‘And then what did you do?’ Hope wants to know.
‘What could I do?’
‘Did he not call you? To explain?’
‘Explain what? The bleeding obvious? He’s back with his wife. That’s where I bow out. I don’t want to do to someone what was done to me. He still cares for her. She was baking in his home. Their home.’
‘Faith, sweetie – caring for and being in love with are two completely different things,’ Hope points out.
I shake my head. ‘No, you weren’t there; you didn’t see it. Even Orson was happy, which is the one good thing about today.’
‘I don’t understand it,’ Hope confesses. ‘From what you’ve told me, and from what I’ve seen, judging the way he is with you… he’s definitely interested.’
I shrug and contemplate something even more obvious. ‘Maybe he was just interested on a physical level, just for fun while waiting for his wife to come round.’
‘I don’t know, Faith – he just doesn’t seem the type.’
‘God, have I learnt nothing about men all these years?’
‘Don’t be so hard on yourself, Faith. Just let it go. Find someone new.’
‘Oh, no thanks. From now on, I’m completely off men.’
*
The next work day with Henry is, to say the least, cringe-worthy. He avoids me and I avoid him, spending the entire day getting someone else to deliver a message to the other, and of course, it’s all work-related. I don’t even partake in the usual breakfeast he’s brought, and today of all days, he seems to have outdone himself with a mountain of blueberry scones. The cheek. And to make matters worse, he’s brought Travis along, presumably to talk about the purchase of the beach house. He couldn’t be layering it on any thicker.
‘You know, Faith, you’re wasted here in Cornwall,’ Travis says as I am supervising my muscle men from the door as they lay tile in the bathroom. I’ve come up with an original pattern, completely different from the suggested ones and it works brilliantly if I may say so myself.
‘Tell that to Cornwall,’ I throw over my shoulder.
‘Seriously, you should be working in New York.’
‘New York,’ I sigh. ‘As if.’ Anything to get away from here would be a dream.
‘Have you ever been there before?’
I shake my head.
‘Never been to New… Are you serious?’
‘I only wish,’ I say wistfully. ‘And yet, it’s my professional dream – all those beautiful homes and penthouses dying to be furnished.’
‘Well, then you should definitely come.’
Down on his knees filling in the grouting, Bill looks up at me and rolls his eyes and it’s all I can do to not laugh out loud.
‘Me? And do what, exactly?’
Travis points a finger at me. ‘You’d do very well there, with your work ethic.’
‘Thanks, but I’d be like Jawsy in the Atlantic Ocean.’
He frowns. ‘Jawsy?’
‘Oh – that’s my goldfish.’
‘Ha – you are cute, you know that?’
I make a face. ‘Coming from you, I’m not sure that’s a compliment.’
‘Of course it is. Just because I’ve dated some of the hottest women on the scene doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a true English rose when I see one.’
‘Uh, okay, Travis. Do you ever not flirt?’
‘Sure, with a girl I don’t like. You, I like. A lot, actually.’
‘You barely know me.’
‘But I like what I see. Although I feel that there is much more beneath the surface. What is under there, English Rose?’
‘Travis – we’re done for the day. Are you coming or not?’ Henry wants to know as he marches towards us. My, this loo is certainly getting crowded all of a sudden.
‘You go on ahead, Henry. I’ll see you tomorrow,’ Travis says, not taking his eyes off me.
Henry’s mouth opens wide, then shuts with a snap. ‘Right.’
Bob gets up, dusts off his knees and straightens his back. ‘Okay, so no one goes in there until tomorrow evening.’
I nod. ‘Thanks, Bob, you’ve done an amazing job as always.’
He removes his gloves. ‘Faith, there’s a list of things on your desk. We’ll go over it tomorrow.’
‘Oh. Okay. Have a nice evening, Bob, and say hi to Eve for me, will you?’
‘Consider it done,’ he says, picking up his toolbox and heading for the front door. ‘See you tomorrow, Faith. Travis, I’m sure you’ve got somewhere to be?’
I suppress a gasp at Bob’s rudeness and check Travis’ face. But he’s completely unfazed. ‘Me? Nah. I’ll probably just escort Faith home.’
Oh, God. ‘Oh – I don’t need escorting,’ I inform him. ‘But thanks anyway.’
‘I’m off,’ Bill sighs before he pulls the door shut.
‘Bye, Bob,’ I call as I head for the boardroom to sit and read his notes. He’s itemised all the pieces to be delivered. As I go through the complete list, I become aware of the fact that Travis has followed me.
‘And now I know why my American charm isn’t working on you in the least,’ he says.
I look up. ‘I’m sorry?’
‘You do have the hots for my buddy Henry.’
I baulk. ‘I have not.’
‘Come on. I can see it in your eyes. The minute he walks into the room you light up.’
‘Nonsense. Henry is just a work colleague. He means absolutely nothing to me. I’d sooner hook up with Gabe again.’ But even as I say it, my heart hurts. We will never be friends again, and come the end of this job, I will never see him again, either.
