He raised his eyebrows. ‘Oh dear, hope I haven’t ruined your afternoon.’ He plonked himself in the empty deck chair.
‘Do I detect a little tension between you and Finula?’ Megan poured him a drink of elderberry and handed it to him.
‘Thanks. Yes, I’m afraid you did.’
‘Why?’ Megan was puzzled.
‘Well, let’s just say I didn’t want what Finula did.’
‘Sorry?’
‘Me and Finula, we used to date.’
‘Really? She never mentioned it.’ Megan was totally taken by surprise that Finula had never told her.
‘Well, she probably wants to forget the whole thing. I think she was feeling rather bruised at the time.’ He took a sip and looked around the garden. Changing the topic completely, he asked where Zac was.
‘He’s inside snoozing.’ She eyed Nick carefully. His arms were crossed and he repeatedly tapped his foot against the chair leg. Was she imagining it, or did Nick look a touch uncomfortable?
‘I went to visit Ted,’ Nick said, sitting back in the deck chair, finally relaxing.
‘Oh, how is he?’
‘Better. Not sure if he’ll manage on his own, though.’ Nick looked genuinely concerned. His eyes clouded over, looking into the distance. Despite Finula’s obvious dislike of him, Megan could see a real compassionate side to Nick. He was a vet – surely that must mean hewasa caring person? She studied his face. He had a flawless tanned complexion; obviously his work kept him outdoors a lot.
He noticed her looking at him and smiled. ‘Like what you see?’ he asked, giving her a cheeky grin. Megan laughed, a little embarrassed. If she did, she wasn’t about to admit it.
