‘Nick did seem to like Fiona at the quiz.’
‘Yes, but he didn’t hit on her or anything,’ said Hattie.
‘And that’s a good thing! He knew she was with someone else!’ Rose was adamant.
‘So, what you’re saying – or rather what you’re about to say – is that I have to tell Nick about all this and see what he can do?’
‘Erm, I was a little bit behind you in coming to this conclusion, but I do agree. And if that fails and you can’t get through to her, the wedding will have to go ahead and you’ll have to be supportive through the divorce. You know lots of solicitors.’
‘Who mostly deal in conveyancing,’ said Hattie.
‘Let’s have another glass of wine and then you can ring Nick,’ said Rose. ‘Let’s go downstairs. And take the dress.’
Hattie was glad of the second glass of wine and of Rose hanging over her so she couldn’t back out. Hattie made dozens of phone calls every day, they held no fear for her, but this one was different.
‘Nick? It’s Hattie.’
‘I know that. It told me before I answered.’
‘Listen, I’ve got a very strange favour to ask you. Could we meet at the Coach and Horses for coffee, so I can ask you?’ Hattie knew this pub would be deserted at coffee time and she’d be able to speak freely.
‘I assume this is nothing to do with buying the house? I’m seeing the builder this week. Why don’t you just ask me now?’ asked Nick.
‘It’s complicated. I need to see you face to face.’ Or did she? Was she just putting off the awful moment when she’d have to burden Nick with all this?
Nick was silent for a few moments. ‘OK. I could manage that. Eleven o’clock?’
‘Well, he’s agreed to meet me,’ she told Rose and Sam when she hung up, although they must have gathered that.
‘Well done, Hats,’ said Sam.
Hattie nodded. ‘And could you take me home now?’
The goodbyes took a little while. Hattie had so much to thank Rose and Sam for.
Chapter Eleven
Although she was early, Nick was waiting for her in the pub, a cup of coffee in front of him. Hattie was relieved. It would be so easy to find an excuse to duck out of this, but now he’d seen her she couldn’t run away.
‘Hey, Nick, thank you so much for agreeing to meet me.’
‘You sounded rather desperate on the phone. Not like you. Coffee?’
He made appropriate signals to the woman polishing glasses behind the bar.
‘So, what is it?’
Hattie swallowed, wishing he’d let her have a few sips of coffee first.
‘Nick, I really need your help.’
‘To rob a bank, obviously, going by the expression on your face.’
She managed a smile. ‘To be honest, it’s almost as bad and possibly twice as hard.’
He leant forward, his attention fully engaged.
‘Do you remember at the quiz, the nice girl on our table—’
