‘OK, but you know they do food here.’
‘Yes, but it’s noisy here. Let’s go somewhere it’s easier to talk.’
As Lisa stood up she was relieved to see that Pete and Nathan had moved. All she had to do was get Dom out of the door before they appeared again, continue with her evening and at some point have a sensible, grown-up conversation with Nathan telling him… well, telling him what exactly she didn’t know.
‘Lisa!’
Lisa stopped at the sound of Pete’s voice and turned to thankhim for distracting Nathan, but as she did so she saw him standing at Pete’s side.
‘You know Nathan, don’t you?’ Pete smiled and nodded as if urging her on.
Lisa swallowed hard. She didn’t know what Pete was doing, but she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her.
Nathan gave her a warm, welcoming smile. ‘Lisa, you look stunning.’ He leaned in and gave her a kiss onthe cheek.
She smelt his aftershave, and remembered the smell of it on her body. Her hand rested on his bicep as he kissed her.
As Nathan pulled back, Dom stepped forward and Lisa faltered. Lisa gave a weak smile and began her introductions, feeling as if the whole thing was unfolding in slow motion. Nathan shook Dom’s hand, going from friendly to formal in the matter of moments.He told them to have a good evening, offered Lisa a smile and then left. Lisa looked at Pete incredulous.Why, why would you do that?
