the mall? Has the world gone mad?’ he said, obviously hoping to distract me from melting in a pool of saltwater in front of him.
I let him. ‘Really?’ I said, and he brought me back from the brink, one quick hand patting mine, and we were off talking about Santas and the sweet innocence of childhood.
Getting up to leave an hour later he folded me into a hug, smelling of toast and cedar wood. ‘You take care, Lottie, you’re a wonderful girl.’
I gave him a squeeze back, feeling lighter and loved. ‘Thanks for teaching me how to play golf.’
‘Any time. And you’ll get better,’ he said, giving me an uncertain pat. I couldn’t help but laugh as we walked out to our cars.
Darling Cora,
We were standing in the car park and the reunion had gone well. How my heart had leapt this morning when Lottie had suggested we meet, and at the golf range no less! What a morning ahead, golf and Lottie, my cup overfloweth!
Desperate to get things back to normal I was early as I pulled into the car park. Lottie appeared looking rather strange. I honestly have never understood fashion, but it was good to see her looking more relaxed and happy as she stepped out of the car and greeted me.
The golf was hopeless, she really is dreadful, but it was wonderful to talk with her and make things right again.
And I almost managed it but moving out to the car I realised I needed to be braver. Things were right with us but I was worried about her and Luke, about what she thought. I knew I had to break Arjun’s promise.
Lottie was about to leave and I stopped her with a hand on her arm. ‘You said earlier that I wouldn’t keep things from you.’
Lottie’s eyebrows lifted in surprise.
‘Well, that wasn’t completely true. I did keep things from you about Luke, things you should know.’
Oh, Cora, the look of betrayal. It was terrible. I thought I might start weeping at her reaction. She put an arm out on her car as if righting herself. ‘What is it?’ she whispered, face draining of colour.
Worrying her knees would buckle I knew I needed to say things quickly, get it over with. ‘I did know Luke was spending time with Storm.’
She let out the smallest whimper and I almost thought my heart would break.
‘No, it isn’t what it sounds like. He has seen her because Arjun has recruited them to work on something with him. An app. They’re working on the practical aspects of it.’
Lottie’s face was a picture: confusion, relief, questions. ‘Oh . . . ’
It was clearly not what she had been expecting.
‘An app?’
I nodded. ‘It’s given Arjun something to look forward to because, well, I know he’ll tell everyone in his own time and I don’t want to break another promise today.’
Lottie looked up at me sharply. Had she noticed the changes in Arjun too? Instinct told me she knew exactly what I was hinting at and I quickly continued. It wasn’t my news to share.
‘It’s a good idea really. The app. It was actually inspired by our ridiculous challenge. Doing all those events and getting you and Luke doing a lot of new things gave Arjun the idea. It’s an app that tells you about events in your area aimed at an older crowd, people wanting some company and some fun. We want to be active and social and so it is a place to advertise painting classes, dance lessons, trips to the theatre. He’s running the first outing next week too, getting others to organise things and upload them. Luke thinks it could take off.’
‘That does sound good,’ Lottie said slowly, clearly struggling to keep pace with the conversation now that she realised there was no terrible, dark secret.
‘It’s a chance to forge new friendships, new relationships. A chance to intervene if someone is lonely. It’s given Arjun a real boost at a time when he needs it.’
‘Right,’ Lottie said, her shoulders lowering, hands unclenching.
‘So I wanted you to know. Luke has been instrumental and there is nothing going on with this Storm character. She can’t hold a candle to you anyway,’ I added.
Lottie couldn’t help smile at that.
Oh, Cora, I felt so much lighter watching her getting into the car after that, seeing her face clear of troubles as she waved at me before starting up the engine.
I hope I have helped. I hope they can see things right. Oh, Cora,