Rob appeared to be everything Olivia thought she wanted… but what would happen when the truth came out?
BY DELLA GALTON
Olivia sighed as she sat opposite Candice in Coffee One for their usual Saturday-morning catch-up.
Two caramel lattes were between them, and the air smelled gorgeously of cinnamon.
“I’ve been working out my finances,” Olivia said. “And I’ve realised I can’t afford my flat unless I get a lodger.”
“We’ve been here before,” Candice said thoughtfully.
“I know, and it hasn’t worked out.”
The two girls exchanged a wry smile.
“What I actually need,” Olivia continued, “is a flatmate who doesn’t like cooking, so I don’t need a bigger kitchen.” That had been an issue with her first one. “And one who doesn’t do nightshifts, so I don’t have to walk around on eggshells at the weekend…”
That had been the problem with the second, who’d been a nurse at the local hospital.
“Not to mention someone who loves the piano, so they don’t mind squeezing past it in the lounge or listening to me practising. I thought a nurse would be perfect – but I’d forgotten about the inevitable night shifts.”
“I thought you’d cracked it when Jake moved in,” Candice agreed. “A nice, sensible older guy. Hospital porters are always kind.”
“Hmm. It was going so well until he cornered me in the kitchen. He thought me cooking him dinner meant more than it actually did.”
“You have no idea anyone fancies you. It’s part of your appeal. And also, part of the problem.”
“I just don’t want a relationship at the moment. It’s a pity the hospital’s the only big employer for miles around. Who else but a nurse or a porter’s going to want to live out at Woodside?”
“Unless it’s someone who works at the monastery,” Candice said thoughtfully. “Actually, that’s not a bad idea. Monks are into music, aren’t they? Not to mention that they have to take a vow of celibacy…” She clapped her hands. “That’s your answer. A music-loving celibate monk.”
“Don’t monks usually live in the monastery?” queried Olivia.
“Yes, but it’s quite small, there must be some overflow. We could find out. We could advertise in the post office.”
“Advertise for what, exactly?”
“A music-loving monk.” Candice beamed encouragingly. “Worth a try.”
Rob was queuing to buy stamps when he noticed the advert.
Large room in l
