“Did you meet Maia?”Ambar asked.
Henry flinched.
“Did she tell you she’s a rugby player?A professional rugby player.She’s signed with the Dunedin women’s team.”
“No, we didn’t chat.I left after introductions to get groceries for dinner.”
“Pasta, tonight?”Ambar asked.
“I like pasta.”
“Me, too.Anyway, I liked Maia.It’s nice to have someone new around.”
Henry paid for the groceries and retreated as fast as he could.Ambar wasn’t a gossip, but she did like to talk.Rohan said it was because their parents had drilled the art of small chat into them to grow their business.It had worked for their parents, and Rohan and Ambar had continued the habit.
Henry’s phone beeped, and he pulled it out to see a text from Gerard.He tapped a reply to say he was on his way.
“Thanks, Ambar.Gotta go.Gerard is waiting for me.”And with a quick wave, he left before she quizzed him about the new arrival.
Gerard was leaning against the driver’s door when Henry approached the vehicle.
“Are you all right?”he asked, his gaze probing.
“Yes.No.I don’t know!”
Gerard’s eyes widened a fraction before a grin curled across his face.“Which is it?”
“I’m fine.”Henry stomped to the passenger side.He placed the groceries in the rear and climbed into the front.
“Where did you go?”
Henry knew what his friend was asking but played dumb.“I purchased groceries since the fridge is bare with Dad and Megan away.”
Gerard nodded.“What did you decide we’d have for dinner?”
“Pasta.Garlic bread.Wine.Beer.Depends on what is in the pantry, maybe a dessert.Megan made lemon ice cream before she left.”
“Sounds good,” Gerard said as he started the vehicle and pulled out onto the main street.“I’ll help.”
Henry whipped around to focus on his friend.“Why?”
“No reason.”
“You’re gonna interrogate me.”
“Maybe.”There was a teasing note in Gerard’s voice.
“No matchmaking.”Henry made his statement firm and decisive, so there wasn’t a shred of wriggle room for Gerard to slide away from future responsibility.“Tell your delightful minx of a wife that if she tries to maneuver me, I will move out.”
That made Gerard jerk his attention from the road.“You wouldn’t.”
“I mean it, Gerard.My mate died, and I’ve lived with the dull pain ever since.It feels like a blunt knife shoved into your guts.”Henry recalled the instant of happiness he and Jenny had experienced before her ex had snatched her away.“I hope you never go through the same ordeal.”
“We want you happy.”Gerard had lost his teasing edge, his green gaze drilling into Henry with compassion.
Henry didn’t want people to feel sorry for his loss.He was fine.He had family and friends, and if he wanted feminine companionship, he could travel to Queenstown.He hadn’t yet because it was a temporary fix even if the bars and eateries bulged with single tourists, happy to share their time and bodies.
“London misses Jenny,” Gerard said.
