The meows of my cat, Jasper, sounded as he greeted me at the door. I scooped him up, kissing his soft orange fur. “Have you been a good boy for daddy while he’s been away?”
I’d been gone less than a day, and his automatic feeder had dispensed his food, so he wouldn’t have starved. I topped up his water and busied myself stroking him and giving him all the loves he’d missed while I’d been away. He was a very fussy cat and loved to be carried around like a baby. Not that I minded.
“I have to put you down now. Daddy needs to shower and get ready for work. Eat your breakfast, and I’ll bring you some treats later.”
I’d found that sitting at home on my arse all day wasn’t good for my mental health. I’d eased back into it slowly and tried my hand at a few different things before settling on work in the local tearoom. It was part-time, and I got to know a lot of the regulars. Parkgate was popular even in winter, and it was rare that we weren’t busy. I still only worked a few days a week, but my days were shorter, and there was no stress.
The sale of the house had been lucrative, and I’d saved a lot. This job meant I didn’t have to dip into it as often. My only expenses were my art supplies and the money I spent on tattoos. I’d lost contact with Rafi but found an equally talented artist happy to indulge my artwork.
That reminded me, I had an idea for another tattoo, but that would have to wait until later.
I stepped into the shower, but not before I ran a finger down the scars that had almost ended my life. There was no point in ignoring them. They were part of who I was; they made me the man I was today.
A man proud of what he’d achieved over the past few years, a man who refused to see his previous life as a failure, but as a stepping stone to how I was meant to live.
I washed quickly and shivered as I got out. This old house took an age to heat up, but it’d be warm soon enough, and Jasper would take his place before the Aga in the kitchen while I went to work. It was his favourite place to sit. Mine too. I spent most of my time in there, either cooking or drawing. My kitchen looked out over the garden I’d spent ages cultivating.
Almost dying had brought a new sense of purpose to my life, and I’d embraced it fully.
I dressed and grabbed myself a piece of toast. Work often supplied breakfast, but I was hungry. I also needed a shot of coffee to kick-start me, or I wouldn’t get through the day without falling asleep.
I gave Jasper another kiss, grabbed my keys, and put on my coat. Where the fuck had I put my phone?
I ran back upstairs and found it on the dressing table where I’d left it plugged in. A notification in the top corner told me I had a message. Probably Chris asking if I’d got home safe.
I’d read it later at work. If I delayed any longer, I’d be late.
The cafe was only a ten-minute walk away. I pushed open the door and said good morning to Steph, who owned the place.
“You don’t look so good. Are you feeling okay?” She handed me my usual cup of coffee and took a sip from her own.
“I didn’t sleep well, so I caught the early train back.”
“Ah, the date with Chris last night, I forgot. I’m guessing it went well.
“Not a date. I’ve told you before, we’re just friends.”
“That’s what they all say, and before you know it, you’re walking down the aisle through a flower-covered arch.”
“Just because that’s what you did doesn’t mean I have to do it.” I rolled my eyes at her, knowing it wouldn’t be the first timeI’d do that today. She had a habit of saying the most ridiculous things. For a smart person, sometimes, she had no common sense.
“So, what’s up with the face? Why didn’t you sleep well? Does he snore?”
“Oh my God, Steph. Will you stop? I slept in the spare room. There is nothing going on between us.”
“I’m sorry. I’m only teasing.”
That’s what Killian used to say.
I watched the brown liquid as I swirled it. Killian took his coffee black, no sugar.
I squeezed my eyes shut. This was not helping. Three years I’d barely fought to put him out of my head, and seeing him one night had everything clamouring for attention.
“If you must know, I saw an old flame last night, and he ignored me.”
“I don’t remember you dating anyone.”
“It was a long time ago. Before I moved here. Before…”