Page 114 of My Kind of Happy

‘On edge. I’ve just given Nina the news about the lease and she was called away before we had chance to talk it through properly.’

He sucked his cheeks in. ‘I can guess how well that went down.’

‘Hmm,’ I gave him a knowing look. ‘I’d really like to find a solution quickly so it doesn’t ruin the rest of her trip. I’ve been looking online for new premises, but no joy yet.’

I allowed myself a small sigh of exasperation and headed into the shop’s tiny kitchen.

He followed me and caught hold of my hand gently. ‘Fearne, come here, you look like you need a hug.’

I smiled. ‘I’m fine, honestly.’

But he folded me into his arms anyway and I didn’t resist. I closed my eyes and felt his heart beating through his T-shirt. How did he always manage to turn up just at the right moment?

‘I’ve already put the word out to my contacts; if any suitable shops come up for rent, I’ll be the first to know. You’ll be the second.’

‘Thanks.’ I pulled back from his arms and smiled. ‘I can’t deny that it’s a blow but I’m determined not to let it get me down. Besides, I haven’t got time to be worried; my best friend is getting married next month and I’ve offered to organise the wedding for her.’

I put the kettle on and Sam leaned back against the sink, watching me.

He grinned. ‘Nina hightails it to the other side of the world and you take over her business, now you’re doing the same for your friend’s wedding. You’re quite an inspiration, Fearne Lovage.’

‘Nonsense,’ I said dismissively, secretly proud. I brushed aside the doubts which had bobbed in and out of my head over the last few days. I did have a lot on my plate, but I’d been good at juggling deadlines in my old job and besides I had no intention of letting Laura and Hamish down. ‘Now your turn, how are you?’

He didn’t reply straight away and then gave a surprised smile. ‘To be honest, I’m OK. Yes. I’m really OK.’

‘And Pandora?’

‘When I left here on Tuesday I went straight to our house. Her house. Gareth was there but he made himself scarce pretty quickly after apologising to me. Pandora hadn’t told him we were trying again. Poor chap. I almost felt sorry for him.’ He paused, running a thumb along his lower lip.

He had lovely lips, I noticed; I couldn’t drag my eyes from him. I turned away to make the tea to stop myself from staring at him.

‘Anyway I made her sit down and talk to me properly. I think we’ve both accepted we want different things. Our marriage is over for good.’

‘I’m sorry,’ I said, meaning it. Whatever I thought of Pandora and however much my own selfish heart was fizzing with future possibilities, she and Sam were parents, they had history, children and the breakdown of any relationship was never without stresses and strains.

He shot me a smile of thanks. ‘We’ve made some decisions and for the first time in months we’ve actually made some progress.’

He crossed his ankles and smiled. His whole demeanour seemed to have changed in the last two days: the creases between his eyebrows had gone, his eyes shone and even though he was leaning back against the sink, I could see he was holding himself straighter.

‘Well done, you should be proud of yourself.’ I handed him a mug and his fingers brushed mine as he thanked me. My insides quivered and I took a step back.

‘We’ve made some rules about the kids. I’m going to find somewhere to live so they can have their own rooms and as soon as they’re back from Lanzarote, she and I will share their care.’

‘Joint custody?’

‘Yep.’ His face lit up when he talked about his children; I was so pleased it was working out for him. ‘I know it’s not ideal for the kids, but if Pandora and I work at it, we can make sure the kids have the best of both worlds.’

I squeezed his arm. ‘That’s brilliant.’

‘I think so, I can’t believe my luck.’ He grinned. ‘She doesn’t want her dad to know about her affair with Gareth. So in return for my discretion, she’s promised to play fair.’

I crossed my fingers and held them up. ‘Does this mean the shop is safe?’

A flash of annoyance crossed his face. ‘Not yet, I’m still working on it. I spent two hours on the phone to Duncan arguing your case but I can’t get him to move on it. Once he’s made a decision about something it’s virtually impossible to get him to retract it. It’s where Pandora gets her stubborn streak from. I’m not giving up, though.’

‘Oh well.’ I shrugged. ‘Thanks for trying.’

‘I’ve got an official letter for you.’ He winced as he pulled a white envelope from his back pocket and handed it to me. ‘It’s the termination notice. I hope you know how bad I feel about this.’