‘Okay, slightly less weird.’
Darla shuffled her kitchen chair closer to his and at the risk of banging heads again she leaned in until their bags of peas touched, and then he kissed her.
***
Ros had managed one afternoon of doing very little, but anything past that was proving difficult. She’d agreed to have the rest of the week off work so that she was properly rested. Cameron was being attentive and whilst that was nice she also wanted to get back to her normal life. Thankfully Darla was coming round and Ros was looking forward to seeing her.
‘Don’t you need to get going?’ Ros pointed at the clock. Cameron usually left before now to get to the cocktail bar for his shift.
‘It’s okay. I’ll leave in a minute.’
‘You know you don’t need to hand over responsibility for me to Darla. I’m virtually back to normal. Apart from the clumpy hair that I desperately want to wash.’
‘They said forty-eight hours and then only with warm water. Don’t you dare do that while I’m out.’ He wagged a finger at her.
‘I won’t. Go on, go.’ She opened the door and tried to shoo him out.
He chewed the inside of his mouth and held up a finger as if he was desperately trying to think of something else to stall his departure. ‘Remember, I got you that non-alcoholic cocktail mix because you can’t drink right now.’
‘I know. It’s in the fridge. My memory is fine. Now please leave before you are late.’
He frantically looked about the apartment. ‘I just need to—’
The buzzer sounded and the look of relief on Cameron’s face was obvious. ‘That’ll be Darla. I’ll let her in on my way out. Bye.’
Ros smiled after him. He really was the nicest human being she’d ever met. Gina was a very lucky woman. It was hard not to feel dispirited. At least Ros was doing her best to enjoy her time with him. Maybe a bit too much sometimes. She knew she’d have to let him go at some point soon. She felt that was likely going to be the lowest point of her life – losing her dad and Cameron simultaneously. She needed to mentally strengthen herself in readiness.
It seemed to take Darla a lot longer than usual to make it from the downstairs entry to Ros’s front door. At last, she appeared. She pointed over her shoulder. ‘He’s like a mother hen.’
‘He means well,’ said Ros from the sofa.
‘He gave me a list,’ said Darla, brandishing a piece of paper. ‘And strict instructions not to tire you out and to call if there was anything wrong. It’s like pet-sitting that pug with the gammy leg. His owners were just the same. They kept video-calling and I swear even the dog started eye rolling every time the phone went off.’ Darla pulled a bottle of fizz from her bag. ‘Anyway, we need glasses. We have loads to talk about.’
‘I can’t have alcohol.’ Ros pointed at the bottle.
‘It’s non-alcoholic. It probably tastes like shite but at least it has bubbles.’
‘Are we celebrating?’ Ros got the feeling she was missing something.
‘You could say that.’ Darla got out glasses, filled them up and brought them over to the sofa.
‘Go on then. Explain,’ said Ros, holding her glass and pausing, unsure if she could have a sip or if she was waiting for a toast.
‘I kept my job. The yacht owner was actually really grateful that we stopped his boat being stolen and gave me extra cash to clean it up after the police and everyone had traipsed all over it. Turns out baking soda and white vinegar gets bloodstains off wood as well as loads of other substances. Teak decking is a tricky one to get clean. I was almost ill at the sight of the bucket’s contents afterwards.’ Darla pulled a face.
‘Sorry,’ said Ros tentatively, unsure as to whether she should apologise as it was her blood, even though technically it was not her fault it had been shed on the boat deck.
‘No worries. It’s all gone now.’
‘Here’s to you keeping your job?’ suggested Ros, raising her glass.
‘And kissing Elliott,’ said Darla.
‘You can’t just say that without giving me more information.’
Darla took a swig of the fizz. ‘Actually not bad.’
‘The fizz or Elliott’s kiss?’ asked Ros.
‘Both.’ Darla grinned at her. And repositioned herself as if readying herself for an epic storytelling session. ‘It was dead romantic, apart from the frozen peas.’
‘You’ve lost me,’ said Ros, taking a sip of the fizz and nodding her approval.
Darla gave her a speedy update on what had happened with Elliott. ‘And then he was all gallant and wouldn’t take it any further because I’d had the brandy. Since then we’ve been flirty texting and I’m calling in at his tonight after leaving you.’
Darla looked happy and it was lovely to see. ‘I’m pleased for you. It means you’re moving on from Patrick, which is a good thing. I hope you’ll be very happy.’
Darla laughed. ‘We’re not getting married. It might not go anywhere but he’s one of the good guys. I’ve got a few months left at The Brambles so I might as well make the most of my time there. And some fun with Elliott will be the cherry on the top.’
‘Okay. Just don’t get hurt.’
‘It was me who headbutted him so . . .’ Darla grinned.
‘You know what I mean. It’s far too easy to go along with something thinking everything is clear and straightforward, but you can’t plan for emotions. They catch you out. You think it’s just a short-term agreement but before you know it, you’re falling in love with someone.’
Darla stared at Ros and then threw her arms in the air in a dramatic fashion. ‘Bloody hell, Ros. You’re in love with Cameron. Aren’t you?’
‘What? Noooooo.’ She could feel heat in her cheeks. ‘I was talking about you and the farmer.’
