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Jason’s clothes into a bin bag and dropped them off at the church for their monthly jumble sale. It was a simple act of decluttering, but it had meant so much more. Everything had gone, even the clothes Mitchell had borrowed; it was Hannah’s way of putting all that behind her, a promise to turn over a fresh page and start a brand new chapter in her life. It would be nice to date, have a few nights out, enjoy some frivolous sex once in a while, but never again would she get hung up on a man and let him take over her life. That was the intention, anyway. She’d heard no more from Mitchell or Martine, and while she was still intrigued by the mystery that surrounded them, she decided that it was probably for the best if she didn’t see them again. It was even something of a relief, if she was honest, because Gina was right: it could only lead to trouble. She hadn’t told anyone about signing up to the dating agency either; she’d just see what happened. Probably nothing, so until something did, there was really no need to tell anyone. Despite this, it would have been nice to share it with Gina. She had wondered a few times about telling her, but then decided against it for reasons she couldn’t quite put her finger on. For now she was just quietly getting on with the rest of her life.
    *
    An hour later Hannah checked her inbox again. No messages so she went back to work. Usually she found the process of designing soothing, but her mind wouldn’t stay on anything today. With a sigh, she grabbed her duffle coat. A breath of air might be just the thing to clear her head.
    The morning was bright and clear, and if it hadn’t been for the bitter wind, Hannah could almost imagine it was spring. She wandered in the direction of Holly Farm, for no other reason than her feet seemed to take her that way. Perhaps it was the subconscious need to see a friendly face, and when she found Ross digging a hole for a new fencepost on the farm’s boundaries, she couldn’t help a broad smile.
    ‘If it isn’t my favourite knight in shining armour.’
    ‘Oh aye…’ he turned to her and leaned on his spade with a sweaty grin, ‘you know a lot of them do you?’
    ‘Ooooh, tons. None as good as you, though.’
    ‘What brings you this way? Come to see my mum? Please say you’ve come to see my mum because she’s been going on about you ever since your last visit.’
    ‘Has she?’ Hannah smiled.
    ‘Yup. Determined to get you involved in the WI.’
    Hannah’s face fell again. She had hoped to have dropped off Briony’s WI radar by now.
    ‘I thought that would wipe the smile off your mush,’ Ross laughed. ‘Actually she’d just love to see you again, says she really enjoyed your chat last time and I shouldn’t have stolen you away.’
    Hannah recalled that it had been less of a chat in the traditional sense and more of a barrage of gossip from Briony at Hannah. Still, it had obviously made her happy and Hannah couldn’t grumble about that. ‘I’ll call tomorrow if she’s going to be around. I’d love to see her today but I have a ton of work to do.’
    ‘Looks like it…’ Ross raised his eyebrows.
    ‘Oh…’ Hannah laughed, ‘I just needed a walk before I exploded. Sometimes I have to clear my head and then I can concentrate, you know?’
    ‘Not really. I’ve never been one for computer screens, that’s why I work outdoors. I’ve got a laptop, but I rarely use it.’
    ‘You must need to concentrate when you fix engines.’
    ‘I suppose I do but I enjoy it so much I hardly notice.’
    ‘It’s the same with me. I love my work. It certainly beats what I used to do before.’
    ‘What was that?’
    ‘Territory manager for an art supply company. I liked visiting the clients and driving around but I couldn’t stand the pressure of sales targets. Gina does a similar job, quite by coincidence, but she doesn’t let it get to her like I did. When you don’t give a stuff you seem to earn higher bonuses for some reason