‘Well, if you’re not interested in Henry, that’s definitely good news for me!’ Travis says and turns to look behind him. ‘Uh-oh.’
I turn too, only to see that Henry has just walked in, and by the look on his face it’s obvious he’s heard every word. On the one hand I’m sorry, on the other, it serves him right. He’s no better than Gabe, playing with two decks of cards, and if I want to go out with Travis, it’s none of his business.
Without another word, Henry leaves.
‘Ouch – he’s no happy camper, that one.’
‘Too bad for him,’ is all I can say.
‘So… I don’t need his permission to date you?’
‘Of course not. But I’m not dating anyone right now, Travis.’
‘Is that a promise? I don’t have to worry about any competition, which I’m sure I have in spades.’
‘No competition anywhere.’ As if. I’m done with bloody romance. From now it’s all work, work, work.
‘In that case, will you have dinner with me?’
‘I’d rather not complicate things any further, Travis.’
He laughs. ‘Come on, have a heart – I’m a stranger in a strange land! But don’t worry, I’m not as bad as my reputation has me. I’m actually a really nice guy, you know?’
Despite myself, I smile. ‘I’m certain you are.’
‘We can talk shop. I have a business proposition for you.’
‘Oh?’
‘Yeah, I just got a great idea you’re gonna love. So, what’s your answer?’
Henry is with Linda. Whatever happened in the past, they’ve patched things up. They will deal with Orson when the issues arise. What else can I do? They are happy together now. And there is absolutely no room in his life for me. If anything, Henry tolerates me and probably won’t even come back tomorrow, or ever. I saw him loading his tools – every single one of them. He’s moved on. I should do the same. Even if the mere thought kills me.
Travis is waiting for an answer. He’s nice. Easy-going. I can literally hear my sister telling me to get on with my life and stop pining after unavailable men. My coastal girls would say the same.
Oh, what the hell. ‘Okay. Thank you, Travis.’
He claps his hands together. ‘Cool! Pick you up at seven?’
‘Seven it is.’
He spins around a couple of times and pumps his fist with a loud ‘Yes!’
*
Travis is perfectly on time, wearing a suit, nonetheless, and I’m glad of my own choice, i.e. a turquoise dress with a hint of a sleeve, and high heels. The last time I dressed up had been for dinner with Henry a million years ago, it now seems. Stop thinking about Henry, I scold myself. You did what you had to do. You took a risk, and you ultimately lost. You’ve chastised yourself endlessly. Enough is enough. If only I could believe me. Because Henry—
‘Hi,’ Travis says, producing a bouquet of flowers. ‘To say thank you for saying yes,’ he explains.
I take the flowers from him and put them into a vase. ‘That’s very kind of you, Travis. Thank you.’
‘You’re very welcome.’
‘Let’s go, I’m starving.’
He laughs. ‘I love a woman with an appetite.’
‘That’s promising,’ I reply as I lead the way out the door.
‘Mademoiselle,’ he drawls as he opens his car door for me. I wonder what Henry is doing tonight. Is he cooking the family dinner and maybe watching some TV with them, or are they all out on the town, too?
It soon becomes apparent that Travis, despite all his bravado, is a little nervous. He talks endlessly, which is a good thing as it keeps me from thinking about Henry overhearing what I’d said about my sooner choosing Gabe, which is a mouthful in itself.
I never meant for him to hear that, even if it does serve him right. I am sick and tired of being jerked around by men who think that I should be grateful for the slightest interest shown in me.
When we get to the restaurant, we are swiftly seated at a table by the window and Travis leans in. ‘Like it? I know how much you love your seascapes.’
‘It’s absolutely gorgeous, Travis, what a kind thought. Thank you.’
‘So, what’s a gorgeous gal like you doing in a smudge of a village like Perrancombe?’ Travis asks.
‘Oh, I guess it’s all Gabe’s fault.’ And I’ve already stumbled on Hurdle Number One. The ex. ‘He… he is from Perrancombe, and seeing as I didn’t have any ties myself…’
‘No family?’
‘Uhm, just my sister and her kids. They don’t live far. And you?’
He takes a sip of his wine. ‘My parents are in New Jersey, living in the same house since they got married forty years ago.’
‘Wow. Do you miss it?’
‘The house? Nah. It’s too small. Luckily I’m an only child so I didn’t have to share a room with anyone. And I got all the attention.’ He grins.
‘What’s it like, to live in the United States?’
‘It depends on who’s president at the time of the question,’ he says with a contagious laugh and I can’t help but giggle. ‘No, seriously, it’s much better now. Plus, I spend most of my time in New York, selling real estate to high-flying hot-shots.’
‘Wow, sounds exciting.’
He shrugs. ‘I thought Henry had told you.’
