Where the Heart Belongs by Sheila Spencer-Smith Read Free Book Online Page B

noticing?’
    â€˜You know I can’t. It’s more than my job’s worth.’
    â€˜Then get another.’
    â€˜As easily as that? I don’t think so.’
    â€˜OK, then, how about if I get Bessie to put on a special curry when you and I can actually get there?’
    â€˜Liz,’ she said.
    â€˜Yes, Liz, of course. You know her?’
    â€˜A little. I’d love that, Felix. I’m so sorry about tonight.’
    â€˜Got paper and pen handy? I’ll give you my number.’
    â€˜I’ll remember it,’ she said with confidence. If she didn’t Jodie would be at her throat. ‘But I’ll write it down just in case. And thanks.’
    She replaced the receiver, and before she forgot put the number he had given her on to her mobile.
    The phone rang again, but this time Ingrid dealt with it in the office.
    Later, when Shona came in from the garden with a bunch of daffodils to arrange in the empty lounge fireplace she was surprised to find Ingrid waiting for her.
    â€˜Oh hello,’ she said. ‘Did you want me?’
    Ingrid looked at her quickly and then away again. ‘About tonight. You’re free if you want. Jack just phoned. He’ll be here himself after all. No need for both of you to be.’
    â€˜Great. Thanks, Ingrid.’ Shona felt lighthearted as she put the flowers in position and pulled out her mobile to phone Felix. Already her mind was on what to wear if his invitation was still on. Her new skirt and the cream and burgundy top. Medium heels would be best and her new drop earrings.
    She changed her mind only once and that was to substitute the skirt for a pair of jeans. When she was at last ready she picked up her bag, slipped her mobile into it and took one last look in the mirror to check her hair.
    *   *   *
    Felix was waiting for her in the car park and together they went into the warm and lively atmosphere of Bessie’s Kitchen. Liz’s curry night was obviously popular and there was just one vacant table.
    â€˜Lucky us,’ said Felix as he pulled out Shona’s chair for her. They both selected vegetable biryani, a speciality of the house.
    â€˜Liz seems to be in her element,’ Shona said, waving to her across the room.
    â€˜She’s done wonders with this place,’ said Felix.
    â€˜D’you often eat here?’
    â€˜Now and again. It’s Tamsin’s favourite.’
    â€˜Have you heard from her? How is she?’
    He looked troubled. ‘She’s unhappy, I know that. I don’t know what to do as I’m away so much. I really am grateful to you for looking after her, you know. I wish I could do something for you to show my appreciation.’
    â€˜There’s no need,’ she said quickly.
    Their food arrived and Felix picked up his fork. Before Shona could do the same her mobile rang. ‘Please excuse me, Felix,’ she said. ‘I meant to turn it off.’
    â€˜Don’t mind me.’
    Hastily she scrabbled in her bag and saw that the caller was Jodie. Smiling, she held the phone to her ear.
    â€˜Oh Shona, it’s me,’ said Jodie, her voice shaking.
    Shona felt an icy chill though the room was warm. ‘Jodie, what’s wrong? What’s happened?’
    â€˜It’s Duncan. He had an accident. He . . . he’s broken his ankle.’
    â€˜Broken his ankle? Where are you?’
    â€˜At the hospital.’
    â€˜Which hospital? Is he all right?’
    â€˜They’ve operated on him and his leg’s in thick plaster all the way up. They’re keeping him in tonight.’
    â€˜D’you want me to come back? I can be there in . . . ’
    â€˜No, oh no. You can’t do anything here, Shona. No one can. I just thought you ought to know, that’s all. He’ll be out of action for weeks. I don’t know what we’re going to do.’
    â€˜You’ll stay living exactly where you are, Jodie, until it