Page 19 of Happier Days (Family Life in Somerley #1)

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The soup was delicious, served with freshly baked bread. Ava gave a sigh as she popped the spoon into the bowl for the final time.

‘You were right, that was lovely,’ she said with appreciation. ‘I’ll have to be careful while I’m here or else I’ll be piling on weight before I leave.’

Jack was smiling, but it changed when she said the last words. ‘You’ve only just arrived, and it’s been fun getting to know you again.’

‘I must admit, it seems weird being here. In a nice way,’ she added quickly. ‘I’d been dreading coming, if I’m honest.’

‘Why?’

‘Lack of confidence since me and my ex split.’

‘Oh?’

‘It was nasty.’ Ava felt comfortable enough to tell him more of her background. ‘He had an affair, moved in with her and wanted half of everything, which meant I had to sell the house.’

‘What?’ Jack shook his head, outraged in her honour.

‘Georgia and I moved into a flat. It’s okay, nothing special, but it’s home. She’s at uni reading law, and she’s usually out most evenings. I like having her around, though, so it’s not quite as bad as having empty-nest syndrome.’

‘I bet you’re proud of her.’

‘I am.’ Ava smiled. ‘She wasn’t impressed with her father, though, and refuses to see him. I tried to persuade her otherwise, but in the end, I gave in and let her make her own mind up. She hasn’t seen him in a few months.’

‘His loss, I’m sure.’

‘Well, yes.’ She played with the salt cellar. ‘The woman Giles left me for was only five years older than Georgia.’

‘Really? What a dick.’

‘I was devastated at the time, but I think I’m much better for it. He was a proper narcissist now I come to think about it.’

Jack smiled. ‘It’s fun getting to know you again, Ava. It’s been tough for me recently, and you’ve made me laugh so much this week, reminiscing. But I’m guessing we both have excess baggage.’ There was a long pause. ‘My wife had an affair, too.’

Ava bit her bottom lip. ‘I’m so sorry.’

Another long pause, and it was beginning to feel awkward until Jack spoke again.

‘Katrina, that’s my ex, was sleeping with Dan.

She was taking Graham for a walk as a precursor for meeting him.

The fact that if they hadn’t arranged to meet, the accident wouldn’t have happened, never leaves me.

The weather had been atrocious, and yet they needed to see each other.

’ Jack ran a hand over his face. ‘She left me on the day of the funeral. She told me she couldn’t bear to be with me because I reminded her of what she’d lost.’

Ava balked. She couldn’t help it. How could anyone be so cruel?

‘I’m sorry,’ she said quietly. ‘That must have been hell to go through.’

‘It was, but like you, I’m out the other side now.’ His eyes settled on hers again. ‘I haven’t told many people about that, and I’d prefer it if you kept it to yourself. It would devastate the kids more than anything.’

‘Gotcha.’ Ava hoped her tone was reassuring because she wouldn’t break a confidence. But his wife and his brother, what a cliché. And oh-so painful, especially in a place as small as Sapphire Lake, where everyone could have found out.

She looked at him, unsure why anyone would want to hurt him so much.

Graham got up and rested his head in Jack’s lap.

‘Seems like someone is ready to go.’ Jack reached for his coat. ‘Best be on our way or we’ll end up staying here all afternoon.’

‘And I have a train to catch soon.’ Ava pulled on her coat.

‘Can I give you a lift to the station?’

‘Thanks, that would be great.’

Walking quietly back, they were both deep in thought, but the silence was companionable. Ava couldn’t believe how cruel Jack’s ex-wife had been, nor how he would have got over anything like that. At least she’d found him on the other side. And single, that was a bonus.

Ava laughed to herself then. She doubted Jack would be feeling as giddy as she was now, just like when she was a teenager. And, although they’d shared a few delicious kisses, Jack was the first one to steal her heart with them, so she might have treasured that moment whoever it was with.

Suddenly she twisted her ankle on the path. Jack reached for her to stop her from falling. She grasped his hand.

‘Are you okay?’

‘Yes, thanks. Just lost my footing, again.’

‘Nothing to do with me this time.’

Still, he kept hold of her hand a little longer than was necessary.