Abby grabbed the back of the chair, her knuckles whitening. “I can’t apologise enough.”
“Really, it’s fine. Why are you even here? You should have called in sick.”
“I’m not sick. Not exactly. And I’ll make up the time, obviously.”
“Abby, it doesn’t matter. And from what I’ve heard, you earned that lie-in. Rumours about your amazing piano playing have spread through the village. And your dancing. You should have called me! I love dancing.”
Abby winced and rubbed her forehead with her fingers. “It was all a bit spontaneous. Ray was sick. I played a few pieces. People seemed to like it.”
“From what I’ve heard, you were a hit.” She was dying to ask how Abby had come to be dancing with Tristan, but she was going to wait until they were alone together because Abby was unlikely to reveal anything with Donna in the room.
“I really am sorry I’m late. I’ve never been late to work in my life.”
“Well, I’m sure you—” Evie broke off as she saw Abby’s expression. “Never?”
“Never.”
“Not even five minutes when the traffic was bad?”
“No. I always leave enough time for the unexpected. This is a first for me. There have been a lot of those since yesterday.” She fumbled for her bag and poked inside for a moment before giving up and closing her eyes briefly. “Do we have a first aid kit? I could use some painkillers.”
“That would be the third glass of wine you had. Large glasses, from what I heard.” Donna patted her on the shoulder. “I know exactly what you need. Painkillers, a bacon sandwich and a strong black coffee. Leave it with me.”
“I really couldn’t eat—” Abby began but Donna had gone. “I’m sorry, Evie. You have every right to be angry.”
Evie grinned. “I’m angry that you didn’t invite me. It sounds like a great evening. You had three glasses of wine?”
“Please don’t remind me. I only ever have one, but when I offered to play piano and realised how many people would be watching—well, I thought a second one might be a good idea. And maybe that would have been okay but then Tristan brought me a third one.” Abby rubbed her fingers across her forehead. “Drinking that was a bad decision. One of many that I made last night.”
“Ooh—” Evie leaned forward “—please tell me one of those bad decisions involved Tristan.”
Abby swallowed. “Evie, I have to talk to you. There’s something I have to—need to tell you.”
Evie decided the day was getting better by the minute. “Did you have sex with him? You need to tell me everything that happened. I want all the details. I promise I will not tell asoul.”
“No, we didn’t have sex! Although I think I might have tried. But—that’s not it. I—” Abby rubbed her forehead. “I don’t even know how to say this. I don’t know where to start.”
“Just tell me.” Evie was desperate to know everything. It would be great if something was developing between Abby and Tristan. “I know we’ve only known each other a short time, but already our friendship feels special. You can talk to me about anything! You’ve listened to me for hours while I’ve been going on about Luca. Honestly, I was thinking this morning how much fun life is since you came. I’ve been plotting how I can persuade you to stay forever.” She pushed aside thoughts of the two interviews she’d had.
Abby opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say a word Donna crashed back into the room carrying a loaded tray.
“I explained our problem to Luscious Luca,” she said, winking at Evie, “and he put together what he calls the perfect hangover breakfast. He was muttering something about hydration and nutrients. So here’s the result.”
“Thanks, Donna.” Evie ignored theluscious Lucareference.
Donna put the tray on Evie’s meeting table. “Sourdough toast, poached egg and avocado, black coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. Also water and painkillers.”
Abby took the painkillers with the water but ignored everything else.
Evie was impatient to hear whatever it was that Abby wanted to tell her, but she obviously wasn’t going to say it with Donna in the room.
“That’s great, Donna. I know you have a lot of guests checking in today, so I won’t keep you any longer.”
Fortunately, Donna took the hint for once and left the room, closing the door behind her.
“Right. Time to talk.” Evie joined Abby at the table and helped herself to coffee. “Donna’s probably right. You should eat something.”
“I couldn’t eat a thing.”
