she and Tyler really were just good friends.
Except…that wasn’t quite right, was it? There was more to it than just that.
“So if things had worked out between you and me,” Lottie said slowly, “would she still have turned up?”
“No.” Shaking his head, Tyler picked up a pencil and began tapping it against the desk. “This is why I have to explain what’s going on. We’ve kept in touch since I came over here. Liana asked me if I was seeing anyone and I said no. Because I wasn’t.”