Page 15 of Second Chance with Seth

“Not at all,” he said.

Aunt Clare smiled then and tipped her head to one side as I picked up my cup and took a sip of coffee, relaxing a little.

“In that case,” she said, “why don’t you move here?”

I choked on my coffee and Seth got up, coming around behind me to pat me on my back.

“Are you okay?” he asked, and I glanced up at him, nodding my head.

“I’m fine.”

He moved his hand up to my shoulder, leaving it there as we both looked back at my aunt, who was still smiling. “What are you suggesting?” Seth asked.

“Plenty of people who live here commute to Concord for work each day,” she said. “So why don’t you?”

“Are you suggesting he moves in here?” I asked.

“Yes, although I never thought I’d have to actually spell it out.” She laughed. “I’ve checked with everyone downstairs, and they’re all fine about it… even Sandra.”

“Why Sandra?” Seth asked, looking confused.

Aunt Clare suddenly became serious. “She has a difficult history, and doesn’t trust men. I can’t say I blame her, knowing what I know, but she said she’s okay with it.”

Seth nodded his head, accepting at once that everyone here mattered. They all got a say in what went on. That hasn’t changed. It’s how Aunt Clare did things, and it’s how I try to do them, too.

Aunt Clare smiled down at him before getting up from her seat and taking her plate into the kitchen.

I looked up at Seth, who quickly moved around, crouching beside me.

“What do you think?” he said, lowering his voice.

“I think it sounds perfect.”

“So do I.”

He kissed me, just briefly, and then said we’d spend the afternoon making plans.

There wasn’t very much to plan, as it transpired. He had to give a month’s notice at his place and used that time to move his belongings into the apartment, a few things each weekend.

Breakfasts became slightly more chaotic during the week, as Seth had to leave in time to get to work, and we had to open the coffee shop, but we managed, and over the coming months and years, we all fitted in with each other’s lives. Seth became part of the family… just like everyone else here. He and Aunt Clare got along so well, it was as though they’d known each other all their lives. I never heard a cross word between them, and whenever he had a problem, although he always told me about it, he’d seek her advice, listen to her counsel, and thank her for listening. She never minded. She enjoyed having him here with us… not just because he made me so happy, but because he was Seth, and she loved him, just like he loved her.

I startle at the sound of River crying and turn my head, leaping out of bed when I see the time. It’s just gone six. What’shappening? She never sleeps this late, and my morning routine has just been halved, which makes it impossible.

“Oh, hell,” I cry, running for the door and straight up the stairs.

I don’t know how I’m going to get ready in time, and to cover myself, while I fix River’s milk, I send a quick text message to Owen, asking if he can open the coffee shop for me. He comes back straight away…

— Of course. Are you okay?

I reply, letting him know what’s happened… namely that my human alarm clock failed, and he tells me to take my time and not worry… which, of course, I do. It’s in my nature to worry. As for taking my time, I won’t do anything of the sort, but at least I can stop panicking and just get through the morning routine as quickly as possible.

Of course, it would be so much easier if Seth were here. But he’s not, and for a second, I allow myself to wonder what I’d do if he knocked on my door and asked to come back. It’s a question I’ve posed to myself countless times since he left, and now – as every other time before – my answer is the same.

There would be a lot to talk about, so I’m not saying it would happen straight away, but if he asked, and if he really wanted to make it work, then my answer would be yes.

Oh, God… yes.

After such a rushed morning, the last thing I need is a hectic lunch service… but that’s exactly what I’ve got. It’s not unusual on a Saturday, and I suppose I should have expected it.

---