“Anyway,” Mum says, “you’re hardly one to judge work relationships. I was your assistant, remember?”
Everyone freezes, including the waiter, who’s still too close.
“That’s enough,” I croak at him.
He moves to Rosie, who shakes her head. “I’ll be fine with a soft drink.”
“You are old enough to drink, though?” Dad asks.
The waiter eases away from the table.
“Dad, it’s none of your business what’s going on between Rosie and me.” I squeeze her hand, and she returns my touch. “She’s an incredible assistant.”
“I’m old enough to drink wine, but I don’t fancy it. Last night, I was with my old rugby team. I don’t normally drink, but it was my first night without my daughter,” she babbles. “I’m here for Niki tonight as his assistant.”
“Have we got any secrets to share, baby?” Connor asks Senna.
“I’m waiting for you to propose, but aside from that, I’ve got nothing.” Senna winks.
“All in good time. It needs to be big enough to make my woman squeal with excitement.”
“I love you.” Senna chuckles. “Let’s put everything on the table. Mum, you said you were Dad’s assistant. He told me years ago you met at a pub.”
Dad grumbles as Mum says, “We met at work, but we got to know each other at the local pub. He pretended he went there by chance, but he heard me talking about it in the office.”
“Interesting,” Senna says.
“Sneaky,” I add.
“It’s not how it sounds,” Dad grumps.
“It’s exactly how it sounds,” Mum replies, rolling her eyes. “Rosie, you have a daughter. How old is she?”
“She’s four.”
“And she’s amazing,” I butt in. “Sorry, you tell it.”
She giggles.
“Do you have photos of her?” Mum asks.
“Only a billion,” Rosie replies.
“Come and sit next to me and show me. Move, Jim,” she says.
Rosie fumbles with her phone as she starts to stand. “I have one of me and Tabi in Rhodes last year as my screensaver.”
“One second,” Senna says, her hand in the air. Rosie sits back down. “You said at the aerodrome that Niki was in Rhodes in some sliders. Did you two meet there last year? Is that why you called each other the wrong names in my office when I offered her the job? I’ve wondered about that for ages, but Connorsaid not to ask.”
“I was the sensible one for a change,” Connor says with a smug smile.
“How long were you in Greece?” Dad asks me.
My stomach clenches at his pinching eyes. I swallow repeatedly and grip my glass like the stem is my nemesis. “Let’s wait until we have our food so I can explain.”
CHAPTER 48
Niki
