‘Fair enough.’ Hannah clipped the against the wall so it stayed open. Alfie was still fast asleep curled up on the sofa, so at least with the door being open he could come and find them when he was ready.
‘I mean, I know I do have everything ready. I spent most of the last two weeks having a sort through and putting up the backing paper for displays, getting books labelled andeverything. And I’m certain I even filled up the pencil pots, but I’d just feel better if I checked.’
Hannah nodded as she watched Gemma wring her hands in front of her. They both knew Gemma was super organised – always had been – and that she’d have left everything ready to go tomorrow, but she’d always been nervy before the new intake came in. Not that Hannah could blame her, she’d be the same. No, she’d be worse because she was as disorganised as Gemma was organised. ‘I’m sure you have; you’re always super-prepared. But don’t worry, I can make a start on my own if you want to get off now?’
‘No, I have the morning free.’ Linking arms with her, Gemma led them towards the cottage.
‘Okay, thanks.’ Hannah glanced at her friend. Hannah and Lucy had stayed until the early hours of the morning after sharing a takeout pizza and chatting the evening away, and yet she’d still come here to help Hannah before she went into school. She smiled. It felt good to be spending some time with her closest friends again. She’d missed them, and she’d missed their get-togethers. Sophie had bailed early in the end due to childcare issues, which was fair enough, but she’d been about long enough to join in the catch-up. ‘And thanks again for last night. I needed it.’
‘Hey, we all needed it. We’ve not seen you in four years either, remember!’ Gemma laughed.
‘True.’ Hannah’s smile dropped as they came up to the front door. She hadn’t stepped foot inside again since she’d run out on Josh. Taking a deep breath, she unlocked the door and stepped inside, determined to breathe life into the cottage once more. She’d neglected it, and she owed both her grandad and the cottage itself some much-needed love and attention.
‘You know what I need before we begin?’ Gemma lifted up the bag she was carrying. ‘A strong coffee.’
‘You brought coffee?’
‘Coffee, tea bags and milk. Thought you might need them.’
‘Thanks, Gem.’ Hannah glanced towards the fridge and shuddered at the memory of yesterday’s discovery. ‘In that case, I know right where I need to begin our epic clean-up. The fridge.’
‘Please don’t tell me you left food in it?’ Gemma’s expression turned to one of horror. She’d always been germ-aware and particular about cleanliness, which was probably why she’d offered to help today. Hannah was half-surprised she’d even stepped foot in the cottage yesterday.
Scrunching up her nose, Hannah shrugged. ‘Just a few things. Grandad’s leftover birthday cake and whatever else was in there at the time.’
‘Seriously?’ Gemma stepped towards the fridge, resting her hand on the door. ‘I kind of need to see that now.’
‘Haha, morbid fascination?’
‘Exactly.’ Squeezing the end of her nose with her finger and thumb, Gemma took a quick breath in through her mouth before pulling open the door.
Shaking her head, Hannah watched as Gemma’s eyes widened and she frowned. ‘Don’t say I didn’t warn you.’
Looking from the fridge to Hannah and back again, Gemma let go of her nose and reached into the fridge.
‘Yuck, Gem! Not without gloves.’ Turning, Hannah pulled open the door to the cupboard beneath the sink and found a packet of unused rubber gloves she must have bought years ago with all the good intention of wearing them whilst washing up. Waving them in the air, Hannah caught Gemma’s attention. ‘Ready to catch?’
‘I’m not going to need those.’ Reaching into the fridge, Gemma picked something up.
‘You’re going to make me gag. I thought I was going to throw up just by opening the door yesterday, so please don’t touch anything.’
Gemma held up a piece of paper. ‘Well, you’ll be right; this might make me gag, but not due to being sick, just because of how sweet this is.’
‘What are you going on about?’ Walking the few short steps to the fridge, Hannah took the piece of paper from Gemma, immediately recognising the flawless cursive handwriting:
Just thought I’d grab you a few bits in to keep you going until you get to the shop. Josh
Chapter Seven
After throwing the packet of rubber gloves onto the work surface, Hannah pulled the fridge door open wider so she could see in. The inside was unrecognisable from the mould-infested science experiment of yesterday. Today, the fridge was clean, and instead of the mouldy birthday cake and other items, the shelves held milk, cheese, a box of eggs, a loaf of bread, packs of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, and a huge bar of whole nut chocolate. ‘What on earth?’
Rubbing her friend on the shoulder, Gemma grinned. ‘I mean, who puts bread in the fridge? But getting your favourite bar of chocolate makes up for that.’
‘I don’t understand.’ Hannah shook her head. When had he done this? He must have spent the evening cleaning it out and shopping whilst she’d been guzzling wine in Gemma’s back garden.
‘Maybe he actually feels the same way about you after all.’
Rolling her eyes, Hannah closed the fridge door, not even bothering to reply. ‘Don’t be daft. I’ll always just be his kid sister’s friend to him. He was just being kind. Or else he wants the work.’
