Which also applied to my working week as it turns out. A stumbling block I was facing with a difficult man who was a bit of a tough nut to crack is beginning to sort itself out too. He needs my help but is very much … let’s just say, stuck in his ways. So I took myself out to a nice dinner tonight hoping to get some thoughts flowing, but I’m afraid that didn’t happen. All was not lost, though, as I had a divine mushroom risotto and a to-die-for chocolate soufflé. (And just in case you think I’m the type of person who takes pictures of their food to post online, I can assure you that I do not. I’m far too interested in eating!)

But being new to the area, I’m not sure where else is good around here. Maybe as a local, you could provide recommendations? No pressure, I don’t know if that’s your thing or not. Admittedly, I’m not much of a foodie, and outside of the no-bake I sent over, not much of a cook either.

Hannah wanted to sound breezy and chatty and perhaps appeal to his empathetic side by mentioning her lonely dinner and that she had a few struggles of her own. Nothing compared to his of course but … She tapped her fingers on the makeshift countertop, unsure of what to say next and, with that very motion, remembered something.

Tomorrow was Saturday, the day the marble installers were due. Probably a good idea to give him a heads-up about that in case of any noise or ruckus in getting the materials up here or having the countertop fixed in place. Considering he was already so averse to construction noise.

Which leads me to the reason for my note. There’s a small work crew coming tomorrow so there might be a little noise. Nothing major, just a couple of guys to install a new countertop.

Rest assured, I’ll be here to supervise and ensure things go as smoothly (and quietly!) as possible. I’ve been told it will only be a couple of hours at the most. And you’ll be especially relieved to know this is the very last of the upgrades. No more construction work.

She signed off by telling Ed that his understanding throughout the entire remodelling process was deeply appreciated and that she’d go out of her way to ensure he wasn’t disturbed any further.

Hannah grimaced and folded over the note.

Fingers crossed.

Chapter 25

WARD

Ward woke up feeling grumpy. He couldn’t quite explain it, but his recent optimism had suddenly disintegrated into thin air. It was eight o’clock on a Saturday morning and already he could hear hustle and bustle everywhere. It seemed as if everyone else in the city had started their weekend with gusto and were up enjoying the bright spring sunshine.