Could he get any more British? Everything would be okay over a nice cup of tea.
“Sounds like a plan.”
The café owner was already approaching with her pad. Carmine ordered and off she bustled.
“So,” Noah began. “What brings you to my gate?”
“I missed you.”
“Carmine, I’m sorry that we quarrelled. I was out of line. It’s none of my business what you tell your parents.”
As they waited for their drinks, Carmine relayed everything that had happened to him over the last few days. What his parents had said to him. That things were all right. That his father was going to live.
When he said those words, he wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.
He didn’t want anyone in the café to think this was anything other than Noah meeting with a business associate. If he burst into tears, the camera phones might come out and they’d be viral before nightfall. Even worse, the media would get hold of it.
The young family in the other corner were watching them intently. Why did Noah have to be famous? There was no escape.
After the tea had arrived, Carmine poured them both cups.
“Expertly done,” Noah said.
Carmine puffed his chest out. “I used to wait on at La Piazza for pocket money. Dad had a phase of doing an Italian twist on afternoon tea. It was so popular. In fact, I don’t know why they ever stopped it. Maybe Raoul can resurrect it for the new place.”
He was babbling. Noah had remained silent as Carmine had unburdened himself.
“How about you?” Carmine asked awkwardly. “I saw you got through to the quarter finals.”
Noah nodded. “The lads are fired up for this cup. We have to win it or we’ll lose Javier and Steven.”
“Do you reckon Jamie will follow through with that threat?”
“He has to otherwise we’ll never believe him again. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. Javier is the best manager I’ve ever played for.”
Silence fell. Carmine wanted to say so many things but kept getting stuck.
“Can we try again?” Noah blurted out. “Please.”
The earnest expression on his face, the way he bit his lip and laid his hands on the table. They were only inches away, which was almost too much for Carmine to bear.
“You beat me to it.”
“Did I?”
“I’m not in the habit of commandeering my assistant’s wheels to come and talk roof tiles or project plans.”
Noah smiled. That radiance Carmine had worried he’d never bask in again came out in full force.
“I wouldn’t fancy your chances if you pranged it.”
“I didn’t go over thirty all the way here.”
They gazed at each other.
“Well?” Noah asked.
“Yes. I think we absolutely should try again. I’m sorry I tried to barge into your life without invitation. I totally understand why you would protect Malcolm. I shouldn’t have pressured you to do something you weren’t ready for.”
