Page 73 of Happily Never After
‘I think we’ve ironed that out. Was there a question?’
‘More of an observation, now I come to think about it. I’ll admit I’m no relationship expert, although I flatter myself that I landed a good one with Hugh, but we both felt there was a spark between you and Finn that isn’t there with Angus.’
‘Angus and I are definitely in the past,’ I agree. ‘I’m not sure Finn felt the spark though.’
‘Oh, he did. He’s nuts about you, it’s obvious from the way he kept finding ways to be with you or sit next to you at mealtimes. You two were thick as thieves. I think he’s just a little shy and not sure how to make his move.’
‘He got spectacularly burned in his last relationship,’ I agree. ‘I think that makes him cautious.’
‘And you?’
‘Angus walked out. That’s a hard thing to come to terms with but, in a weird way, him flying out here to try to win me back has been cathartic.’
‘It’s helped you to see more clearly.’
‘Yes. He thinks he wants me, but he doesn’t really. Part of him craves adventure, which is why I think he signed up for the cruise line, but he also likes stability. If he could do his cruise job knowing that I was waiting patiently for him when he got home, that would be his dream scenario. The only problem with that is I’m not prepared to be a part-time partner, and I’d always be worried that he’d just walk out again. We were good for each other once, but now it’s time to move on.’
She smiles. ‘Then you’re ready.’
‘For what?’
‘For Finn.’
I sigh. ‘I’m not sure it’s as simple as that, even if the old lady in town thinks it is.’
‘What old lady?’
‘I’ve met her a few times on my early-morning walks. She was convinced Finn and I were a dream couple, and she took against Angus the moment she set eyes on him.’
Cara laughs. ‘Madame Laurent. She’s a real local character. She fancies herself as the town matchmaker and, to be fair, herrecord is impeccable. If she thinks you and Finn are made for each other, I’d take that on board.’
‘No pressure, then.’
‘Look, all I’m saying is what we saw, and it seems Madame Laurent saw it too. Yes, Finn might need handling with kid gloves while he learns to trust again, but it seems everyone who’s observed the two of you feels the same.’
‘I don’t know. I’ve only just got myself back on track after Angus left. Maybe I’m better off as I am for now. Apart from anything else, I’m on a deadline and can’t get distracted until I finish this book.’
‘If you ask me, you’re already distracted. Can I give you a piece of advice?’
‘Can I stop you?’
‘No, probably not. If you do nothing, this will wither and you’ll always wonder whether you missed an opportunity. Find a way to meet up with him once you’re back. I think that will help you decide what to do next. Oh, and Laura?’
‘Yes?’
‘Bonne chance.’
The house is empty when I get home. Although that’s to be expected as Liv will be at work and Meg’s presumably at doggy daycare, I feel a pang of disappointment nonetheless. I’ve been pondering Cara’s words for most of the journey, and I feel the need to talk to someone. Although I ended up sitting next to Angus on the plane, he wisely kept his own counsel and didn’t try to make conversation all the way, like he normally would have. He did tell me he’d secured another contract with the cruise line, leaving in a week or so, and he’s going to spend thetime in between visiting his parents in Glasgow, which I’m sure they’ll enjoy. He’s also agreed to pay the back rent on the storage unit and take it on going forwards, which I’m quite pleased about.
After unpacking and putting a load of washing on, I’m still feeling unsettled, so I decide to wander in the direction of Maison Olivia. The day is almost over, Liv should be packing up soon, and I’m definitely in need of her company.
‘Laura!’ she yells when I stick my head around the pâtisserie kitchen door. ‘Welcome home. I’d hug you only I’m covered in flour. What time did you get back?’
‘Not long ago.’
‘You’ve timed it perfectly. I’m just about to close up and go to collect Meg. I told her you were coming home this morning and she seemed pleased, although Donna tells me she’s absolutely loving her time at daycare. She’s the life and soul of the place, apparently.’
‘And how is the lovely Donna?’
