Unforgettable (Gloria Cook) - By Gloria Cook Page 0,59

muttered, ‘Yes, I do know what I’m doing. Can I have a cigarette?’

‘Not without your mother’s permission,’ Guy had replied, standing back to avoid getting his smart flannel trousers filthy.

‘I’m not a bloody kid!’

‘So you keep trying to prove but talking to me like that, you rude, surly little sod, says that is exactly what you are. And where was the please?’ Guy stalked away.

Finn got up off his knees, taken aback for the moment. Guy had never shown him anger before. ‘Hey, wait, it’s my turn to say sorry, and that was a nice change from all your usual sickening ingratiating stuff.’

Guy swivelled his head round. ‘Did you mean that apology?’

‘Yes, guess so.’ Finn shrugged his broadening shoulders as if he did not really care that much about it. ‘So, can I have a smoke . . . please? I can afford to buy my own. My drawings have brought in a tidy sum and I’ll soon be starting at Petherton and doing a few jobs for Mrs M. I’ll pay you back.’

‘I’ll think about it,’ Guy retorted, turning fully round. ‘Finn, I’d like it if you and I got along even if we’ll never be friends. But let me tell you this, I think the world of Fiona, and Eloise too, and as long as Fiona is happy to have me around I’m going to feature in the life here. So can we both try to rub along, at least?’

‘Of course,’ Finn had replied, nonchalant about it. Despite his resort to sarcasm and temperamental brusqueness with Guy he had done a lot of growing up since the move to Merrivale. ‘I’ve got used to having you around. It’s good that Mum knows she has you to rely on. Just lay off all the bloody fussing, eh? Give me some space. I like the independence I’ve gained.’

Guy had scratched the back of his neck, clearly stunned by Finn’s unexpected change of stance. ‘Oh, well, fair enough, we have a deal, Finn. Your mum is proud of how independent you are and, if I may so, I am too. From tomorrow I’ll be spending a few days at Bude. Now my grandmother is a lot better I’m going to take her on a little holiday at Torquay, a place she loves. I won’t spend any time worrying about you all here. Then I’ll be back in time for Eloise’s christening. Finn . . .?’ Guy was reddening rapidly again and nervously licking his bottom lip.

‘What?’ Finn said with mock impatience. ‘Go on, take another stab, but make it your last.’

‘It’s just . . . well, man to man, please don’t take this wrong and please think about it carefully . . . If you ever want to take up your studies I’d be very happy to sponsor you.’ Guy raised his hands to still any protests. ‘I mean that as a friend. I know you don’t intend to go off and leave Eloise and your mum any time soon but it might be something you’d want to do in the course of time.’

Finn gave small thoughtful nods. ‘Thanks, I’ll keep it in mind.’

Now he was freewheeling down Meadow Hill, whistling happily, his eyes shining as bright as the sun, his insides surging with delectable anticipation. He was off to The Orchards and at this time of day Sam and Charlie would be making deliveries to the wholesalers and shops, and Belle should be there alone. Last evening Finn had dropped over to show Sam some of his latest drawings and he had deliberately left his sketchbook there.

He shot across the crossroads with only a cautionary glance either side of him and was upon the entrance to Sunny Corner. Dorrie and Corky appeared on their morning constitutional and the flurry caused by Finn’s foolhardy fleetness swept off Dorrie’s favourite hat. ‘Oh!’

Finn skidded to a halt, leapt off his machine, picked the crochet hat off the top of the hedge and presented it to Dorrie. ‘Sorry, Mrs R, hope I didn’t scare you too much.’

‘You did rather,’ Dorrie scolded him. ‘More to the point, Finn, you nearly knocked poor Corky off his legs.’ She patted Corky to reassure him.

‘Sorry, old chap.’ Finn hunkered down to Corky but the dog snorted in umbrage and tilted his head away. ‘I’ll be more careful in future,’ Finn promised Dorrie.

‘I should think so.’ She smiled. Finn easily brought a smile to cheer her gentle heart; she had seen great strides in his character. ‘Where are you