“You’re a lifesaver. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Wait until you look through them before you gush too much. I’d say my style is casual with a hint of quirky. I tried to pick out things that were pretty neutral but they might not be your style.”
“It will definitely be better than my other choices.”
Seren glanced at the cottage. “Have you got much planned for today?”
“Not that I know of. Noah’s still sleeping. What time is the boat race?”
“Not until four, so you have plenty of time to see some of the island before then. I’m sure Noah will have a bit of sightseeing in mind. It’s always fun showing off the island.”
“It’s so beautiful. I can’t imagine what it’s like to live here.”
“Pretty nice.” Seren rocked on her heels as the conversation fizzled out. “Did you have breakfast?”
“No. There’s no food in the cottage. I managed to rustle up a coffee.”
“I’m heading up to the house to see Mirren. Come with me if you want? We’ll find some breakfast there.”
“Okay …” She wasn’t sure if she should wait for Noah to get up.
“Noah will come up there when he wakes up,” Seren said. “You can leave him a note.”
“Good idea. I might have a quick shower first.”
“Come up there when you’re ready. It’s a bit of an open house at Mirren’s. She’s used to people dropping in.”
“I’ll see you up there then. Thanks again for the clothes.”
Seren called goodbye, then got back in the car and continued to the end of the lane.
Noah still wasn’t up when Keira had showered and changed, so she scribbled a quick note in the kitchen and set off alone. On the way, she messaged Mel, telling her about the plan to stay until Monday. The phone rang immediately and she smiled as she answered.
Mel bombarded her with questions about the previous evening, and she gave a quick rundown of the evening and Noah’s family members.
“What’s his best friend like?” Mel asked.
“Um …” Keira had reached the end of the lane, where Seren’s car was parked in a turning space in front of a large garage. Ahead of her a white gate through a low stone wall led onto a gravel path. It ran up to the house, where Mirren and Seren were sitting out on the terrace. When they waved, Keira returned the gesture and indicated her phone at her ear so they wouldn’t wonder why she was loitering. She was sure there was no way they could hear her but lowered her voice regardless. “She’s nice, I think.”
“You don’t sound too sure.”
“Yesterday she seemed a little hostile. She was polite and everything, but I caught her shooting me angry looks a couple of times. From the way she looks at Noah it’s clear she’s got a thing for him. He’s completely blind to it.”
“That sounds awkward.”
“I made it sound worse than it is. She’s also really nice. She lent me a load of clothes.”
“Hmm … sounds like someone’s smart enough to keep their enemies close. Did she give you ugly clothes?”
“No!” Keira laughed. “They’re nice.” It had been fun to look through them all, like being given a brand-new wardrobe that someone else had chosen.
“I have to go. They’re waiting for me.”
“Call me back later. I want lots of updates. It’s fascinating hearing about your adventures while I’m stuck at home in front of the TV.”
“Did you go out last night?”
“Yeah. Which is why I’ll be in front of the TV all day. My head is pounding.”