Page 35 of Always Beth
‘I want to talk about this,’ she pleads.
Slamming one kitchen cupboard after another, I can’t even think straight enough to find a damn cup. ‘Well, I’ve said all I have to say on the matter. If you want him here, that’s the end of it.’
‘Thank you, James.’
‘But I won’t be here.’
She sinks into a chair at the kitchen table and stares up at me, her eyes full of tears. ‘I need you both, I—’
‘You can have us both, but not at the same time.’
‘Where will you go?’
‘London. I’ve some business to attend to.’ Not that I consider Beth business, but this is the perfect opportunity.
The sound of the boiling kettle fills the silence in the kitchen, but it can’t drown out her thoughts. It’s like everything that passes through her mind, runs through mine simultaneously, and I briefly wonder if I’ll be able to fill that emptiness when she’s gone.
‘It’s personal business,’ I say firmly.
‘How did you know what I was thinking?’
I raise a solitary brow. ‘You didn’t just ask me that, did you?’
Her laughter fills the room and makes the heaviness in my chest that little bit lighter. I make two cups of tea, both with one sugar, both brewed to within an inch of their life. Placing Lauren’s in front of her, I sink into the chair opposite, reaching out for her. ‘I’ll wait until he arrives on Saturday, and then I’ll go.’
She nods solemnly and I know this is hurting her more than she’s letting on, but it’s for the best. If Jacob and I end up in the same room together, who knows what might happen. As we sit in comfortable silence, I slide my phone from my pocket and cement my plans.
James: Setting a meeting up for Monday morning. Care to join me in London for the weekend first? x
After last night, I hope I’ve convinced Beth that I’m a good guy. Even if this thing between us is casual, I’d never intentionally hurt her. She’s seen enough of that to last a lifetime. Convincing Beth is one thing but springing a last-minute meeting on Caroline first thing on a Monday is going to take a bit more work.
Beth: I’d love to x
Beth
I’ve been hovering by the kitchen window for the past thirty minutes. David delivers the mail without fail at the same time every day, but today I’m wondering if he’s coming at all.
‘Poppy, you be on your best behaviour this morning, that means no barking!’
Finally, I see his head bob along the hedge – unlike James who towers above at an impressive six-foot plus, I can only make out David’s hair. He rifles through his bag as he wanders along the path, and I rush to open the door before Poppy makes a scene.
‘Good afternoon!’
He glances up and his grin spreads from ear to ear as he passes me my mail.
‘You’re looking lovely today, Beth.’
‘Oh this, it’s nothing.’ I hold out my skirt and sway my hips from side to side. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t change especially for my postal delivery today.
‘David, I was err wondering if you could, well would, mind dogsitting Poppy for me this weekend?’
He glances down nervously towards my feet and on cue as if rehearsed Poppy sits and wags her tail with excitement.
‘I err, don’t know, Beth, she usually takes the post clean out of my hand.’
‘Oh, she’s just excited to see you. It would really help me out.’
His face softens as he takes in the look of desperation on my face. ‘Okay. If you let me take you out when you’re back.’
