‘Thanks,’ I say when he wheels it up to me.
‘You’re welcome.’
We start walking towards the exit.
‘So, I’ve got a confession,’ he begins. ‘I might have been ateenybit mean to Theo. I should probably have warned you.’
I groan. ‘What did you do, now?’
He looks guilty as we go through the automatic door into the terminal. ‘Earlier, he told me I needed to apologise to you, so when I passed him on my way back to my seat, I leant down and said, “The set of lungs on that girl. Still, she’s definitely forgiven me now.”’
I thump his shoulder. ‘He thinks he heard something in the shed. You’ve got to stop taunting him.’
‘If I stop now, he’ll know he’s right. I’ve got to do the opposite – I’ve got to up my game.’
I laugh. ‘You are diabolical.’
I look around to find the others, and my smile fades.
Standing six feet away is Rich.
I freeze, heart pounding in my ears. ‘Mark, go on ahead.’
‘Is everything okay?’
‘Yes, everything’s fine.’
He follows my eye-line and then looks back at me. ‘I’ll catch you later.’ He lightly touches my elbow, and leaves.
‘How did you know I’d be here?’ I ask Rich.
He smiles sheepishly. ‘Your mum’s Facebook page has been giving the world updates. And I guessed which flight you might be on.’
‘What are you doing here, Rich?’
‘I spoke to Dad and he’s more than happy to see Pen – as soon as next week if it works for her.’
‘That’s very kind of him – and you. Thanks.’ I pause. ‘You could have told me that by email or over the phone.’
‘I wanted to see you. You look amazing, by the way.’ I don’t react to his compliment, and it slightly wrong-foots him. ‘I’m sorry if you feel ambushed,’ he continues. ‘I didn’t realise quite how many people you were travelling with. And all of them are staring.’
‘They’re very protective of me.’
‘I recognise your brother and sisters but not the two other guys.’
He wants me to reassure him they’re either gay, taken or relatives, but I hold my tongue.
He adds, ‘You seemed quite friendly with the tall one.’
‘You don’t get to say that to me.’
‘Can we go somewhere and talk?’
Before I can respond, Yan walks over. ‘Okay, Nell?’ He ignores Rich. ‘We’re about to order the Ubers.’
Rich looks at me hopefully.
‘Go ahead, Yan. I’ll make my own way back.’
