Follow My Lead Episode 17
As they sat surrounded by nature, the quiet between Lydia and Cyrus was companionable.
“What about you, Cyrus?” She broke it at last. “What was your life before this?”
A laugh burst from him, and he shook his head as he looked over to where the birds were squabbling.
“Very different,” he said. “I was a director of . . .
“Well, it doesn’t matter. One of those companies you see in the financial pages.
“I was made redundant, just like you. I know how much it hurts.”
He turned that intense gaze on her again.
“After a period of feeling sorry for myself, I thought about all the things I used to whinge about not having time for, and decided to just get on and do them.”
“Like what?” she asked, fascinated.
“Nothing earth shattering. One, learn to play the saxophone.” He held up a hand and counted off on his fingers. “Two, birdwatching. Three, grow my own veg.”
He raised one shoulder.
“Sometimes you have to take the time to ask yourself questions and listen to what you want.”
“It’s good advice,” Lydia agreed. “I’ve always fancied learning ballet, and to play the piano.”
“I still have learning chess on my list,” Cyrus put in.
“I could teach you that,” she offered. “Fair trade for the yoga tuition.”
Peace descended again, until another question popped into her head.
“Do you have family, Cyrus? Anyone important in your life?”
“Lots,” he said at once. “Nieces, nephews and friends, but that’s it. There’s never been anyone I’ve wanted to spend my life with. You?”
“Same,” she told him.
“Although,” she went on slowly, “my old boss Basil seems to be looming larger in my life now.
“I think we might actually have a date,” she added. “He’s a good friend. He’s like you, actually, Cyrus.
“You seem like the kind of guy to be a good friend.”
She felt a surge of that shyness she usually managed to suppress, but rushed on.
“I’d be honoured if I could count myself as one of yours.”
He leaned in to bump his shoulder against hers.
“Deal,” he said simply.
As usual it was just the two of them.
Stu had put out a call for help with repainting the community hall, but in the absence of any volunteers, he and Danielle were simply getting on with it.
Danielle didn’t mind. It was easier when it was just the two of them.
The thought startled her so much that she sank back on her heels.
When had she stopped feeling so awkward around him?
He was looking down at her now from the ladder.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m having flashes of déjà vu,” he joked. “But this time we could have roped Lydia in to help.”
“I mentioned it, but she’d arranged to give Cyrus a chess lesson tonight,” Danielle explained.
“Did I hear my name?” a voice called.
Danielle swivelled and was astonished to see Lydia in the doorway, with Cyrus looming behind her.