Breakfast Under a Cornish Sun Read Online Free PDF Page B

tops wide open like the Bee Gees, but thought I’d better make an effort—you know, for the sake of Poldark .’ He eyed me up and down and I squirmed in my seat, sensing my cheeks pink up.
    â€˜So, obviously you’re a big fan of the series,’ I said.
    Now my eyes roved his frame. He must have been quite an eye-turner a decade or so before. In fact there was something about his face—the dark shadows under the eyes perhaps—that made me think he looked even older than his actual years. As we chatted about our love of the programme, my shoulders relaxed and I leant back in my chair. So did he. In fact, Marcus was good company. Funny, in an understated way. Polite. Witty. What a shame he wasn’t young enough to impress Saffron. Yet, I was pleased at not having to dupe him. What a lovely guy. It made me realise I’d have to be upfront with whoever I took to the wedding. Hurting people’s feelings wasn’t part of the plan.
    We both ordered the fish pie. Looked like I’d be logging on to the dating site again tonight, to find another candidate.
    â€˜I watch the programme every week with my daughter,’ said Marcus. He studied me again. ‘Sorry,’ he blurted out. ‘I don’t mean to stare, it’s just … Please don’t take this the wrong way, Kate, but from your profile picture I thought you’d be older. Like my Ruth, you can’t even be into your thirties yet.’ He shot me a sheepish look. ‘And I expect my appearance was a bitof a surprise.’ He shook his head. ‘Bet you think I’m a right arse, trying to be younger than my years.’
    â€˜Erm …’
    He grinned, chestnut eyes twinkling as he touched his hair. ‘I let Ruth dye this for that profile picture. Big mistake.’
    Aw bless. What a superstar. So he definitely wasn’t some creep lusting after women half his age. Although I’d already worked that out after the way he’d talked about how satisfying he found his job as a care worker. Clearly he had strong principles—so why did a man with such integrity and passion need the help of an online matchmaking service?
    â€˜Ruth means well and also insisted on putting that photo through Instagram first so that I looked “my best”.’ He gave a deep chuckle. ‘Always a generous child, she’s been.’
    I smiled. ‘And I posted a photo, warts and all, with bad lighting. How old did you think I’d be?’ Marcus’s cheeks flushed a deep maroon and I burst out laughing. ‘Don’t worry. No need to answer. My classic black dress probably didn’t help.’
    â€˜It’s what attracted me to your profile,’ he said. ‘My mum used to dress like that. What I mean is …’ He groaned and I couldn’t help giggling. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘I am useless at all this stuff.’
    â€˜I love all that movie-star glamour, with long cigarette holders and classic clothes. It is such adistinctive era. And you can pick up some great bargains from charity shops.’ Oxfam had been my lifesaver during the teenage years. A fifty-pence vintage top from there felt newer than any hand-me-down from my older sisters. ‘Guess we’ve paid the price for using a niche, smaller dating site. I imagine the bigger dating sites require you to enter your actual age.’
    The waiter delivered our pies and we ate in silence for a few moments. Mmm. Creamy subtle flavours washed over my tongue. I ordered us another couple of Cokes.
    Marcus stared at me. ‘Do you think it’s sad, Kate? A man of my age doing online dating?’
    â€˜No. I think it’s hard for lots of people to meet that special someone in this mad, modern busy world.’
    He clasped his hands together. ‘That’s just it though. Ruth means well but I … I’m not ready to meet someone else yet. My wife … Sandra … She passed away two years