Nick buried his blush in his coffee cup. ‘At the precise moment they walked in, Kitty was on top of me, and I might have got this wrong, but I’m pretty sure she was about to take my clothes off. I’m completely sure I wanted her to.’
‘Bloody hell, mate.’ Luke laughed. ‘Your life’s a soap opera.’
‘The timing was awful.’ Nick scowled at Luke’s laughter. ‘I was mortified.’
‘What did Kitty do?’
‘Ran off. Who can blame her? She must think she needs her head examined for getting involved with someone like me.’
‘I’m sure that’s not the case,’ said Luke. His laughter had fled, and he gave Nick his full attention.
‘I’m not exactly a catch, am I?’ Nick found he wanted to hear what his friend thought.
‘You’ve got a lot going for you, mate. You shouldn’t talk yourself down.’
‘Yeah, thanks.’ He took a gulp of tepid coffee. ‘Anyway, I went to see her this morning to clear the air, and she said, plain as day, it can’t happen again. So I guess that’s that.’ Nick stared through the windscreen at the muddy foundations of a sunroom waiting to be built. ‘She’s probably right. I’m sure it’sbest for everyone. We should keep things simple, especially as she’s Emily’s teacher. If we got together and things went wrong, I’d never forgive myself for making Emily’s life harder than it already is.’
‘You’re a good dad,’ said Luke.
The praise warmed Nick’s heart. All his trying must be paying off. ‘At least I’m getting the hang of something.’
‘And a good builder.’
‘Cheers, mate.’ More praise. A lump formed in his throat.
‘And I know you’re going to steal the show when you get up on that stage.’
‘Oh, the play. Why did I ever agree to do the play?’ said Nick, running a hand through his hair.
Luke had no answer to that. Neither did Nick.
‘Time to start work.’ Luke replaced the lid on his empty coffee cup and tossed it into the plastic waste bag he kept in the van. ‘It’ll be fine,’ he said, opening the door and sliding out. ‘And it was a good idea to clear the air with Kitty. The last thing you need is to be stuck in rehearsals with someone you’re not on speaking terms with. When’s your next rehearsal?’
‘Tomorrow night.’
Luke peered into the back of the van, assessing what they’d need today. ‘You need me there for moral support?’
Nick took a toolbox Luke handed him. ‘I’ll have Solly and Jack there. That’s probably as much help as I’ll need, isn’t it?’
‘Very true,’ said Luke. ‘Now, have you got any more bombshells to drop or can we get on with our work for the day?’
‘You’re a hard taskmaster,’ Nick muttered.
‘And you love me for it,’ said Luke. ‘Come on. Let’s go.’
Chapter 39
‘Oh no, you don’t.’ Sam swiped the sandwich from Kitty’s desk before she could take a bite.
‘Hey, I’m starving! Give that here!’ Kitty made a grab for the foil-wrapped parcel in Sam’s hands.
‘Look outside, Kitty.’ Sam gestured to the brightly lit window. ‘The sun’s shining. It’s a gorgeous day. We’re two seconds’ walk from the sea, and you’re choosing to eat your lunch at your desk?’
‘I’ve got loads of work to do. I need to get on.’ Kitty heard her own uncertainty.
‘Yeah, and you’re not avoiding having to talk to anyone?’ Sam put her hands on her hips.
‘What makes you think that?’
