Happy People Read and Drink Coffee by Agnès Martin-Lugand Read Free Book Online

hosts, as if I wasn’t there.
    â€œI told you I didn’t want anyone next door. How long is she staying?”
    I tapped him on the back as if it were a door. His whole body stiffened. He turned around but I didn’t back off; I stood on tiptoe.
    â€œYou can talk to me directly, you know.”
    He raised one eyebrow, visibly annoyed that I dared speak to him.
    â€œDon’t come knocking at my door,” he replied, shooting me a look that sent a shiver running through me.
    Without any more ado, he turned around, whistled for his dog and went into the back garden.
    â€œDon’t you worry about him,” Jack said.
    â€œHe didn’t want us to rent out the cottage but it wasn’t any of his business,” Abby added, “He’s just in a bad mood.”
    â€œNo, he just hasn’t been taught any manners,” I muttered. “See you soon.”
    My car was blocked in by my neighbor’s car. I leaned on the horn without stopping. Abby and Jack burst out laughing before going inside.
    I saw Edward arrive in my rearview mirror. He walked over nonchalantly while smoking a cigarette. He opened the Rover’s back door and let his dog jump in. His deliberate slowness exasperated me; I tapped on steering wheel. Without looking in my direction, he flicked his cigarette butt onto my windshield. His tires screeched as he took off, and a wave of muddy water hit my car. By the time I’d put on the windshield wipers, he was gone. The bastard.
    I had to find a way to avoid getting soaked every time I left the house to get some air. I got caught in the rain again today. First decision, forget using an umbrella, totally pointless since I’d broken four in four days. Second decision, no longer count on the sunshine: it disappeared as quickly as it arrived. Third and final decision, be prepared to go out when it rained, for by the time I’d put on my boots, three sweaters, my coat and a scarf, the rain might have passed, and I would reduce the chance of getting wet. I’d try it out the next time I felt like going out.
    My method worked. That’s what I told myself the first time I sat down on the sand to gaze at the sea. Chance had led me to a good spot, it was if I were alone in the world. I closed my eyes, cradled by the sound of the waves that swept over the beach a few yards away. The wind whipped my skin, bringing tears to my eyes, and my lungs filled with the salty sea air.
    Suddenly, I was knocked backwards. I opened my eyes to find myself staring at Postman Pat; he was licking my face. I had the greatest difficulty in getting up. I was trying to brush off the sand that covered my clothes when the dog took off to the sound of a whistle.
    I looked up. Edward was walking a little farther away. He’d obviously had to pass quite close to me, but he hadn’t stopped to say hello. It wasn’t possible that he hadn’t recognized me. But even if that were the case, anyone whose dog had just jumped on someone would have the manners to come and apologize. I headed for home, having decided to truly tell him off. At the end of the path that led to the cottages, I saw his Land Rover driving towards the village. He wasn’t going to get off so lightly.
    I climbed into my car. I had to find that oaf and make him understand exactly who he was dealing with. I very quickly found his muddy heap parked in front of the pub. I slammed on the brakes, jumped out of the car, and went into the bar like a Fury. I glanced around the room to find my target. Everyone was looking at me. Except for one.
    Yet Edward was there all right, sitting at the counter, alone, leaning over a newspaper, holding a pint of Guinness. I headed straight for him.
    â€œJust who do you think you are?”
    No response.
    â€œLook at me when I’m talking to you.”
    He turned the page of his newspaper.
    â€œDidn’t your parents teach you any manners? No one has ever treated me this way and