Escape Across the Pond

Chapter 12

Dear Dad,

Is the saying "no man is an island" referring to being alone or asking for help? Is it both? Does this seem like sage advice? Should I surround myself with good people and ask for help when I need it? Is the only way to find out to start building bridges? Maybe I should grab a hammer.

Wednesday morning while I get ready for work, I think back to how much fun I had with The Lads yesterday and then to my strange conversation with Kate when I got home. She didn't seem agitated or anything but she did sound distracted when I asked how things were on her end. "Everything is going well so far, Cora. He hasn't sent anyone to interrogate me or anything so don't worry about me. I'm still trying to get my lease sorted and I need to speak with your father's lawyer about having an account set up for you in London. Hopefully, you can confirm on your end over the phone." she said

"Oh, thank you so much, Kate. I owe you a pint or ten when you get here." I told her.

"Cora, you really don't have to thank me. I want you to be happy. So enough about New York. What's going on there? Are you enjoying yourself?" She asks.

And that's when I spilled all the beans. I told her about Beatrice and how rude she was, and then how I met Charlotte and how much I love her already. I explained that I had already gotten a job at Ollie's and she told me how proud she was that I wasn't sitting alone in the cottage. Then, I brought up Alex and how I didn't know who he was but I totally thought he was sexy and that he had Beatrice hanging all over him. Of course, I had to tell her about the pub and how he came to my rescue without knowing me, and that he came by the coffee shop to check on Charlotte and me. Finally, I told her that I was shocked when it was him that showed up to take me to look at cars. By the time I've finished my story Kate has snorted, gasped, gagged, and then laughed so hard she swore she would pee her pants.

"Only you could crush on someone that long without finding out their name, you scared little bird. But please, for the love of God, do not ever tell me all the things about my brother you think are sexy. I beg of you. That's fuckin disgustin, Cora. But if you ask me, it sounds like he might be interested and my brother's never really interested in anyone. Sure, he has girls like Beatrice that follow him around but I've never witnessed him actually pursue a woman before. And if you're to be his first, I'm going to be absolutely gutted to miss this." she laughed.

"I don't think he's interested, Kate. Charlotte and Ollie both said that he and The Lads try to keep things from kicking off around here and I think that's all he did besides helping me with the car which was obviously a favor to you." I huff back.

"Whatever you say Cora dear." sing songs, my friend.

We didn't talk much after that but she did tell me that Grandmama should be able to come to see me for a few days next week and I'm excited to have some company. I'm sure Ollie will let me have a day off to spend with her since she's coming all this way. Kate and I got off the phone with promises to call as soon as it was a good time.

Now that I've finally finished getting ready for work, I'm going to drive my new car in and I can't wait to take it for another spin, even if it is a short one. I've got a few more things I need to pick up on my way home from work for my girls' night with Charlotte tonight. I need more eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom for my American dessert theme. With that in mind, I run out the door and hop into my car, and head to work.

The morning went by in a rush and I never really left the kitchen. I've been pulling trays, making the crust, and stirring the filling all day but before I know it lunch time is here and I'm ready for a break. It's a good thing too because when I walk out of the kitchen pushing the hair that fell from my bun out of my face I see Charlotte sitting at our usual table but she's not alone. Alex is standing next to the table with his large blonde friend. I grab my plate and cup of water and make my way over to the table. Charlotte sees me and her whole face lights up, "Cora, come on. I was wondering if you were going to take a break." Both men turn towards me when I approach. I set my plate and glass down on the table.