Ellie grinned, appearing to take it as a compliment. ‘I know, right! I never give up! It’s one of my finer qualities, I believe. So will you come?’
Beth scrunched up her nose, hating to say no. ‘I appreciate the invite, Ellie, I do, but that kind of thing … it’s really not my scene.’
Like she had a scene at all. But given that Ellie had already seen her at her worst, she didn’t mind admitting it.
Ellie pouted but only briefly. ‘I wish you’d come, but I guess I can accept that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Don’t think that means I’ll stop asking, though.’
‘No harm in asking, I suppose.’ Looks like she’d have to grow accustomed to saying no to Ellie. ‘Hey, um, do you think you could do me a favour before you head out?’
‘Of course. Anything for a friend.’
Trying not to show just how happy Ellie’s use of theFword made her, Beth cleared her throat. ‘Well, I had a bit of a mishap at the house and Noah mentioned he’s got renovation experience so I was hoping you’d call him for me and ask him to meet me there tomorrow because I really need his advice.’
She brought her hands together, waiting with bated breath for Ellie’s answer. God, she loathed asking for help.
‘A mishap?’ Ellie asked, her brows drawing together with concern. ‘What kind of mishap?’
‘Um, the kind where the ceiling caves in.’
‘What! Beth, that’s more than a mishap. It’s a bloody disaster!’
‘Yeah, I guess that would be a more accurate term. Which is why I need Noah’s help. Will you call him for me?’
Ellie looked stricken. ‘I’m sorry. I’m afraid I can’t.’
Beth’s stomach bottomed out and she temporarily lost the ability to speak. This is what she got for putting herself out there. Rejection. And it was absolutely humiliating. She wished to be anywhere but here.
Averting her gaze, she scratched her neck, the blood rushing to her cheeks making her skin itchy. ‘Oh, o-okay.’
‘It’s just that he’ll be on the road, heading into town.’ Ellie shrugged apologetically. ‘No reception.’
‘Oh.’ Beth’s embarrassment evaporated.
‘The good news is,’ Ellie continued, a sly grin curving her lips, ‘he’s heading in for barefoot bowls. You could always come with me and ask him yourself.’
Beth narrowed her eyes. ‘I know what you’re doing.’
Fanning a hand over her heart, Ellie feigned innocence. ‘Am I that obvious?’
‘Blatantly.’
Ellie laughed and, looking incredibly proud of herself, made a curtsy.
Beth chewed her lip, unwilling to concede just yet. ‘Do you think you could just ask him when you see him?’
Sobering quickly, Ellie shrugged. ‘I could, and I will if that’s what you want, but don’t you think it’d be better to ask him yourself?’
The ghost of a smile softened Ellie’s lips, but her eyes were kind, giving Beth the impression that she was sympathetic to her internal struggles. For that reason, and that reason alone, she gave up the fight.
‘Yes,’ she acknowledged. ‘You’re right. I should probably be the one to ask him.’ And she might just be capable of doing it, too, if Ellie were by her side. And seeing him in person would mean she wouldn’t have to pick up the phone and call him.
Ellie’s face lit up. ‘So you’ll come?’
Beth sighed. ‘Yes. I’ll come.’
Ellie squealed. ‘Let’s get you ready!’ She reached for Beth’s hand, no doubt intending to drag her upstairs and help her choose an outfit, except Beth yelped in pain causing Ellie to throw her hands in the air.
‘What just happened?’
