‘I expect so. We’ll have to ask your mum and dad.’
They quickly turned to Matt and Maria. ‘Please! Can we?’
Let’s see how you behave this evening and I’ll think about it,’ said Matt.
Immediately the two sat up straighter and I had to turn my face away so that they couldn’t see me laughing. The conversation moved on and Alex gave Charlie a smile that had a hint of tightness to it.
‘Thanks, mate. Aston Martins and presents from Tiffany. Don’t set any high bars for me or anything, will you?’
23
Charlie didn’t say anything. His gaze flicked to me. I gently shook my head and gave a smile that felt awkward on my face.
Alex turned his hand and took mine within it. ‘Anyway, I might not have the flashy car, but I think I’m doing OK.’ His gaze lingered on my lips for a moment before he looked back at Charlie.
Charlie smiled, gave a brief nod and turned back to my dad, who began asking him about his house conversion. I studied him for a moment, the awkward smile still on my face. I knew it had never quite reached my eyes and I couldn’t say why. I shrugged the feeling off and listened as Amy told us about a spa weekend Marcus had just surprised her with.
Full of delicious food and even more delicious champagne, I leant my head on Alex’s shoulder. He bent his own to mine a little and whispered, ‘I love my job but I really, really wish I didn’t have to go to it this evening.’ Alex was on lates and, although I’d known he was going to have to leave early, I’d been doing my best to avoid thinking about it. And now, content with food and company, I wanted to avoid thinking about it even more.
‘I suppose it’s too late to get someone to cover for you?’ I said, not moving my head.
‘Afraid so. If I could, I would, believe me.’ His voice held the hint of a promise that sent a warm rush through my body. I smiled against him and I knew he felt it because he laughed softly and drew his fingers slowly over my hand.
‘Alex…’ I said, raising my head, ‘what if when you finish your shift—?’
‘Auntie Libby! Can we go and see the waves? Please!’
I turned and saw Alex’s face take on a blank expression. There went the moment. Again.
‘You can see them from here, boys,’ I said reasonably.
The entire front of the restaurant, perched high on the promenade, was plate-glass window.
‘It’s not the same!’ they countered. ‘And you always take us to see the waves on your birthday.’
I glanced over at Matt. He shrugged. ‘What can I say? If you will be their favourite auntie…’
I narrowed my eyes at him. He knew that I loved it when they declared I was their favourite and was now using it as a defence. Typical brother. I made to push my chair out. Alex looked at me.
‘It’s a tradition thing. I won’t be long.’
‘OK.’ He gave me a quick smile then glanced at his watch. I knew Alex hadn’t missed the fact that the boys had been intermittently climbing all over Charlie ever since we’d finished eating. They had, however, asked Alex some questions about being a policeman, which I took to be a good sign. They weren’t my children, but I spent a lot of time with them, so I was still aware of who I introduced into their lives. Charlie’s introduction had been a bit of an accident, but a happy one, it would seem, judging by the grins that all three of them wore as he now tickled them and they did their best not to squeal with laughter in the restaurant. I could see my dad and Gina exchanging looks that included me. The concept of me and a gorgeous, straight man who also got on with my family, but whom I wasn’t dating, was clearly doing their heads right in.
‘Do you want me to come?’ Alex asked.
In my peripheral vision, I saw two pairs of eyes fix on me.
‘Umm, it’s kind of a thing that the boys and I do alone. Like I say, tradition.’ I leaned into him. ‘Please don’t be offended.’
He gave me a quick smile. ‘I’m not. But I will have to go in a bit. Do you think you’ll be back?’
‘Of course.’ Quickly, I gave him a kiss and pushed my chair out, kicking off my four-inch heels as I did so. From my bag, I pulled a pair of fold-up ballet flats and slipped them on.
‘God, you are prepared, aren’t you?’ Alex raised an eyebrow.
‘Oh, she always carries them in there,’ Charlie piped up.
We both turned our heads to him, slightly astonished that he knew the regular contents of my handbag. The look on his face showed that he was just as surprised as we were to realise he had this knowledge.
