“You know I care a lot about you. I’ve told you that a few times.” He glanced up at her smile. “But as for anything other than friendship, I don’t think so. I don’t think of you in that way. It’s not that I don’t think you’re terrific. I just don’t see us as a couple.”
     Let me die right now, Katherine was thinking, her cheeks hot. He’s not interested in me?
     “I’m sorry if I’ve upset or embarrassed you,” Lawrence went on. “I only want to be clear and honest with you. You’re a fabulous person and the right guy will be lucky to have you –“
     “Yes, of course. Of course he will. I mean – “ Katherine frowned. How could I have misread the signals?
     “To be honest, I think you’re interested in me mostly because you’re on the rebound. Before the breakup, we were fine as just friends.”
     Katherine desperately wanted to grab her purse and run for the car, to get away from the conversation. Instead, she forced herself to act casually. “You’re right, we were. Perhaps I am a little confused right now.”
     “It’s perfectly natural. You’ve been through a lot lately. Don’t take this personally. There’s nothing wrong with you. I just don’t think we’re right for each other.”
     Why do things keep crashing down around me, she wondered. How long before I can leave? I don’t want to seem upset. “I understand. Sorry I said anything. Why don’t we forget that I did? Go back to the way we were.”
     “Sure. I’d like that. If we can. I hope this doesn’t hurt our friendship. You look a little shaky. Would you like another tea, something to eat?”
     “No, I’m just fine,” she said firmly, holding back tears. “Let’s move on. You’ve given me lots of great ideas for work. And look at the time! I’m meeting another friend shortly.” She avoided looking at Lawrence as she slipped her purse strap onto her shoulder. “I’ve really got to go. Thanks for all your help.”
     “Call me later, will you?”
     “Absolutely,” she said heartily, heading for the door, her lips numb. I’ll never embarrass myself like this again, she was thinking.  And she didn’t cry until she got in her car and left the donut shop parking lot.
     At home there was a flashing light on her phone, indicating a message. In case it was Lawrence or worse, Rick, she did not feel like hearing it just then. Instead, she went upstairs to her bedroom, lay on her bed and invited Noodle to cuddle up with her, which he did at once. After 40 minutes her feeling of grief and embarrassment died away.
     “We better get up,” she said to Noodle. “Can’t lie in bed all day.”
     Noodle bounded downstairs and she dragged after him. She put the kettle on and then, taking a deep breath, played her telephone message. “Katherine, this is Bennett Clark. Clara gave me your home phone number. I hope you don’t mind my calling. I wonder if you could call me back. There’s an opportunity here at Greenvale that I’d like to talk to you about. Maybe we can do some work together.”
     Not that ugly guy, thought Katherine. What kind of opportunity could he have for me? And what’s that he said? Greendale? And Clara’s Sunrise. What’s with all these pretentious names for people’s properties? It’s not bloody old England. But if he knows of some work…as long as it’s not picking potatoes.
     She didn’t feel up to returning the call until the next day. By then, she’d eaten enough chips and chocolate to feel strong and solid again after the fiasco with Lawrence, and was ready to investigate her work options.
     She made the call around 7:00 in the evening, figuring it would be after a farmer’s suppertime but early enough to catch his wife inside doing the dishes. But she was lucky enough to have Bennett himself answer the phone. “Good of you to call back,” he said. “I’m thinking about starting a new project at Greenvale, offering some educational programs, and I wondered if you might be interested in co-ordinating them.”
     Katherine’s heart sank. “No, I wouldn’t be right for that. I’m not a teacher. I have no experience in education.”
     “You wouldn’t have to teach anything yourself. I see you as developing programs and inviting other people to give workshops and seminars here. I thought that with your contacts from Health and Healing, you’d know a lot of people who might like to give seminars. I’m looking to expand the services at Greenvale by offering a variety of activities, and make a bit of extra money, but I can’t do it all alone.”
     “What kind of activities do you have in mind? Anything other than health seminars? Like more fun activities, like crafts and gardening?”
     “Exactly.” Bennett’s voice grew livelier. “Things like – I don’t know, herb drying and wreath making. Candle making, maybe. Whatever you ladies enjoy doing.”
     Katherine laughed. “Us ladies? I think men like some of these activities, too.”
     “Even better. But on TV, it’s always pretty ladies showing how to do things with glue guns. We’d have to try a variety and see what draws people.”
     “Instead of just hearing about things, people could try them out.” Katherine was beginning to get interested. “Of course, we’d have to promote this properly, with ads and announcements and flyers. Get the media interested, too.”
     “See, you already know more than I do. I think you might be good at this. Of course, I don’t see it as a full-time position, but it might be a little extra income for you. Would you at least be willing to meet with me and talk some more?”
     “Sure. Yeah. I can do that much.”
     They discussed details and arranged a time for Katherine to go out to Greenvale.

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