What did she have with her mother? She wasn’t even able to describe it.
The tension was getting worse, throbbing at her temples and stiffening her shoulders.
Maybe she should have gone for a swim in icy water.
“Okay, clearly I hit a nerve there. One glass of white coming up, no questions asked.” Tristan turned away and took a bottle from the fridge.
“Large glass please.”
He reached for a glass and raised an eyebrow. “Bad day?”
“The day was fine until the last hour when it plunged downwards faster than a seagull swooping for an ice cream.” She sighed. “Is it that obvious? I like to think I’m inscrutable.”
“You are. But a customer asking for a large glass of anything is usually a clue. As a landlord I’m supposed to pay attention.” He poured her a large glass. “Also, you’ve been here for three weeks and this is the first time you’ve come here alone for a drink. Or looked remotely ruffled.”
She frowned. “I look ruffled?”
“Physically, no. Psychologically? Yes. Which shows you’re human so don’t go beating yourself up.” He pushed the glass towards her. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“No, thanks.” Part of her did, but she wouldn’t know where to start. She’d never discussed her relationship with her mother with anyone. And she couldn’t do it here, because she wasn’tsupposed to tell anyone who her mother was. “The wine is all the therapy I need.” She held out her credit card but he shook his head.
“On the house.”
“That’s generous, but shouldn’t you be trying to relieve me of the weight of all my money?”
He laughed. “Another time, definitely. But tonight it’s on me.” His gaze lingered on hers for a moment and then he turned to Matt who was now at the far end of the bar. “I’m taking five, Matt. You’re in charge.”
“No worries, boss.” Matt glanced curiously at Abby, then handed two bottled beers to the young guys standing at the bar. “Take your time.”
Tristan snagged a beer from the fridge and gestured to the door. “Let’s go.”
Abby opened her mouth to ask where they were going, but he was already walking out of the door and she had no choice but to follow him.
“I thought you weren’t taking a break tonight.”
“That was before you ordered a large glass of wine.”
“Are you a psychologist now?”
“A landlord is expected to be many things, and psychologist is probably among them,” he said. “Maybe tonight I’m trying to be a friend.” He stopped and she was so startled by his words she almost walked right into him.
“Why?”
“Because you look as if you need one.” His gaze hovered on hers for a moment and then he pushed through a gate and took her into a little private garden that overlooked the harbour.
The air was filled with the sweet scent of honeysuckle and rose. The place seemed to be a haven for wildlife.
Her stress levels receded. “I didn’t know this existed.”
“It’s my secret hideaway. It’s a good place to unwind, andyou look as if you need that as much as that glass of wine.” He put his beer on the table and sat down.
There was room to sit next to him but she chose to sit opposite.
She hadn’t expected company, and now she was going to have to make small talk.
She grasped at something. “She seemed pretty keen on you. Vicky.”
“Yes, that part is unfortunate.”
