As soon as he walks in and smiles over at me, though, I findmy resolve crumbling. Although when he sits down and we start chatting, I findto my relief that the conversation is flowing easily and naturally, just theway it always did between us.
‘What a fabulous day that was. And what a start to yourcharity fund!’ I smile at him as we look up from our menus. ‘I’m so proud ofyou, Aidan. I mean, not that I have therightto feel proud,’ I add,flustered, ‘but you know what I mean.’
‘Of course you have the right.’ He shrugs. ‘We’re friends,aren’t we?’
I nod. ‘Definitely.’
‘Well, there you are, then.’ He smiles. ‘Thank you for beingproud of me. It means a lot.’
Our eyes meet and hold for a few beats longer than theyshould, and that familiar pulse of longing starts up inside me.
Oh hell, why did I agree to this?
‘Okay?’ he asks.
‘Yes, yes. I’m fine.’
‘Good. Because it’s great to see you.’
I nod. ‘It’s great to see you, too.’At least I can behonest about that!
Hearing voices at the door, I turn my head to look. Threewomen have come into the restaurant and they’re talking to one of thewaitresses, asking if they can have a table.
‘It’s just as well I booked,’ says Aidan. ‘It’s really busyin here tonight.’
‘Yes, it is. It’s lovely, though.’ I glance around again,just as one of the women turns and surveys the restaurant. ‘I’m not surprisedit’s so busy. I –’
Oh, please no!
My heart is suddenly in my mouth.
It’s Rosemary.
I quickly turn back, hoping she hasn’t seen me. I don’tthink she did. She’s too busy laughing with her friends and the head waiter,who’s now leading the little party to a table. (I can see them out of thecorner of my eye.)
I glance over. She’s now sitting with a clear view of Aidanand me. And she’s going to look across any second and see that it’s me. What ifshe comes over and starts demanding again that I tell her where Darren, Racheland Poppy are?
Last time we came face to face, she threatened to telleveryone about what she thought happened the day Maggie died – my part in thewhole sad mess. What if she comes over and starts threatening me again, withAidan listening to every word she’s saying?
I can’t bear it.
I have to go.
Rising abruptly to my feet, I’m painfully aware of Aidan’sconfusion, but I just need to get out of the restaurant before Rosemaryrecognises me.
‘I’m so sorry, Aidan,’ I mutter, as I throw down my napkinand hurry out.
*****
He catches up with me outside the restaurant. ‘What’sgoing on, Kenzie? What’s wrong?’
I shake my head as I hurry along the high street, my armsfolded tightly. Although the evening air is warm, I’m feeling chilled to thebone. I just need to get away.
‘Kenzie, please stop and talk to me.’
‘I can’t.’
‘Why not?’
