Free The Green Hills of Home by Emma Bennet Page B

the way I did. You were absolutely right: you’ve always been completely
upfront about when you’re able to work with me. It’s not fair to expect you to
work the ridiculous hours I do. I’m just under a lot of stress at the moment
and I took it out on you, I’m sorry."
    "Thank you. To be honest I’m
not sure it was completely your fault. I over-reacted. It wouldn’t have killed
me to have missed visiting for one day."
    "No, it wouldn’t, but one of
the things I respect most about you is the way you support your mother, it’s
very commendable" said John a little stiffly.
    "You respect me?"
repeated a stunned Gwen.
    "Yes, I do. You’re selfless
and you have a real sense of duty. Too many people underestimate the value of
family loyalty; there’s little that’s more important.
    Even if not everyone can have the
easy relationship you’ve had with your parents."
    John looked awkward, then
muttered, "Supper’s nearly ready," as he turned back to the stove.
    He really is an expert subject
changer Gwen mused to herself, full of curiosity as to where John’s thoughts
had come from, and wondering the story behind John and his parents.
     
    "I need to go into town this
morning to pick up food," said Gwen, passing John a cup of coffee before
they started work.
    "Can’t you get some
delivered?" said John grumpily, pulling a face as he tasted the coffee.
    "No one delivers to here."
    "Right."
    "I’ll be as quick as I can."
    Gwen was worried John would think
she was shirking off if she disappeared for too long; he always seemed to be
working, or thinking about work - probably because he was so desperate to get
back to London and decent coffee. She could understand: she was always glad to
return home when she’d been away and it must be uncomfortable staying in a
stranger’s house. Despite, or maybe because of, his devilish good looks, she’d
be glad when he was gone, she couldn’t relax with him in the house and still
felt slightly guilty for walking Oscar in case John thought he was getting in
the way of work.
    "Mind if I come with you?"
asked John unexpectantly, getting up and stretching.
    "Uh…" said Gwen, as she
desperately tried to think of a reason as to why he couldn’t come. She’d been
looking forward to a couple of hours without John around and had hoped it would
clear her head a little. She wasn’t quick enough with her excuse, and before she
knew it John was in the hall waiting for her.
    Opening the doors to her car,
Gwen was about to climb in when she saw the look of horror cross John’s face as
he spotted the mess on the front passenger seat. Since her mother had gone into
hospital this had become Oscar’s place and there was a large amount of dog
hair, biscuits and toys strewn over the seat and foot well.
    She sighed: yet another place
she’d missed during her great clean.
    "Would you rather we took
your car?" she asked.
    "Am I that obvious?"
    "Yes. Come on then,"
said Gwen as she relocked her doors.
     
    John drove quickly and
confidently; Gwen was in no doubt that he was completely in charge of his
vehicle. The day was chilly and grey. The windscreen wipers worked lazily to
clear the constant drizzle from the glass. As loyal as she felt to her beloved
Welsh valleys, this sadly really was the typical weather for the region.
    It never failed to amaze Gwen how
the same landscape could appear to change so dramatically from day to day. Now,
with the dark cloud eclipsing the tips of the tallest hills and blocking out
any hint of sun, the land looked fierce, wild and faintly foreboding, just as
she loved it most. Of course the valleys were also beautiful when the sun
shone, particularly in the early morning, when the dew still lay glistening on
the grass, but Gwen thought it far more romantic and full of character on those
less conventionally perfect days.
    As they entered Tonnadulais Gwen
directed John to the tiny car park hidden behind the high street. They were
lucky to find a free spot; most of the