Page 41 of Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe

Alex shrugged his shoulders. ‘I don’t know, mate. I’m probably not even her type. Nice guys finish last, don’t they?’

‘No,’ replied Jake. ‘They’re just nice guys whom you want people you care about to be with. Not complete idiots or playboys like me.’

Alex dragged his hand through his hair. ‘OK. Say you’re right and I’m still not convinced. I don’t even know what to say to her to get her to open up.’

‘You’ll work it out. It’s a trust thing. But I reckon you know about bullying more than most.’

Alex grimaced. ‘You’re talking about Dad?’

Jake nodded. ‘Love is complicated. Which is why I never get involved with anyone.’

It was true. Jake’s love life was a revolving door of new girlfriends, none of whom he let get close to him.

‘What about us here?’ asked Alex.

Jake laughed. ‘I’m just here for the free beer,’ he said, holding up his bottle.

Alex knew it wasn’t true. That Jake’s scars from his parents’ bitter divorce ran deep.

‘So what are you going to do about that kiss?’ asked Jake.

‘Absolutely nothing,’ said Alex.

Jake sighed and shook his head. ‘On the plus side, at least it’ll stop me from having to act all big brotherly on her behalf.’

Alex looked out across the lake and tried not to think about Hannah’s soft lips pressing against his. He knew she had been drunk and would sincerely regret it. But, he had to admit, he had thought about pretty much nothing else since. His crush was alive and real once more. Or perhaps he had just buried it for so long, tried desperately to ignore his feelings for her.

But the kiss had shattered everything and he had no idea what happened next.

21

Hannah was tidying up in the kitchen with Lily after dinner but still feeling low, which she was putting down to her hangover.

‘I’m shattered,’ she told Lily. ‘I’m going to have an early night tonight.’

‘Me too,’ said Lily, as she stacked the dishwasher. ‘By the way, one of our guests was telling me how much she’s enjoying the cakes on the honesty trolley. Everyone is looking forward to the Boathouse Café opening, isn’t that great?’

Hannah nodded. ‘Yup.’

Lily straightened up and looked at her friend. ‘It’ll be fine, you know.’

‘I know.’ And yet Hannah was too tired to summon up the effort to put a fake smile on her face. She blinked away the tears which suddenly appeared in her eyes. ‘Thanks, bestie.’

‘You’re welcome,’ replied Lily. ‘Come here.’

Hannah found herself drawn into a hug and relished the strength of the squeeze that Lily gave her.

They had just stepped apart when she heard someone say, ‘Is everything OK?’

They both turned around at the same time to find Alex standing in the doorway.

Hannah was still embarrassed about the kiss and had tried not to be alone with him all day. Thankfully her plan had mostly worked. But now she could feel the heat rising to her cheeks at having to face him.

‘Tell Hannah she’s amazing, won’t you?’ said Lily, switching on the dishwasher. ‘Now where did I leave that thingamy…’

As Lily quickly walked out, Hannah had a feeling that she was deliberately leaving her alone with Alex.

‘You know, Lily’s right,’ he said. ‘You are amazing. I’ll make a note to tell you every day, if you like.’