Page 96 of It Was Always You

He remembered back to other conversations they had shared. The look on her face when he had told her he was getting married to Eve; the way she always came running no matter what; that moment all those years ago when they had been playing tennis as teenagers. That particular incident had always stuck in his mind. How different things could have been if he hadn’t been such a coward back then. Although she probably would’ve slapped him if he’d done what he wanted to do and he would’ve lost her.

He swallowed hard and rubbed his hands over his face, then grabbed his jacket and keys and made his way down to the car.

Women. A total mystery to me.

TRACK 39

‘ALL I WANT IS YOU’ (U2)

Emily was waiting outside the restaurant when Adam arrived, and she smiled widely as he approached her. She really was attractive. Shoulder-length dark blonde hair, pale hazel eyes, and a very nice figure. She was wearing a fitted black dress and grey jacket.

Very sophisticated.

Adam kissed her on the cheek as they greeted each other. ‘It’s good to see you again, Emily.’

‘Lovely to see you, too, Adam. Although, it only feels like yesterday with all the phone calls.’ There had been several after each date since Diane had passed Emily’s number on to him. ‘I don’t know about you but I’m starving.’ She giggled.

‘Me too. I could eat a horse.’

Smiling and leaning into him, Emily whispered, ‘Um… I don’t think they serve it here, but I know they do a very good steak.’

He held the door open for her. ‘Ah… that’ll have to do then.’ He chuckled.

The maître d’ showed them to a table for two by the window, and as soon as they were seated, a waiter brought a wine menu over and handed it to Adam. He placed his mobile down beside his water glass and glanced at it quickly. No messages. He hoped Lily was okay.

Turning his attention back to the wine list, he asked, ‘Any preferences?’

‘Not really. You choose.’

‘Well, I’m driving, so I’ll be sticking to soft drinks… you choose.’

‘Oh, come on, one glass won’t hurt… or are you trying to get me drunk?’ A sultry smile played on her lips.

His jaw clenched. ‘I don’t drink and drive… at all… ever.’

She gulped and her cheeks coloured. ‘Oh, gosh, of course… I’m so sorry.’

He closed his eyes and gathered himself. Opening them, he smiled. ‘No, it’s… it’s fine. What should I order?’

Her cheeks were crimson as she replied, ‘Pinot Noir?’

‘Sure thing.’

He waved over the waiter and ordered the wine. Nodding his head, the Italian gentleman commented that it was an excellent choice and made off to fulfil the request.

After a few quiet minutes, Emily said, ‘Gosh, everything sounds so delicious, Adam. What do you like the sound of?’

He was staring out the window, totally distracted by a woman with long dark curly hair, who bore a striking resemblance to Lily, as she walked past with her head down, rummaging in her bag. She lifted her head just as she was parallel with the window and smiled at him.

Realising Emily had spoken, he shook his head and returned his attention to her. ‘Sorry? Oh, erm… I think I’ll have the steak.’ He stared blankly down at his menu, not really paying attention to the options as Lily preyed on his mind.

‘Are you having a starter? Maybe we could share one?’ Emily asked.

He raised his head again. ‘Erm… sharing… yes… so what do you fancy?’

Looking at him from under her lashes, she smiled. ‘Other than you?’ she asked seductively.

He felt his cheeks flush. ‘Sorry? Oh… yes… ahem.’