Blue Comes Through

Chapter Nineteen

When I have been thoroughly kissed again, Finn disappears into the kitchen to make me tea and let Wilf out into the garden. I head to the bathroom to change Will's nappy. He tolerates it, but is up and gone as soon as he can. Trains and bike beckon.

I look in the mirror to check my hair, acutely aware of potential bed head. I study my reflection carefully. Cheryl would be pleased with the colour in my cheeks. Morning kisses and a pillow fight with Finn have added a rosy glow and my eyes are sparkling. I'm pleased with my hair, the highlights are subtle but have lifted it from its usual dull mousiness and the layers have given it a bounce. I give it a quick brush, clean my teeth and head back into the bedroom.

Finn has turned the TV on for Will and he's curled up on the sofa. Wilf has curled up beside him. They are both engrossed. Finn is propped against the pillows and he's watching me, as I pad back to the bed, slightly self conscious in my pyjama shorts and skimpy camisole.

He pulls back the covers and pats the bed invitingly, watching me appreciatively over the rim of his coffee cup as I climb back in. "What time is it?" I ask reaching for the tea. The steaming mug is waiting for me on the bedside table.

"Not quite Seven; still early. I said we'd meet Josh for breakfast about nine. We'll go to Bodhi's."

He reaches for my hand. "What else do you want to do this weekend?"

I shrug. "I really don't mind. It's nice to have the weekend off from doing breakfast here."

"Well you're having the weekend off from everything. I've booked us into a cottage for three nights."

"What?" I look at him, shocked.

"You felt safe there, you said. So I rang Gwen and I've booked us in for three nights."

"Finn. That's crazy."

He shrugs. "Why? I want you out of here for a few days. Meg and Chloe are going to a new nightclub in Truro tonight, so I've booked them into a hotel. The security guys will be away until Sunday evening. We can lock this place up until then. I just need to go come back for breakfast on Monday morning."

He raises his eyebrows and nudges me playfully. "Besides, you offered me fabulous sex in a four poster."

I feel the colour stain my cheeks. "I don't think I actually offered it." I say dryly. "I think you said 'Wait until you're asked.'"

He glances from the bump in his boxers back to me and gives me a speaking look.

"Consider yourself asked, Maddie. Consider yourself asked.

***

Josh drives us all to Bodhi's. After a Bodhi's double, which I share with Wilf and Will, he's driving back to Exeter. The café is busy and I listen with half an ear as Finn and Josh talk about rugby and Josh's interview. He wants to move out of London apparently. We've a table by the window and I look out at the view, half listening but mostly lost in my own thoughts.

It's overcast today and the sky is heavy with grey cloud. The sea has lost it's sparkle and is a dark grey blue. It's breezy too and the waves are rolling in, crashing against the rocks below. Even though I'm with Finn, I can't shake off a feeling of apprehension. What's his next move, I wonder? If the bluebells were some kind of sick calling card, what does he have planned next?

I can feel Finn's concerned eyes on me and I turn my attention back to the conversation. Josh talks about a new girlfriend. She's based in Exeter. It must be serious for him to want to relocate.

"Josh is in lurve." Finn teases. "He's got a hot date tonight." Josh makes a rude hand gesture, which I hope Will doesn't see. I feel guilty. I've ruined Josh's weekend.