Lizzie's List by Diane Melling Read Free Book Online Page B

Tabitha, but I was enjoying her being out of HER comfort zone, whilst I was in mine. I shouldn’t get over confident as I am not sure if I’ll be anywhere near it, let alone in it, when gorge crossing tomorrow.
    After a long day, we descend down the rocky, steep path and the centre emerges into our welcome sight, at the bottom of the valley becoming more visible with each step we take. I have enjoyed the walk, but a cup of tea and sit down would now feel like heaven. On approach, I notice a little dog running around, which races towards us as soon as it sees Pete.
    “Hi Jack, how are you mate?” Pete rhetorically asks as he fusses over the dog. The name and dog are familiar; it suddenly clicks into place. I have of course met Jack a few weeks ago and I have also met his owner, who I now discover is Mark’s friend and centre owner, James Collins. I quickly utter my findings to Kate and Ruth and brace myself for further embarrassment, should James mention anything about my naked exposure to Mark or Tabitha.
    “James, it’s good to see you at long last,” says Mark giving James a friendly slap on the back.
    “You too, have you had a good time getting outdoors for a change instead of being cooped up in an office?” he replies.
    “Unlike you, we can all hack the London pace mate, but I have to admit, you’ve done a great job with the centre James. Let me introduce you to everybody.” Mark proceeds to go through his work colleagues and then moves on to me. “This is my little sister Lizzie, who you’ve met years ago when we were at university together.
    “Actually we’ve met several times since. In fact I’ve seen quite a lot of you haven’t I Lizzie?” smirks James. This seems so surreal. I now remember Mark bringing a James to visit from university, but I am sure he had long hair and I was probably about 13 years old at the time. Looking at him more closely, I do recognise him. Of course, that’s how he knows my name.
    “Yes we are very well acquainted as it happens.” I respond with as much confidence as I can muster. “We’ve bumped into each other on a few occasions, although I hadn’t quite put the connection together–that James is your university friend.”
    “Well that’s great; James have you popped into Lizzie and Kate’s cafe yet for a cake? What Lizzie can’t do with chocolate, is nobody’s business!” says Mark. Oh no, this is too much. Why does my imbecile of a brother have to mention chocolate?
    “I believe so,” coughs James to disguise his laugher. He guides everybody towards the centre as if to relieve my unease, although there remains a hint of a smile in his face. May be he isn’t so bad after all.
    Everybody kicks off their boots and grabs well-earned drinks and flapjacks that Pete seems to have magically produced even though he remains in his animated conversation with Ruth. Kate heads to our room to call Ben and check The Tea Cosy is still standing in our absence. With most others resting in the lounge area, I head outside to sit at one of the wooden picnic benches with my Jayne Eyre escaping Mark and also James.
    The centre really is in a superb spot over-looking a babbling river, yet sheltered in a cosy, leafy valley. I can’t think of a more perfect place for this sort of thing, especially being within a two hour drive from London. James has made a fantastic investment in my opinion.
    I am engrossed in the final chapters of Jayne Eyre, so don’t hear the footsteps on the soft grass approaching until I hear a voice. “Hi, I just thought I’d come out and apologise for teasing you on a few occasions and also for not re-introducing myself to you earlier. If truth be told, I was enjoying myself far too much feeding off your obvious discomfort.” says James ruefully. I am quite stunned and warmed by his honesty.
    “Erm, that’s okay. I didn’t recognise you without all the hair, but then it has been quite a few years since I saw you.” I clearly recognise James now