‘Poor darling,’ said Nick softly. ‘What I’d do to that man if I had the chance.’
‘What did you say happened to Xander?’ Hattie asked, wanting to change the subject.
‘Oh – we met a guy called Luke? In the shop? They were obviously old friends. Xander asked if he could spend the day with Luke. Luke said yes and invited Xander to make music at his house. Luke said he’d drop him home tomorrow but to text if you’re worried. That’s OK, isn’t it?’
‘You seem to have gone to a lot of trouble to do the right thing. But Luke is very nice. And it’s fine. Now, how much do I owe you for the milk, and what can I make you to eat?’
‘Nothing and nothing,’ said Nick. ‘I’ll make myself a sandwich. Then I suppose I’d better get that Rolls-Royce back to its rightful owner.’
‘You must tell me how on earth you managed to persuade people you were a limo driver?’
Nick smiled. ‘A lot of ingenuity and a bit of bribery did it.’
Hattie watched as Nick wielded ham, tomatoes, mayonnaise and butter.
‘I’m just a bit worried about Fiona,’ said Nick over his shoulder. ‘Where can she go? Lance is bound to come looking for her.’
‘Actually, I’ve got an idea about that. Hang on a minute.’
Hattie went to her bedroom and found the raffle prize and ran back downstairs with it. ‘I won this at the raffle they had at the quiz. It’s a week in someone’s flat in Paris. She could go there for a week at least to think, although I don’t much like the thought of her being alone.’
Nick looked thoughtful. When he spoke, it was hesitantly. ‘Do you think Fiona would like – might consider going to Paris with me?’
Hattie lit up at the idea. It was much too soon for anything romantic, of course, but hoping as she did that Nick and Fiona might be right for each other, if she’d read her vision correctly, this was too exciting to not encourage. ‘You’ll have to ask her.’
‘Or you could ask her? I don’t want her to feel pressured in any way. I mean – you know me, but she doesn’t. It’s probably a mad idea even to think of it.’
‘I’ll ask her.’
Nick handed her a sandwich with so much filling she’d have to eat it in small stages. ‘Here.’
‘Thank you.’
‘But, Hattie, isn’t there anyone you’d like to go to Paris with?’
Just for a second she pictured herself and Luke sitting at a café table in Paris. It wasn’t a vision, it was justa momentary dream. She shook her head and cleared her throat to bring herself back to sanity. ‘Not really. Besides, I’ve got Xander staying.’
After she’d watched Nick drive the Rolls down the hill, Hattie cleared up the lunch and sat on the armchair next to the sleeping Fiona. Then she got up and changed the sheets on Xander’s bed for something to occupy her time and stop her thinking about Luke. It was crazy, she’d seen him only a week ago. How could she be missing him?
Fiona came to at about six o’clock.
‘How are you feeling?’ asked Hattie.
‘A bit weird. Is the wedding really off?’
Hattie nodded. ‘Would you like to stay here tonight? My nephew is spending the night with my friend Luke, so it’s just us.’
‘That sounds nice. Would you mind if I called my mum? I haven’t got my phone.’
Hattie handed over her phone. ‘I’ll make us some supper to give you some privacy.’ She paused. ‘Would frying pan pizza be OK? I was going to make that for my nephew.’
‘That sounds perfect. Anything with carbs is fine by me!’
‘Go and talk to your mum. I’ll be in the kitchen.’
While Hattie cooked she could hear Fiona and her mother were having a long conversation but of course couldn’t hear what they were saying.
The pizza was under the grill browning before Fiona came back.
