Wishful Thinking Read Online Free PDF

window. She saw - and the realisation came with a sharp twinge of disappointment - that the snow was already melting and the ground that had been covered in white last night was now revealing ever-increasing patches of green and brown. Looks like we’ll be on our way early, she thought.
     
    She dressed hurriedly and then roused Ben. After quickly repacking their bags, she ushered him downstairs where Mrs Goodchild greeted them.
     
    “I hope you slept well, my dears?”
     
    “Beautifully, thank you,” Jess assured her, glancing around in the hope of catching a glimpse of Chris.
     
    “Well come and have some breakfast. It’s all ready for you in the dining room,” Mrs Goodchild said, ushering them towards the room of last night’s festive meal.
     
    A small table had been set for two and Jess couldn’t help feeling a pang of disappointment. She’d hoped to be able to say goodbye to him at least.
     
    “Where’s Chris?” Ben asked, looking around and Jess felt grateful to him for saving her from asking the same question.
     
    “Oh, sweetie, I’m afraid he had to go. He was very sorry not to say goodbye, but he had an emergency last night while you were fast asleep.” She spoke as if that was an everyday occurrence and did not betray any real concern as she bustled off to fetch breakfast.
     
    Jess felt deeply disappointed. She wondered what kind of emergency could have dragged him away. It was as if the romantic little dream of yesterday had been exactly that. A dream. This morning everything seemed different and ordinary. She began to wonder again if she’d merely imagined last night’s magic.
     
    At the reception desk, she produced her credit card to settle her bill before leaving. Mr Goodchild sat hunched over a computer, seemingly oblivious to her.
     
    “Oh, don’t worry about that, my dear. It’s all taken care of. Christian insisted.” Mrs Goodchild told her with a wave of her hand in the direction of her wallet.
     
    Jess looked at her in confusion. “I don’t understand.”
     
    “Oh of course! I nearly forgot. He left you a note. Your bill is all taken care of. You're not to give it another thought. And may I say, it’s been a real pleasure to have you both.” She reached behind the desk and produced a cream envelope with the hotel logo on it.
     
    Jess ripped it open eagerly and quickly scanned the single sheet of hotel paper.
     
    Dear Jess,
     
    I’m sorry I’ve had to leave without explaining or saying goodbye to you and Ben. Something urgent has come up. If you’d care to leave your phone number with my parents, I’ll contact you soon and explain all.
     
    The roads are looking better, but all the same, take it easy. And most of all, have a very Happy Christmas.
     
    Regards,
     
    Chris.
     
    Jess read it through twice, unable to suppress the stab of disappointment at its matter of fact tone, lack of any explanation and air of finality. She looked back up into the kindly, motherly face of Mrs Goodchild.
     
    “Thank you, but I can’t possibly let him pay for my bill. I absolutely insist!”
     
    Mrs Goodchild laughed. “And I’m afraid I absolutely refuse! You clearly don’t know my son as well as I do. He was adamant about that and, with all due respect, Jess – I’d rather disappoint you than incur his wrath for not doing as I’m told! Oh yes, and I also have something for Ben. She withdrew three shiny pound coins from her overall pocket and held them out to Ben. “He said he owed you two and one for interest.”
     
    Ben accepted the coins eagerly while Jess looked on bemused. She tried to argue again but Mrs Goodchild raised her hands, palms outward to silence her, so instead Jess gave her a big hug and Ben quickly followed suit.
     
    “Come and see us again soon,” Mr and Mrs Goodchild called from the front door as they waved them off. Jess nodded, knowing she wanted to but equally knowing she was unlikely to do