‘Why don’t we see if there’s a bigger table and you can join us,’ said Liam. He seemed oblivious to Nora trying to vigorously shake her head without it actually moving, which probably gave her the look of someone being electrocuted. Why was he suggesting they join them? Did he think that was preferable to having dinner alone with Nora after what she’d just suggested?
Ali squeezed his daughter’s shoulder. ‘We don’t want to bother them, Una.’
‘But we’ve been invited,’ said Una. ‘It’d be rude to refuse.’
Nora looked up at her dad. A waiter hovered, awaiting a final decision.
‘No, Una. Let’s leave them to it.’ Ali put a hand on his wife’s waist to guide her away.
‘There’s a table here,’ said the waiter, indicating one nearby.
Nora shook her head but her mother was already sliding into the seat the waiter had pulled out. ‘The perfect compromise,’ she said with glee.
Ali shrugged. Bless him; he’d done his best.
*
Nora tried to enjoy her meal but it was tricky because she knew her mother was eavesdropping. Although there was nothing interesting about her and Liam’s conversation. All the fun shared memories had been covered when they’d met before. Perhaps it was because they were very aware of the proximity of her parents that topics were neutral and neither of them was addressing the question she had posed.
‘Have you been on any nice holidays?’ asked Nora, fearing she sounded like a bored hairdresser.
‘Not had much time for holidays, plus they’re not the same on your own.’
‘I get you. I don’t go away much. I have Oliver to think about.’
Liam’s head shot up. And from the expression on his face she was worried he was putting two and two together and getting a much larger number– did he think she had asked him to join a thrupple?
She almost choked on her tagliatelle in an attempt to explain who Oliver was.
Unfortunately her mother beat her to it.
Una leaned towards Liam. ‘Nora has a lizard. His eyes are wonky.’
Nora hastily swallowed her mouthful. ‘Oliver is a chameleon and his eyes are meant to do that.’
Thankfully Ali said something that pulled Una’s attention away from Nora.
Liam was giving her an odd look.
‘What?’ she asked.
‘I wouldn’t have thought you’d be into reptiles. You always wanted a dog.’
‘I have one of those too… kind of. I have a dog share with my friend Jay.’ Pictures of Jay and Bruce on the beach flashed into her mind. Would she see more or less of Bruce now Jay’s career was taking off? She couldn’t bear to lose them both.
Liam started talking about the trials and tribulations of Leicester City football team and Nora concentrated on finishing her meal at record speed. Thankfully Liam didn’t want a dessert. At least now they could escape. They paid the bill and Nora went to say goodbye to her parents.
‘Night, Mum,’ said Nora, giving her mother a hug.
‘I like this one,’ she said in a stage whisper. ‘Love you. Stay safe. And remember to eat.’
‘Night, Dad,’ said Nora.
‘Sorry,’ said her father as he hugged her goodbye.
Nora and Liam left the restaurant. The relief was palpable. For a moment they stood outside in the light drizzle. Nora took a deep breath. ‘Well, that was a nightmare and I am very sorry. I had no idea they were coming here. But now I say it out loud I have a niggle that in the middle of a conversation about onions my mother may have mentioned that someone recommended it. But I definitely didn’t know they were coming tonight. If I had—’
‘Yes,’ said Liam, pulling her up short.
