3

Day 2

Ash Wednesday Feb 14

Nigel watched the scenery pass as James drove him on a fact finding mission to Headley Cross. His primary reason for going was to find out where this café was for the meet in a fortnight. The drive only took two hours and once James parked in the town center, Nigel told him to entertain himself for a couple of hours. Maybe he should have driven himself. Oh well, too late now and at least he’d know where to go next time.

He set off walking through the streets of the quaint town. It really was lovely.

He was almost two weeks early, but had the day off work and there were never any lectures scheduled for a Wednesday. If he should happen to bump into Chloe, then so much the better; if not, then Saturday week would have to do.

He found the café relatively easily and stood outside. It looked busy. His fingers ran over his jacket pocket, assuring himself the photo he’d printed off was still there. Nigel headed inside and ordered coffee before sitting by the window with the cup in hand. His phone rang. The ringtone indicated it was his brother without the need to look at the screen. “Hello, Archie.”

“So, have you told Chloe yet? Set a date for the wedding? Chosen a color scheme?”

“Not yet. I have plenty of time.”

“Six weeks isn’t that long.”

“I know.” He paused. “I emailed her last night,” he said, honestly.

“Email?” Archie laughed. “Romance is good and dead in your life, bro.” The café door opened and a woman with brown hair came in. Was that her?

“I’d better go, stuff to do. I’ll call you tonight.” He hung up and put the phone away.

The woman’s hair was tied back in an untidy bun, and she wore gym sweats under the thick fawn coat. “Coffee to go, please, Lia.”

“Sure, Chloe.” The barista knew her by name so she must be a regular. “How’s it going?”

“Busy, but a good busy. I have ten minutes before my next class and need the caffeine.”

Nigel drew the photo from his pocket. There must be more than one Chloe in town. What were the chances it was her? His heart raced as he glanced down at the picture, comparing the two women. It was her.

She was even prettier in real life. He found looking at her quite intoxicating—another reason he’d printed off her picture. He hadn’t even wanted his normal glass of wine with dinner last night, so intoxicated was he with just how she looked.

She paid for her coffee and headed for the door. If he wasn’t quick he’d miss his chance. He jumped to his feet and rose to open the door for her.

“Thank you.” She gave him a long look before walking through. Had she recognized him?

He followed her down the street, not really caring if he looked like a stalker. He was just a bloke walking along a parade of shops on a day off work. Where did she teach or attend class? Was she as young as she looked? Perhaps she was only the same age as some of his students. His heart sank. Perhaps she’d lied on the profile and was unobtainable. He couldn’t marry someone so much younger than him. Not even if it were merely an arrangement.

She vanished into an old stone building. Nigel stood outside. For a moment he wondered if he should follow her. Should he take this chance or wait until their scheduled meeting in two weeks’ time?

Before he could decide, the door opened and she came back out. She looked at him. “This is going to sound weird, but do I know you?”

He shook his head. She had recognized him. That was a good thing.

“No, well, not yet.” He held out a hand. “Nigel Turner.”

She shook his hand briefly. “The bloke from the website. I thought I recognized you from that photo you sent. I’m Chloe Wilkes.”

“Yes.” Nigel couldn’t tear his gaze away. “I’m eleven days early, I know.”

Chloe looked at her watch. “And I’m going to be late for class.”

“Are you a student?”

She snorted. “I’m a little old for that. I’m the teacher.” She glanced around. “Look, come and wait in my office. It’s warmer than hanging around on the streets. Besides which, the neighbors know we have a lot of kids here, and they keep an eye out for strangers. Any bloke hanging around for too long gets the cops called, and I really don’t need the hassle today. I’ll be done in an hour and then we can talk. Did you drive here?”

“The car is parked by the shops.”

“We have a small car park around the back for parents and staff. You can use that to save you putting more money in the meter. I’ll show you the office first, that way you can come back in once you’ve sorted out the car.”

“Thank you.” Nigel followed her inside.

Ten minutes later, having called James and told him where to park the car, Nigel sat at Chloe’s desk, watching her teach through the long window. Ten children in leotards and tights stood in front of the bar, copying her ballet moves. Her own leotard showed off her figure to perfection. Tights covered her long legs, the combined effect leaving very little to his fired up imagination. He watched in awe, unable to tear his gaze away as she did things with her body that he never thought possible.

Finally, she dismissed the kids and came into her office. She sat behind her desk and steepled her fingers. “So, Mr. Turner, I thought we had agreed to meet on Saturday week.”

“We had, but as I had the day off I thought I’d drive up here and just look around. Find out where I needed to be on the twentieth. Running into you was a happy coincidence.”

“I see.” She narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms as she leaned back in her chair.

“So, if you’d rather go somewhere public to talk, then how about I buy you lunch?”

“I have sandwiches.”

Strike one!

“Then, how about I buy myself lunch and we eat in the park.”

Chloe glanced out of the window. “It’s February and freezing cold.”

Strike two!

He felt like a total fool. “It’s not raining.”

She lifted her chin and looked him over. “OK. I guess just once won’t hurt.” She pointed to the door. “I need to change. I’ll meet you outside.”

Nigel stood, hoping the fresh air would cool his burning cheeks. “I’ll wait by the car.” He left quickly, feeling about six inches high. He reminded himself this was just business.

James got out of the car as he came over.

“Not ready to go yet. I’m waiting for someone. Stay in the warm.” As James got back into the car, Nigel leant against the door, blowing on his hands. Then he did up his thick overcoat. She was right about it being too cold for a picnic. Had he allowed a pretty girl to addle his brain?

Chloe came across the car park and pointed. “Seriously? A limo? Do you have a driver as well?”

Nigel hesitated as James got out in full livery. “Uh, yeah.”

“We’ll walk back to the café. There’s nowhere to park there anyway.”

Nigel turned to James. “I’ll meet you back here. I’ll text you when I’m ready to leave if you want an hour or so.” He turned to Chloe. “Shall we?”

As they headed down the side street, she looked at him. “You have a driver?”

“I can drive, I just—”

“Choose not to,” she finished.

Strike three! And out! The little voice in his head was almost accompanied by cheers and applause.

“Something like that.” He opened the café door for her. “What can I get you?”

“Tuna pasta salad and iced water, please.”

Nigel pulled out his wallet. “Sure. Grab a table, and I’ll go order.”

What kind of a woman ordered salad and iced water in the middle of winter? He glanced over his shoulder as he made his way to the counter. He was about to find out and just hoped he wasn’t making a huge mistake.