Page 57 of The House Swap

‘Well, have fun.’

‘I’ll try.’

After the call ended, the villa felt even quieter than before.

Needing to fill her day, Poppy decided to walk down to the beach. There, she spent time with the sand between her toes, stepping into the cool waves that lapped the shore and then finding a sheltered spot where she could sit and read her Kindle.

The place was deserted and she only passed two cars on her way back up to the villa.

Closing the gate after her, she rechecked the latch. It held firm beneath her hand.

She was not losing her mind.

As the afternoon crept towards evening, she showered and changed, taking care with her outfit, wanting to look nice, but also conscious she shouldn’t dress up too much for a casual dinner.

In the end, she settled for a midi-dress with ankle boots and a blazer. She twisted loose curls into her hair and kept her make-up light, her jewellery simple.

Tonight she would see Jem.

A small glow of warmth spread through her at the thought.

While standing under the spray of the shower, she had decided that – as she had done with Tom – she would tell Jem everything that had been happening. He was practical and grounded, and she wanted his take on it all.

But not just that. She didn’t want to keep carrying the burden alone.

Her phone buzzed just as she was fastening her earrings.

Seeing Jem’s name on her screen and realising she had conjured him up by thinking about him, she smiled. But it quickly fell from her face as she opened and read his message.

I’m so sorry, Poppy. I’m going to have to cancel on you tonight. Dad’s accountant has just called. He’s flying to London first thing and there’s paperwork that needs signing in person before probate can move forward. He’s staying near the airport tonight and can only meet this evening.

Poppy stared at the screen, disappointment tightening in her chest. Before she could stop herself, she typed back:

It definitely has to be tonight?

Two ticks came immediately, but it was a couple of minutes before Jem’s reply. By which time she was mentally beating herself up for even asking. He wouldn’t cancel if it wasn’t important.

I know it’s rubbish timing. But if I miss it, it could delay everything for weeks. Please understand.

She did, but it didn’t stop her wishing for what could have been. She had so been looking forward to seeing him tonight. To having that alone time together before stepping into the noisy warmth of Sue and Ian’s villa.

It’s fine. Go and get the paperwork sorted.

His reply was quicker this time.

I was looking forward to seeing you tonight. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.

Poppy had barely read the words when a second message from him appeared.

Sue and Ian know. Ian’s going to come and pick you up instead. They’ll sort a taxi for you to get home.

She had been so disappointed by Jem cancelling, she hadn’t even thought about how she would get to the Pritchards’, or if the dinner was still going ahead.

Of course it would be. Sue had invited Poppy before she had even mentioned it to Jem, plus she would have bought all of the food. Trying to muster up some enthusiasm, she typed back:

That’s kind of him.

She didn’t want Jem to feel bad and she did appreciate Ian’s offer of a ride.