And there’s Hurdle Number Two – the Henry topic. I take a sip of water to moisten my dry mouth and suddenly I am weary of doing the same thing over and over again: break up, reconcile, repeat. Gabe and I have done it twice, and with Henry I’ve managed to break up without actually even being with him. I’m getting better and better at going straight to the bad bits. And now I just want it all to end. To think of something else rather than have my heart broken over and over again like in a bad Groundhog Day film.
‘Politicians, magnates, religious leaders. Everyone wants the best parts of the Big Apple. I was serious earlier. You should come with me when I go back.’
I snort inwardly.
Travis puts his glass down. ‘I know – we’ll get you a working visa. I could get you a gig or two to start with. Good ones. One of my best friends – she’s a pop star – has just bought in Park Avenue. Amazing pad – you’d go nuts.’
I shake my head. ‘That’s really kind of you, Travis, but I couldn’t possibly—’
‘Why not?’
‘Because I don’t even know if I’d be good enough.’
He laughs. ‘Please. I’ve seen your work, you have excellent taste. And besides, do you know how many designers are really crappy and get the best jobs? Look at whatshername – Vanessa Chatsbury. Geez, talk about kitsch. And yet, she’s got commissions up the wazoo, and you know why?’
I look up and shrug, resigned. ‘Because it’s who you know…’
‘Exactly, Faith. If she can do well with her lack of taste, why the hell wouldn’t you with your elegant style?’
I bite my lip.
‘Come on, kid,’ he insists. ‘Where’s your sense of adventure? What have you got to lose?’
Nothing. I have got absolutely nothing to lose. I’m practically done with Rosie and Nat’s cottages. And it’s better if I don’t go back to the beach house, what with the ghosts of Relationship Past and Could Have Been Relationship Conditional still lingering there.
And despite my best efforts, the Wickfords still don’t even know I exist while, conversely, Vanessa is the best thing since peroxide dye, so it’s not like I’d be missing out on any amazing opportunities here. And a chance to finally succeed at what I do – what idiot would not grab the opportunity?
It wouldn’t be for long, anyway. It’s not like I’m going to take New York by storm. But if by some crazy fluke I managed to find something worthwhile there, I could always pop back to see Hope and the kids – or perhaps they could even come and visit me?
I’d get a flat with an extra bedroom and the kids could sleep with Hope. Besides them, I realise as my throat constricts – no one else would really miss me. My coastal girls could come out, too, although I can’t see them wanting to leave their new loves anytime soon. Nor can I blame them.
If I had a man like theirs, I wouldn’t lose sight of him either. But it’s plain that I don’t know how to keep a man. And besides, Perrancombe has existed hundreds of years without me and will hardly even notice my departure. And Henry – that ship has sailed. He certainly won’t miss me, will he? If anything, he’ll be glad I left.
‘I, uhm, that’s a tremendously generous opportunity, Travis. I’ll think about it.’
‘Great! I’ll take you to see my complete portfolio and how the other half live. It will leave you speechless.’
*
‘I can’t believe it – my sister is going to New York!’
‘Calm down, Hope. I haven’t even said yes yet.’
‘But you’re going to, right?’
‘Possibly, if I can get a working visa.’
‘Faith, you have to, if only for us to come and visit! Seriously – it’s a great opportunity, handed to you on a plate. And Travis seems to fancy you. Why wouldn’t you go?’
‘Because…’ I huff. ‘I think you’re right about Travis fancying me and I don’t want to lead him on. I don’t want to take advantage of his kindness. I don’t want him to expect anything in return but friendship.’
‘But by the way you describe him, he sounds like a nice bloke, under all that brash. He’s funny, successful, and he’s offering you a change. And, best of all, he’s not Henry.’
Well, she’s certainly spot-on about that. But that can only be a good thing, right?
‘My advice?’ Hope says. ‘Apply for the visa, and see how you feel when you get it. Because when is something like this ever going to happen to you again?’
‘You’ve got a point,’ I answer. Besides, if Gabe is determined to sell the beach house, it’ll be good to get away for a bit. I only need to remember to cancel my request for a mortgage.
‘Good girl. Think about it, and think hard. And Faith? Avoid Henry as best you can. For your own good.’
‘Aren’t you full of advice today,’ I groan.
‘I love you, sis,’ is all she says.
I rub my forehead. ‘I know, I love you too. And I’d miss you guys if I went.’
‘But it would only be for a short while. Maybe I could move to New York too. Get a job and work my way up.’
‘What, and start all over again? You’ve too much to lose, Hope!’
‘Maybe. But some things are worth risking, aren’t they?’
I suppress another groan. ‘I have to go, but I’ll call you later in the week,’ I promise. ‘Give my love to Verity and Jowen.’
‘Will do, and Faith?’
‘Yes?’
‘Start spreading the news…!’
‘Ha,’ I snort before I ring off. There is no doubt what her opinion is. Nor how fickle she is. But I have a feeling that despite having spent three years of my life with Gabe, Henry is going to be a lot more difficult to forget.