Page 31 of Joker in the Pack

“We must have been practically neighbours—I lived in Notting Hill until I turned eighteen. Do you still miss the city?”

“Some parts of it, but this place has grown on me. The slower pace of life, actually speaking to your neighbours. People look out for their own. It just takes a while to be accepted.”

“But how do I get accepted?”

“Best just to talk to people. Hang out in the pub and the café, maybe join the Women’s Institute or the horticultural society?”

As if I didn’t have enough on my plate. “How do I join those?”

“I could find a few phone numbers for you if you like?”

“I’d be very grateful.”

We pulled into Aunt Ellie’s driveway, and my heart soared at the sight of Dave’s van parked outside. Two more friendly faces in addition to Warren’s would help me to get through the afternoon.

“Thanks so much for the ride.”

“Do you need a hand with your bags?”

I spied Maddie and Dave heading towards us and shook my head. “I’ve already got help.”

The instant we got inside, Maddie started with the interrogation, after first reminding me that she was always right.

“I told you Warren liked you.”

“He only gave me a lift because he was passing.”

“And I saw him staring at your arse as you walked into the house.”

“Really?” Was that denial in my voice? Or hope?

“Really. So, do you like him too?”

“I’ve only met the man twice.”

“That was enough for me and Dave. Have you waxed lately? I think I saw a kit in one of the spare bedrooms.”

“Maddie, please. I’m only just getting over Edward.”

“You know what they say about falling off a horse.”

I thought about it for a second. “I’m not getting back on Edward.”

“Okay, so maybe that analogy isn’t quite right. But you could always ride a different man.”

“I’m going to make lunch now.”

Despite Maddie helping in the kitchen, we soon had a plate of sandwiches with crisps on the side, and Dave grabbed a handful before taking a seat at the kitchen table.

“What’s the plan for this afternoon, boss?” he asked.

I only had them for today, and then I’d be on my own until next weekend, five long days away. “Could you help to carry my bed upstairs? I can’t manage it on my own.”

“Sure thing. And when you’ve got the electricity turned back on, I’ll check over your wiring.”

Dammit, why couldn’t I meet a Dave? Edward may have been well off, but Dave had stayed loyal to Maddie from the moment they met, and he’d never been anything but kind to me as well.

But all too soon, he’d gone, driving Maddie back to London ready for another Monday morning. That left me alone, perched on the good end of the sofa as Aunt Ellie’s collection of china figurines glinted eerily in the flickering candlelight.

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