Chapter 35: Chapter 2
My face was burning with embarrassment as I looked up at the body belonging to the feet. Tall, dark and handsome this one was not. Blonde and kinda boyish looking was my final assessment, not that it mattered in the slightest what he looked like. I was sworn off men. This is why you came here, remember? Ugh! I cannot believe you! Blondie offered me his hand but, stubborn mule that I am, I ignored his gesture and got to my feet under my own steam.
“I’m Oliver by the way.” The corner of Oliver's mouth twitched as he struggled not to smile.
“Amy. Oh, but you knew that already?”
“Guilty as charged. This village is pretty small and news travels fast. Plus it helps that your estate agent Jenny lives on the other side of the hill.”
My brain rushed to process this new information and I couldn’t decide if I was relieved or furious. I’d told Jenny all about my desire for a quiet life, to be left alone, and instead it seemed she’d practically gone and announced my arrival to the whole village. But at least I was now saved from having to introduce myself.
I smiled at Oliver and decided it wasn’t his fault that Jenny had a big mouth. “Nice to meet you. Do you work here?” I gestured around me to the shop but Oliver shook his head.
“I teach in the school just up the road. Popped in for coke and a mars bar on my way in.”
“Breakfast of champions eh?”
Oliver smiled. “Something like that. How are you settling in?”
“Okay I guess. Although, my roof appears to have developed something of a leak overnight. Don’t suppose you know anyone around here who could take a look at it for me?”
“Ah, you want Josh. He’s great with stuff like that. I’d offer to help you out but I’m about as useful with a hammer as a five year old. That’s probably what makes me a good teacher, I really get to their level.”
I smiled despite myself. It was impossible not to like this man. He was probably about my age and given my previous propensity for older men, felt safely off limits as a result. Besides, what could be safer than a school teacher?
“Great, thanks. Do you have his number?”
“I’m afraid not. But if you ask next door in the garage, they’ll sort you out.” Oliver glanced at his watch. “I’d better run. Nice meeting you Amy. Hope to see you around.”
With that he dashed out the door. I watched as he took off up the hill at a terrific pace before heading out myself, hoping against hope that someone in the garage really could help me with my leaky roof situation. The rain might have stopped but the clouds were looking ominous.
About half an hour later I was the proud employer of my very own builder, not that Josh had done anything worthy of my employ yet, but after getting his number from Gareth in the garage, Josh had promised faithfully that he’d be round to mine just as soon as he’d got his van started. Apparently his prowess did not extend to mechanics but I took that as proof of his expertise in building work rather than a bad omen, thanked Gareth for his help, and headed back toward the cottage to await my new builder’s arrival. It was only after I got in that I remembered why I’d gone out in the first place. I had no sugar and still hadn’t found the kettle. Damn! Everyone knew that builders need at least three spoonfuls of sugar in their tea before they’ll even consider picking up so much as a tape measure. There was only one thing for it, I’d have to go back to the shop.
I glanced up at the sky again, crossing my fingers and whispering a silent prayer to whichever god was in charge of the storm clouds. The kettle and toaster weren’t the only things I’d not unpacked yet. Clean socks were still nowhere to be found. I could really do with keeping my one remaining pair dry so my wellies, already full of water as they were, weren’t an option. Flip-flops? Not likely! In the end I squeezed my toes into a pair of too small trainers, ready to walk back in the direction of the shop. Now where did I put my purse?
I glanced around my shambles of a cottage absentmindedly before finally settling upon some loose change. That would have to do, I decided. Remembering just in time that the front door was a little stiff, I pulled it open with a sharp yank and shrieked as a body fell into my living room! Oliver!
It was his turn to lie sprawling across the floor, his chin grazing the corner of my coffee table. A trail of blood soon appeared on his face. He looked up at me and smiled. “We really must stop meeting like this.”
I smiled but then rushed toward the bathroom to find some tissue for his chin. When I came back, Oliver was sitting up on the floor. He took the tissue and dabbed at his face.
“What are you doing here?” I knew I was sounding rude but I couldn’t help it. My heart was still thundering around my chest and I didn’t like the way my tummy was suddenly full of teeny tiny butterflies.
“I came to invite you for tea, over in the staff room. Josh phoned the school. He’s running late and it’s playtime so I thought you might like to escape the cold for a bit.”
When the words were finally all out he stopped and looked up at me, waiting for my answer.
“Well? What’ll it be, tea or coffee?”