Christmas at Bay Tree Cottage. Linn Halton B.

firm’s time, as obviously we have wages to pay and overheads. What I do in my own time I can charge you for at a very reasonable hourly rate. We can see how far we can make that budget of yours stretch.’

      Elana’s eyes are wide open and I can almost hear her thoughts churning away inside her head.

      ‘And this is of mutual benefit? You don’t mind spending your relaxation time doing more of the same?’

      ‘I don’t exactly have much to do outside of work these days and, if I’m being honest, I need every penny I can get. Are we on?’

      ‘It looks like we have a deal, then.’ Once again she raises her mug in a toast and as our eyes meet what I see reflected back at me is a genuine smile. I realise a weight has just been lifted from her shoulders. As our mugs chink, it’s good to see the sense of relief reflected in her body language as she begins to relax.

       Chapter 11

       Luke

      The Best-Laid Plans

      ‘Luke, I’ll put you on Hillside View’s conservatory job in January, alongside Greg. I’ve scheduled it to start the first day back after the Christmas holidays. You’ll be there for two weeks, so at least it will mean no additional travelling if you are still sorting out Bay Tree.’

      ‘Thanks, Dad. It just seemed like the right thing to do and the money will come in handy.’

      ‘I thought you had that software thing to test? Have you gone cold on the idea?’

      Dad obviously hears more than I give him credit for; I always thought he switched off whenever I talked about anything IT-related.

      ‘No, it’s ongoing. But it can wait.’

      ‘Don’t take this the wrong way, my son, but I hope you’re going into this with your eyes wide open.’