Page 79 of Let Me Love You (Excess All Areas 5)

She glanced over her shoulder and winked.

In the end, they picked four cars. The green MG MGB Roadster that Chaya had spotted for Zoe, the Pontiac Star Chief in white and silver for Alex, the Triumph for Ben, and in a last-minute switch, a classic 1966 Volkswagen Beetle for Chaya.

After several minutes of haggling between Ben and Tim, during which Chaya wandered around the field next to the barn, Ben waved for her as Tim got into his car.

“Did you get the deal you wanted?”

“Better than. I went in super lowball with an idea of what I’d actually be willing to pay in my mind, and his opening bid was that exact figure. So, I got them for less. Now, I just have to figure out where to put them until I have a permanent place to work on them.”

“Thank you,” Chaya said, putting her hands around his neck. “It’s a very generous thing you’re about to do.”

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a lot of work, but it should be fun. You going to help me fix them up?”

“Umm…honestly, probably not. But I promise to bring you snacks and be available for dress flipping.”

Ben glanced back at the barn. “I bet I could break in there, if you like.”

Chaya shook her head. “Not a chance. I’d be mortified if Tim came back tomorrow and noticed an upper body print on the bonnet.”

“I’d tell him to leave it. Be pretty fucking hot to work on the car with the memory of what I did to you on it.”

“Maybe once it’s in your place.”

Ben stepped back and looked at the old farmhouse. “Must be pretty sad for the house. Apparently, Tim’s family have farmed this for generations, and it’s been his family’s home for a hundred years. Time for someone new to take the reins.”

“Must be hard, though. Like, who’s going to teach the new owner the ropes? Isn’t that the benefit of taking it on from your parents, the inter-generational knowledge?”

“You must be able to do degrees in farming or agriculture, though, right?”

Chaya shrugged. “Got to imagine it’s better with someone showing you the ropes, though. Like, if you could do an apprenticeship.”

“Maybe that’s exactly who’ll buy a place like this. Someone who loves farming and has been working for someone else for a while and has experience.”

“True. We’re not far from Blackpool. How about we go for a walk along the prom, maybe get a late lunch?”

“I’d love that.”

“Hey, Nan,” Ben shouted, letting himself into her home the following day.

“I’m in the kitchen, lad,” she shouted.

He followed his nose. “Something smells good.”

Nan stood at the stove. “I was in the mood for some Scotch scallops for tea. I’ve made plenty. Do you want some or do you need to get home to Chaya?”

Ben pulled out the chair and sat down at the table. “She’s on call until nine so was going to eat alone anyway. And you know I love your Scotch scallops.”

“Scotch scallops, apple pie, scones, lobbies, and fairy cakes. That’s your top five.” Nan began to pile a heaping portion of the bacon, sliced potatoes and onions, and carrots onto his plate.

“They are. Plenty of the broth, Nan, especially if you made the loaf over there.”

Nan added another ladle of the broth everything had cooked in before cutting a thick heel of bread. Ben pushed his chair back and grabbed the cutlery and the butter from the counter.

Just as he began buttering his bread, loud shouting carried through the thin walls from next door. A door slammed. Then, more yelling.

“Moira’s having real trouble with her grandson, Shawn,” Nan confided. “His mum kicked him out and he went to live with his dad. But apparently, him and his dad have been clashing something fierce. Now, he’s with his grandma but he’s miserable as sin. She’s doing everything for him. Cooking, cleaning, doing his wash, stretching her pension while trying to keep him in school.”

Ben heard a plate smash. It reminded him of living with his own father. The fast flash of anger. He cut a piece of bacon and chewed it.

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