Spencer was sure his cheeks flushed a little. Should they talk about their shared night in the hotel room? ‘Erm, about that night we spent together.’
‘We’re grown-ups. We had a one-night stand. It happens. No point going over it.’
‘Right.’
They both sipped their tea, avoiding eye contact.
‘So,’ said Spencer, the silence getting the better of him. ‘How about we get to know each other properly?’
Beth nodded. ‘Tell me some stuff about you.’
That was his least favourite topic. He only felt he found himself after Lottie’s accident. Anything prior wasn’t much to write home about. Catastrophe sprang to mind.
Spencer gulped some tea, then sat back. She deserved to know his truth. Scratching his head, he wondered where best to start.
Beth laughed. ‘That bad?’
‘Complicated.’
‘We don’t have to do this now. Perhaps we should slow down.’
Spencer lowered his arm. ‘It’s okay. I’d rather you know the rest of me.’ His face flushed. ‘Wait, that came out wrong. I didn’t mean because you’ve had my body, not that you really had my body as such, what I mean is . . . I was talking about what you already discovered about me by yourself. Alone. Not with me.’
Beth’s laugh was muffled by her hand. ‘I knew what you meant.’
‘Good, because I got a bit lost then.’
‘Yes, that red tint creeping up your neck told me that.’
Spencer touched his neck. ‘Dead giveaway, isn’t it?’
Beth shuffled in her seat, pointing at her feet. ‘Would it be okay if I took my boots off?’
‘Yes, of course. You might as well get comfy if you’re going to listen to my story.’ He waited for her to settle again, pleased to see a hint of peace in her eyes.
‘I’m ready for your epic tale.’
Spencer breathed a laugh out of his nose. ‘Epic could be one word, but I’m going to give you the short version, or it’s quitepossible we’ll still be here this time next year.’ He followed her gaze around his flat.
‘That’s okay. It’s nice here.’
He’d always thought it practical.
‘Has a homely vibe,’ she added.
‘It’s pretty plain.’
‘I can feel positive energy here.’
Spencer smiled. ‘I do try.’
‘My flat is cold. Feels like someone died there. Probably my spirit.’ She shook her head, then met his eyes once more. ‘Have you lived here long?’
‘A while, I guess. The flat came with the shop, and my aunt owned both, but we lived in her house up Berry Hill. That’s where I grew up. Aunt Rebecca adopted us.’ He paused, letting that part sink in before he hit her with the main story.
‘What happened to your parents?’ she asked quietly. A question he’d answered numerous times, mostly as a child.
‘Okay, what I’m about to tell you is the kind of stuff you hear about on the evening news. Excuse me if I sound nonchalant, but it’s an old story, and I’m quite detached from it now, especially because of how many times I’ve repeated it over the years.’
