Page 12 of Forever Love at Fleur's Flower Shop

‘Good, good. I know it must be a little strange for you having him move back to Nettleford, especially after all these years of not seeing him, but I knew you’d be okay. I’m sure it’ll just take a little getting used to, that’s all.’ Helen removed her hand and picked up the sunflower table centre, seemingly happy with Fleur’s reaction.

‘Right, of course.’ She swallowed. He’d moved back? That’s what she’d said, wasn’t it?

‘Have a lovely day.’ Helen walked towards the shop door before pausing and turning around. ‘And remember, if you’ve time after the speed dating, pop by the town hall for the party.’

‘Thanks. I will.’ Fleur watched as Helen pulled open the door and headed out into the street before turning and hiding her face in her hands. Matty was moving to Nettleford. He was here to stay. Here to live permanently. This couldn’t be happening. It just couldn’t be.

Forcing herself to straighten up again, she turned back and looked out of the window. And speaking of him, there he was. Just as though he could hear her thoughts. Large as life, he was standing outside, speaking to Helen herself. Could this day get any worse? Not only did she have the delightful speed dating experience looming ahead of her, but now Matty was clearly about to walk right in here and with no other customers about, she’d have no excuse not to face him and answer any questions he might have.

Before she could change her mind - or Matty had time to dip out of his conversation with Helen and make his way inside - Fleur grabbed her coat and raced towards the door before turning the welcome sign toClosedand slipping outside.

Making sure not to look in his direction, or even worse, to catch his eye, she put her head down and marched across the green towards Bea’s bookshop. With any luck, Helen would keep him talking for a while and distract him from even entertaining the idea of catching her up.

‘Fleur! Hold up.’ Squeezing her hands into fists in her pockets, she pretended not to hear him. Picking up her pace, she halted as she collided with someone. ‘Sorry.’

‘Fleur, I’m glad I caught you.’

Looking up, her heart sank as she came face to face with Gregory. ‘Hello, Gregory. Sorry about that. I wasn’t looking where I was going.’

‘Yes, well, it’s a fortunate turn of events that, firstly, I wasn’t a tourist who you just collided with, and, secondly, that I happen to have been on my way to speak to you, so your misdirection has in fact saved me a trip.’

‘Right.’ Umm, the flower shop was only a few metres away, so she hadn’t saved him more than a few seconds. Or more likely, a second at the most. She sneaked a glance behind her, her eyes locking instantly with Matty’s. Despite him being back in deep conversation with Helen, his eyes were following her every move. She needed to get away. ‘Sorry, Gregory, I’m going to have to run as I’m just on my way to go over my speech with Bea for opening the speed dating event.’

‘Oh, of course. I shan’t get in your way then.’ Looking slightly taken aback, Gregory smiled.

‘You thought I’d forgotten, didn’t you?’

‘Er, no, no. I have every faith in you, Fleur. I’m looking forward to this evening.’ Gregory tapped her awkwardly on her coat sleeve.

‘You’ll be there?’ She frowned. She hadn’t banked on him keeping such a close eye on proceedings. She’d planned on winging the whole event, not having someone like him standing there and scrutinising her every move.

‘Why, of course.’

‘I thought you were still dating your lady friend?’

‘I am.’ He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his feet, pride flushing across his face. ‘We’ll both be there to support you.’

‘Gee, thanks.’

Gregory cleared his throat. ‘Of course, we won’t be partaking in the speed dating...’

‘No, of course not.’Shelooked behind her again. He was still there, but by the looks of it, Matty and Helen’s conversation was ending. ‘Anyway, I’ll let you get off. I’m sure you want to catch Matty andwelcomehimbackto Nettleford personally.’

‘Ah, yes. I have beenmeaningto catch him...’

‘Great. See you this evening.’ Nodding, Fleur stepped away from him and beganwalkingtowards the bookshop again. She felt guilty for subjecting Matty to one of Gregory’s welcomingspiels,but needs must. As she reached the door to the bookshop, she glanced behind her. It had worked. Gregory hadaccosted Matty and by the looks of it, she should be safe for good while.

Chapter Nine

Ducking into the shop, Fleur closed the door firmly behind her again, the bell above the door tinkling her arrival as Bea looked up from where she was refilling shelves in the children’s corner. ‘Hi, Bea.’

‘Hey, this is a surprise. I thought you’d be busy, what with people popping in to make orders for Valentine’s Day next week?’ Squeezing the final book onto the shelf, Bea stood up and made her way to the counter. ‘Coffee?’

‘I wouldn’t say no. And, yes, I am, but it was time for a break.’ Fleur walked back to the window as Bea disappeared behind the curtain into the backroom where she kept the kettle. From here, peering out from behind the display of books, she was fairly confident Matty wouldn’t be able to see her, so unless he’d watched her walk into the shop, she could hang around here until he’d gone.

‘Here you go.’ Joining her at the window, Bea passed her a mug.

‘Thank you.’ Wrapping her hands around the hot ceramic, Fleur didn’t avert her gaze from Matty and Gregory.

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