Page 110 of A December to Remember
Simone stepped forward, pulling her hair out of her face. “It’s really more of an ambush than a kidnap,” she tried to reassure the driver.
He raised his eyebrows. “Well, if you’re sure, Joe. I’ve got to get off. Hopefully I’ll get to Belgium before midnight.”
“I’m sure. Thanks for letting me hitch a ride, Nat, it was good to meet you. All the best. Merry Christmas!”
“Merry Christmas.”
The driver gave a salute, and Joe slammed the passenger door shut. The lorry pulled back out onto the road and left them windswept and shivering on the pavement.
“Want to tell me what this is all about?” Joe asked, taking his duffel bag from Patrick.
“Mind if we discuss it in the van? My nipples are in danger of snapping off.” Simone was trying to hold her hair down withone hand and keep her coat closed with the other. Joe made an “after you” motion, and Simone set off to the van with Patrick and Joe following behind.
There were a few moments of relief and exclamation as they closed the doors on the weather and settled themselves into the three seats in the front of the van, Joe in the middle.
She started the engine and put the heater on high to clear the windscreen. No one had said anything yet, and it was beginning to feel awkward. She wished Patrick would say his piece and get it over with. Eventually Joe broke the stalemate.
“Okay, you’ve stopped me leaving for France. Now what?”
She heard Patrick gulp. “I’m sorry about the way I dropped you in it,” he began. “It was a dick move.”
Joe took a moment to absorb Patrick’s words. “Apology accepted. And I’m sorry that I didn’t tell anyone about my involvement with Gilbert and Marks. I don’t think we did ourselves any favors by keeping secrets. I’m sorry you had to find out about the eviction like that. Your mum never wanted that. She only ever wanted to protect you and Verity.”
“I know. And thanks. So, are we good?”
Joe let out a long sigh. “This doesn’t change anything. Your mum asked me to leave. She blocked my number. I don’t think she wants to see me.”
“I know that shedoeswant to see you.”
“Did she tell you that?”
“No. I just know.”
Joe took another deep breath. “Let’s say I come back with you and your mum accepts my apology. Where does that leave us? You block me at every turn, Patrick. I don’t want to be your enemy. I would never,couldnever try to fill your father’s shoes. I only ever wanted us to be mates.”
“I know. I realize it doesn’t seem like it, but I want that too.”
“If push comes to shove, your mum willalwayschoose you. I fell in love with her knowing that I would always come second best to you and Verity. I can handle that. The question is, canyouhandle having me around?”
“Yeah. I can. I want you to come back.”
“Are we done?” asked Simone. “I don’t want to hurry anyone’s emotional journey, but I left Star in charge of the catering, and I am fearful of what that means for all of us.”
Joe looked at Patrick. “This is your last chance to get rid of me,” he said.
Patrick screwed his face up but then cracked it into a smile. “Nah, we’re good. Let’s go.”
“Unless your mum kicks me to the curb as soon as we arrive.”
“Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it, shall we? For now, we need to get back to Rowan Thorp before Star decides it’s a good idea to put cannabis in the trifle,” Simone said.
The van roared to life. The weather outside was frightful, but inside, spirits were high despite the uncertainty waiting for them back in Rowan Thorp.
49
The early morningdeliveries were still stacked up by the back door where they’d been left, and Maggie decided to take them in and stash them in the cold store, giving herself a minute to get her head in the game before she went to find her sisters.
She had just pulled the door shut when Duncan appeared behind her.
