She thought back to her own relationship with Adam. He hadn’t wanted to get married, which had suited Hattie as she had no plans to marry either. Not that she was completely against marriage but she would need to be really, really sure that this was the guy she wanted to spend the rest of her life with because she didn’t want to go through a divorce. And she hadn’t met anyone she felt that sure about. And maybe she never would, in which case she would be perfectly happy living her life as she chose. She didn’t see marriage or having a partner as the be-all and end-all of life. She was comfortable with her own company and happy to tread her own path. Relationships always meant compromising, and right now she had had enough of compromising. Now, she wanted to live her life for her, no one else.
Chapter Ten
‘I love it!’ Mali exclaimed, her eyes widening in appreciation as she stepped into the lounge.
The cottage suddenly seemed more colourful and alive; Hattie wasn’t sure if it was because of the orange top and print trousers her friend was wearing, or because Mali’s character was so vibrant. Lou was a mini version of her mother, her dark hair worn in braids adorned with pretty beads, like Mali, but she was dressed in a bright-pink T-shirt and shorts. Her eyes were dark and serious, like her father Ricki’s, and she had his nose, but her personality was pure Mali. She was staring at Buddy wide-eyed. ‘Mummy, it’s a parrot!’ she said in a half-whisper.
Mali was too busy gazing around in awe to hear her. ‘This is amazing, Hattie. It’s got so much character. Look at those stone walls, and the beams across the ceiling. It’s incredible. There’s so many of the original features here. I reckon this will be snapped up.’
It was interesting to see the cottage through someone else’s eyes. To Hattie, it was simply Uncle Albert’s cottage, a bit small, dingy and old-fashioned but, yes, quaint too. ‘I hope so, but it’s a bit tired and dated, don’t you think? We’re getting an estate agent in to give us a quote and tell us what to do to get the best price.’
‘As little as possible, I’d say,’ Mali told her. ‘A coat of paint, of course, and maybe a new carpet.’ She walked into the kitchen area and pulled back a corner of the red checked tablecloth. ‘This table will come up great with a bit of a sanding down and a fresh coat of paint.’
After staring at Buddy for a few minutes, Lou plucked up the courage to go over to his cage. She stood at a safe distance from him. ‘Hello,’ she said.
‘Bugger off!’ Buddy said loudly.
Lou giggled. ‘Mummy, that parrot swore.’
‘That’s Buddy and I’m afraid he swears a lot. You’ll have to cover your ears up,’ Hattie said conspiratorially. She threw an apologetic glance at Mali. ‘I did tell you what he was like.’
‘Oh, we don’t mind him, do we, Lou? We like character. And this place has plenty of it. How long did your uncle live here? Did he never get married?’
‘No. That’s why he left the cottage to me and Dad.’
‘Lucky you. Aren’t you tempted to live here?’ Mali asked.
‘I can’t if I wanted to, it’s half Dad’s cottage too and he wants to sell. There’s no way I could afford to buy him out,’ Hattie replied. ‘Besides, it’s a bit out of the way down here. There’s no wi-fi by the way. I hope you’re okay using mobile data’
‘No problem. We’ve come on holiday not to be glued to our phones and iPads.’ Mali wrinkled her nose. ‘Bit of a bummer for you though. Can’t you get some in?
‘Not worth it for the couple of months I’m here. Besides I’ve got unlimited mobile data so I can manage.’
‘Can we go to the beach?’ Lou begged. ‘I want to see the sea and build a sandcastle and have an ice cream.’
Mali smiled. ‘She’s been looking forward to this all week. How do you feel about a stroll on the beach? We can go by ourselves if you’re too busy.’
‘No way, you’re only here for a few days so I want to spend as much time with you as I can. I can do anything that needs doing when you’ve gone back home.’
Lou smiled and clapped her hands, her dark bunches bobbing up and down. ‘Hooray! Remember to unpack my bucket and spade, Mummy.’
‘It’s in the boot, we’ll get it as we go out,’ Mali told her. She turned to Hattie. ‘I’ve parked on the wasteland over the back. Will my car be okay there or do I need to move it?’
‘It’s fine, that’s where most of the people who live in these cottages park. It’s difficult to find a place in the summer, though, every spare bit of land is grabbed by the holidaymakers. Luckily, my bike can be parked in the back yard.’
‘Shall we get your stuff out of my car first? I worry about leaving it there,’ Mali suggested. ‘I don’t want anyone breaking in and taking it.’
‘I’m hoping we don’t have as many break-ins here,’ Hattie told her. Her old flat had been in one of the suburbs in Bristol, where Mali still lived, and there had been a spate of break-ins over recent months. ‘But yes, let’s get my stuff.’
They were both carrying a big box, with Lou following them, holding a bulging carrier bag with both hands, when Marcus pulled up in his camper van.
‘Hi. Need a hand?’ he asked as he opened the driver’s door.
‘No thanks, we’ve got this,’ Hattie told him.
He jumped down. ‘How’s Buddy.’
‘I think he’s going to be okay. He ate some corn on the cob this morning. And he’s started swearing again.’
‘He’s really naughty,’ Lou added.
‘I know, but you’ll
