Page 23 of Be More Capybara

‘You sound surprised. She probably knew as soon as we met on the cliff top.’

He chuckled. ‘You make it sound like she’s got her own spy satellite in geostationary orbit over Dashford.’

‘How do you know she hasn’t?’

‘She’s hidden the monitors well if she has.’

Helen leaned back in the chair. They’d easily slipped back into the way they used to be with one another before the eclipse. ‘I’d forgotten how much I enjoy talking nonsense with you.’

‘Likewise.’ He shut his eyes.

‘Am I boring you?’

‘No. I just feel properly relaxed for the first time in ages.’

‘It’s the sea air and the sound of the waves.’

‘It could be.’ He opened his eyes and smiled at her. ‘So what would you actually be doing today if I hadn’t dragged you out here?’

‘Planning how I build up my business contacts here. I’ve got one interior design job lined up with a client who’s bought a holiday home in Bude, but I need a lot more than that.’

‘Still doing interior design then?’

‘Yes, except I have my own business now, which is a blessing and a curse.’

‘I would’ve thought you’d like being your own boss?’

‘I do. I love choosing which clients to work with, but marketing’s not my forte.’ She sighed. ‘That’s the downside to moving here. I had plenty of regular clients and enough word-of-mouth recommendations to keep me busy in London. Here, I’m almost starting from scratch.’

He tapped his fingers on the table the way he used to when he was thinking something through. ‘Do you do treehouses?’

‘Treehouses?’

‘Yes. Mark’s latest venture. He’s getting some built in the woods next to the Grange. He might need some help kitting them out. I could ask?’

‘Is there much room in a treehouse?’

‘There is in these ones. They’re proper two-bedroom properties on stilts, not just a shed shoved in a tree like the one he and I had as kids. Are you interested?’

‘Absolutely. I can show him my portfolio - see what he thinks. Thank you.’

Mary appeared with their butties. ‘How long are we going to have the pleasure of your company?’ she asked Nigel.

‘As long as it takes to eat these, then I guess we’ll be on our way.’

Mary folded her arms. ‘You know I meant how long you’re staying in Dashford.’

He grinned at her. ‘At least until the summer.’

So he’s going to be around for a few months. Can your hormones cope with that?

Mary looked pleased. ‘I’d better order extra bacon then.’

‘I won’t be able to have one of these massive doorstops every day.’ He patted his flat stomach. ‘Got to watch my waistline at my age.’

‘We’ll see,’ Mary said as she walked away.

Helen chuckled. ‘Your waistline’s looking fine to me.’ Why did you say that? He’ll think you’re flirting.