‘Oh, don’t rush back for it!’ Hattie felt suddenly guilty. ‘It doesn’t matter if you can’t come.’
‘I can’t come either,’ said Xander.
Hattie shook her head. ‘You’re an essential part of the team, Xander, you don’t get a choice.’ She paused. ‘I’m going to ask Rose and Sam if they can come. You’ll like them,’ she said to Xander.
‘I’ll certainly try and make it, Hattie,’ said Luke.
He didn’t often use her name and suddenly it felt meaningful. ‘Thanks!’ she said, hoping she didn’t sound breathless.
It was easy to convince Rose and Sam to come to the quiz; they loved a night out.
‘I’m hoping it won’t go on too long,’ said Hattie.
‘It probably will,’ said Rose. ‘If they’re raising funds there’ll be raffles and all sorts. You can have a power nap before we go.’
‘I’m nearly thirty-five, not nearly ninety!’ said Hattie.
‘Anyway, I’m needed. Bye, bye.’
Hattie could find no genuine reason to get in touch with Nick; she’d already organised a builder to come and see the house with him but the appointment wasn’t for ten days or so. In the end she decided to just invite him. She tapped on his number. ‘Nick! How are you doing?’ she said when he answered, surprisingly quickly.
‘Thank you for your interest, Hattie,’ he said lightly. ‘I’m fine. Now why are you ringing me? I do hope the builder hasn’t pulled out of our meeting. Although it’s got everything wrong with it, I’m really excited about that house.’
‘That’s good to hear, but no, nothing to do with that. I’m hoping you can do me a favour…’
‘What’s that?’ He sounded curious.
‘Could you come to a quiz this Friday? Do you like quizzes? You strike me as someone who’d be good at them.’
This made him laugh. ‘Really? Or are you desperate?’
‘Both. It’s local. There’s food and one free drink, and a very desperate woman who needs to fill two teams. That’s not me, by the way. I’m only desperate by association.’
‘Well, you’re in luck. I do like quizzes. My knowledge of flags and the Periodic Table is outstanding.’
‘Oh, Nick, that’s amazing! I can’t do flags and my knowledge of the Periodic Table is only what I’ve learnt fromPointless.’
‘I’m rarely at home in time to watch that.’
Hattie swallowed. ‘And would you like to bring anyone? A partner?’
Too late she remembered she officially knew he didn’t have a partner; she really just wanted to know if he had any sort of girlfriend.
‘No, just me. I’m currently single, as you should know.’
‘I know you’re only looking for a property for you, but you could have a red-hot lover who you don’t happen to want to live with,’ Hattie blurted out, sticking up for herself.
‘Could I indeed?’ He sounded quizzical.
‘It happens.’ Hattie laughed, and as she disconnected she realised she was getting to like him.
Chapter Seven
‘Are you sure I have to come?’ asked Xander, when they were waiting for Nick to pick them up to go to the quiz (he’d insisted). ‘Mum often leaves me in the house on my own. I’m always fine.’
‘You’re not coming for your sake, but for the team. A young person is always a huge asset, so my friend Rose tells me. Besides, you might have a good time.’
‘I wish Luke was coming.’
