Okay, when Joy said things like that, it was hard to be angry with her. “Fine. Come in.”
Joy and Gail made their way inside, chatting amongst themselves as Caroline remained at the door, enjoying the fresh air against her skin. Maybe they wouldn’t stay too long. Or maybe, knowing Caroline’s luck, they’d be here for the night. She really didn’t have the energy to go over something that would have the same outcome.
“You running away, Caz?” Gail poked her head around the door, grinning.
“No. I’ll be in now. Give me a sec.”
Gail nodded, closing the door and giving Caroline a moment to herself. She had no idea what she was doing, but the thought of going inside and spending the evening with Joy and Gail filled her with dread. She felt almost suffocated by their presence.
And then someone stopped at the end of her garden path, a huge bunch of orange roses hiding the face. But Caroline knew who it was. She would recognisethosehands anywhere.
“I think you got me mixed up with one of your other clients,” Caroline said, her voice low. “But whoever they are for should really count themselves lucky.”
Hannah lowered the roses, placing a hand on the gate. And then she opened it, stepping towards Caroline. “I wanted to give these to you. An apology. For what, I’m not quite sure, but I feel as though I’ve hurt you, and I never wanted to do that.”
Caroline frowned. She couldn’t recall the last time someone had brought her flowers. “Thank you.”
“And I know that you probably won’t invite me in, I wouldn’t expect you to, but I really would love to see you again, Caz.”
Caroline’s bottom lip trembled as she stroked the rose petals. She wished things could be different, but they weren’t. Just seeing Hannah with her client today had devastated Caroline. Even though she knew it was going to happen, it didn’t hurt any less. She couldn’t put herself through that every time Hannah left. “I’m sorry, I can’t take them.”
“Please, don’t give them back to me. I’ve never bought a woman flowers, so please…accept them.”
Caroline nodded slowly. “They really are beautiful.”
“Orange roses signify pride,” Hannah said, shoving her hands in her pockets. “And I know we don’t really know one another, but Iamproud of you. For doing something for yourself last night. For letting go and living your life. For refusing to leave when you knew Naomi was at the club. And perhaps you wish you’d never met me or invited me back here, but I just wanted you to know that I’m proud of you, okay?”
Caroline couldn’t remain on the doorstep much longer. Hannah was saying all the right things, but Caroline’s heart had different ideas. It couldn’t take another emotional beating, and Caroline couldn’t blame it. “That means a lot. Thank you.”
“So, I’ll go. I’m sure you’re busy. But you know, if you ever want to catch up, have a drink or whatever, I’d really love to hear from you. I had some things I needed to say. To discuss.”
Caroline frowned. “Things? About what?”
Hannah’s eyes shifted to the right of Caroline, and she shook her head. “Maybe some other time, yeah? You have people over.”
Joy suddenly appeared behind Caroline, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Dinner is getting cold.”
Caroline smiled inwardly. They weren’t having dinner, so that was Joy’s way of getting her out of this conversation. The problem was, she didn’t want to let Hannah go just yet. “I’ll be in now.”
“Mmhmm. I’m sure you will.”
Hannah lifted a hand. “Hi. I’m Hannah. Nice to meet you.”
“Sure. Yeah.” Joy said, her tone despondent. “Caz kinda has plans.”
Hannah backed up down the path, throwing a thumb over her shoulder. “Sorry, I didn’t know. I was just dropping something by.”
“Right.” Joy kept a hand on Caroline’s shoulder, the animosity in the air quite startling this evening. “Well, we should get inside. Plans, like I said.”
Hannah nodded as she lowered her eyes, her back connecting with the garden gate. “I’ll see you around, Caz. Bye.”
Hannah almost fell out of the garden, rushing down the street and climbing into a car. Caroline watched her drive away, sadness swirling around in her belly, but Joy was only doing what was best for her.
“Sorry, but I could see how undecided you were.” Joy guided Caroline inside, closing the door. “And while the flowers she brought you are absolutely gorgeous, you need some time to yourself without her around.”
“I know.”
“Come on. I’ll put the kettle on.” She took the roses from Caroline, offering a sympathetic smile. “They really are gorgeous.”