He smiled at her then, his eyes moving over her face, like he was looking for the same kind of recognition. She dropped her eyes feeling self-conscious, her cheeks flushing.
‘This problem with your boyfriend – I don’t want to pry if it’s none of my business but…he’s not hurt you or anything?’
She shook her head and a little bit more shame ate away at her. Here she was, acting like she was needing to run from this terrible situation, Stephen thinking the worst of Rowan, when Rowan would have sooner cut off his own arm than hurt her. He’d been through so much more than she could even contemplate. She bit her lip on a sob that threatened at the thought of him.
‘No.’ She forced the words out to be clear. ‘No. He hasn’t hurt me. He never would. He’s a wonderful person.’So why aren’t you with him?a voice whispered inside her head.Why are you throwing away one of the best things that ever happened to you?‘It’s just that, his job…’ She trailed off and looked around her, realising that if she started talking about everything here now, she wouldn’t really be able to explain properly. Not unless she wanted to invite eavesdroppers in on her life. On Rowan’s life.
‘Look, you really don’t have to tell me anything.’
‘Surely you’d like some explanation as to why I’m here though? Why I’ve asked for you to put me up when we’re virtually strangers?’
‘You don’t need to give me any explanation.’ Stephen linked his fingers in front of him on the table, a gesture that said he was giving her his attention, but he was patient. He was very calm and collected. It rolled off him in waves. So different to her. ‘I made that offer, that if you ever needed me for anything, I’d be there for you, and I meant it. Yes, we’re virtually strangers, but you’re also my sister.’
Lila pressed her lips together and swallowed. ‘Thank you.’
Rowan had been right; family was important to Stephen. She wished this could have all happened so differently. That Rowan would have been able to come with her, once they got back from filming in autumn, and they would have met Stephen and his girlfriend together.
But then, what kind of pressure would that have added to an already strange situation? All eyes in the coffee shop would have been trained on them. As it was, some people were looking their way, just because she’d got herself into such a state. If that had happened, alongside Rowan, photos would probably have been taken. It might have appeared on the internet. Her blotchy, tear-stained face, next to his beautiful one. Another chance for people to wonder why the hell he would choose to be with a screw-up like her, rather than a supermodel.
‘Would you like to head back to my place now? You must be tired after your flight.’
‘You don’t want to grab a coffee? Talk some more, before you invite me into your home?’ she asked, unable to keep the incredulity out of her tone.
‘I’m not worried. But I will get a decaf to take away for Noelle, otherwise I’ll be in trouble.’
‘I saw her outside. She came with you for moral support?’
‘Yeah. She’s also incredibly nosy.’ He smiled and it lit up his face. Just the thought of his fiancée lit him up. ‘Don’t worry, she won’t pester you though.’
‘Okay. I’m looking forward to meeting her,’ she said, and she truly meant it.
‘Would you like anything else?’
‘No. Thank you.’You’re doing enough,she wanted to say.
While Stephen was at the counter, she drank what was left of her spilled coffee, and checked she had all her bags. He came over and took her suitcase for her, despite her protestations, and she followed on wobbly legs, feeling incredibly surreal.
They crossed over to the newsagent opposite and found Noelle, where she appeared to be defacing a bunch of paperbacks with a Sharpie.
‘I hope you asked permission first,’ Stephen commented, coming up beside her. ‘I don’t want security coming to chase us off again.’
Noelle looked up at him with a roll of her eyes but a smile on her lips. ‘Yes. I asked. Like a good girl.’
‘Noelle likes to sign her books if we happen to be near a shop selling them.’ Stephen turned to Lila to explain and raised his eyebrows. ‘We’re often near a shop that sells them.’
‘Look, writers need to read. It is what it is.’ Noelle put the book she was holding back on the shelf and clipped the lid back on her pen, tucking it into the tote she was carrying. ‘How about you introduce me, Cartwright? I thought you were supposed to have good manners.’
‘Sorry. Of course. Lila, this is my fiancée, Noelle Kingston. Noelle, this is my sister, Lila Moorcroft.’ He smiled between them, and Lila tried her best not to shuffle her feet or blush.
‘Hi, Lila, it’s great to meet you.’
‘And you,’ she said, her voice for some reason back down to mouse volume.
‘Oh, and here is your decaf.’ Stephen handed Noelle the cup he’d bought for her.
Noelle reached for the cup eagerly, cradling it to her chest. ‘I love you.’
‘I love you too.’ He dropped a kiss on her head.
