“Really brilliant.”
They were being painfully formal. Noah had held this man as he slept and now they were talking like business acquaintances.
“I’m glad to hear your father is out of danger.”
“I should’ve told you. I’m sorry. It’s been so hectic.”
“Don’t worry. I understand.”
“I don’t think you do.”
Had he come all this way to dump him face-to-face? That would be too cruel.
“Oh?”
“Can I buy you lunch? There’s a café in the village.”
What did this mean? Noah was desperate to question Carmine on his intentions. He must be more than hungry to have driven all the way out there.
Yet whatever remained between them was fragile. Noah didn’t want to destroy it by charging in like Ewen at an open goal.
“I’d like that very much.”
TWENTY-TWO
CARMINE
His stomach churned as he watched Noah park up outside the wooden-panelled building. The sign readBroadbent Tearooms. He wanted to find a quiet spot to say what he needed to. This place looked perfect.
Noah hopped out of his car.
Fuck he looks good.
Carmine had chosen a white cable-knit sweater, light jeans and a black wool coat to guard against the elements.
Classic but sexy. He hoped.
Of course, Noah was in a tracksuit. Not that Carmine cared. He could be in rags and he’d still want to surge forward with his plan.
They walked into the café. With it being late afternoon on a Thursday there weren’t many people in. Those that were did a second take when they saw Noah enter.
A kind-looking woman stood behind the counter.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” she said. “Take a seat and I’ll be over in a jiffy.”
Whether she recognised Noah and wasn’t impressed or simply had no clue that a Premiership footballer had walked into her establishment, she carried on with arranging some cakes on a stand as though nothing had happened.
Carmine saw a booth by the window. The surrounding ones were empty. They should get some privacy.
Once they sat down, he took in Noah. It felt like it had been months since he’d seen him. It was all he could do not to burst into tears and fall into his arms.
“Are you hungry?” Carmine asked.
“Not at the moment.”
Noah appeared as nervous as Carmine.
“Perhaps we should have a pot of tea and a chat first?”
