Page 59 of Finding Love at Roseford Blooms
‘Everyone makes mistakes,’ Simon said. The irony of that wasn’t lost on him, given his confrontation with Lizzie. ‘It’s what you learn from them that counts.’
‘Very profound,’ Sarah teased. ‘And I definitely learned that you can’t go back. The past is something that’s best left there. Jago and I might have been in love once, but that was a very long time ago. And his wife has to deal with him now, not me.’
‘I hope she walks out on him someday,’ Simon said. ‘And really gives him what he deserves.’
‘Time, and karma, will tell,’ Sarah replied. ‘But he’s not my problem, thank god. I feel guilty for falling for his charm, but you live and learn, I guess.’
They drank their coffee in contemplative silence, until Sarah spoke again.
‘So, how goes it with you, big brother?’
Simon sighed. ‘Until about an hour ago, fine. Now, I’m not so sure.’
‘What’s happened?’
Briefly, Simon recounted his conversation with Lizzie. As he did so, he felt his gut tensing again, and he swallowed hard, trying to dislodge the horrible, heavy sensations that thinking about it caused.
‘I’m surprised she’d believe what Georgina told her,’ Sarah said, outraged. ‘I mean, doesn’t she know you at all? You wouldn’t have the bloody wherewithal to scam someone for their money, even if you had thought of it.’
‘Thanks,’ Simon said dryly.
‘Oh, you know what I mean.’ Sarah looked at him. ‘Did you want me to speak to her?’
‘I don’t think that’s a great idea,’ Simon replied. ‘Even though you two have cleared the air, it might not be totally believable, coming from you.’ He sighed. ‘No. This is something I need to sort out for myself. I’m just not sure where to start.’
‘You never were that good at emotions, were you?’ Sarah said. ‘I remember whenever I broke up with a boyfriend, you left the room every time it looked as though I was going to start crying, in case you were required to say something comforting. I’m amazed you’re actually confiding in me now, to be honest!’
‘Maybe there’s hope for me after all.’ Simon surprised himself by laughing. Then, suddenly serious, ‘Being so far away at that school didn’t help. I felt as though we barely knew each other when we were teenagers. I’m sorry I didn’t make more of an effort back then, Sarah.’
‘Oh, don’t go all mushy on me,’ Sarah shot back, but her expression was gentle. ‘We had a lot of blessings, when you think about it. And at least we get to spend time together now. It could have been worse. It sounds like poor Lizzie’s still working through her family relationships. Georgina was my friend back then, but she wasn’t the most loyal of people. Sounds like she still isn’t, if she’s trying to come between you and Lizzie, even if there is no reason for it.’
‘Sometimes people don’t have clear-cut motivations like they do in the movies,’ Simon replied. ‘Sometimes, they act out of spite, or insecurity, or because they can’t stand to see other people happy. Maybe there isn’t a reason.’
‘Maybe,’ Sarah mused. ‘But whatever the score, I know you can fix it. Lizzie’s hurt, and I know you are, too, but try to remember that what she said came from a place of deep uncertainty. She’s spent her whole life comparing herself to her sister. You need to show her that it’s her you want.’
‘How very wise you are, sis!’ Simon laughed, but he knew that Sarah was right. ‘The question is, how and when do I do that?’
‘You’ll work it out,’ Sarah replied. A ping from her computer made them both jump. ‘That’s my next work call. I’d better get back to it.’
‘Thank you,’ Simon said as he got up. He grabbed Holmes’s lead from the hook by the back door and attached it to the dog’s collar. ‘I’ll get this chap out of your way for a bit, shall I?’
‘You’re a star!’ Sarah called over her shoulder as she retreated to her study once more.
Holmes was overjoyed to be out and about, and Simon tried to focus on the positives. He and Sarah had cleared the air – now he just had to sort things out with Lizzie. He had the feeling that it might be easier said than done.
50
Stupid, stupid, stupid!The thought repeated itself with every pace Lizzie took back to Roseford Blooms. She’d never forget the look of hurt in Simon’s eyes as the reality of her accusation had dawned on him. Yet again, her own insecurities had led her into a poor choice. And this time, it had probably cost her a relationship that she knew was incredibly special. Even though it had only been weeks since they’d met, her feelings for Simon had blossomed, and she knew that if she’d trusted her instincts instead of her sister, she’d be getting ready to spend another blissful evening with him.
‘Everything all right, love?’ Bee, who was sitting on the stool behind the shop counter, called out as Lizzie came through the door.
‘Fine,’ Lizzie replied quickly. She didn’t want to burden Bee with her troubles. Looking over at her aunt, she noticed how tired she looked.
‘You need a break,’ Lizzie said firmly. ‘Let me take over the rest of the buttonholes for a while, and you can put your feet up and have a cuppa and a sandwich. I’ll go and grab you one from Roseford Café if you like.’
‘Thank you, Lizzie dear,’ Bee said. She stretched out her back, and Lizzie was suddenly aware of what a physically demanding job her aunt had. ‘That would be lovely. But I’ve brought a sandwich with me. I’ll go and put the kettle on and sit down for a bit in the office, if you don’t mind getting back to work on the buttonholes.’
‘Of course.’ Lizzie smiled at her aunt. It was exactly the kind of repetitive task she hoped would help her to take her mind off the immediate problems with Simon.
