Page 46 of Be More Capybara

‘Puts Mum’s TR6 in the shade. Is this revenge for her not letting you drive it?’

Nigel laughed. ‘Of course not.’

‘So what prompted this little purchase then?’

‘I needed a car.’

‘But you’re Mr Practical. And this is very much not practical.’

‘It’s not that impractical. I’m not having to ferry the kids around, am I?’

‘No, but where are you going to put Rocky?’

Nigel had briefly considered that before signing on the dotted line, but the joy of having a two-seater had won, especially after Rocky had shoved his cold, wet nose in Nigel’s ear the last time Helen had driven them to the bookshop.

‘We can take Helen’s car if he’s joining us.’

Mark grinned. ‘Still planning on hanging out with Helen then?’

‘If she wants to.’

‘And where are you taking her for her first official outing?’

‘The North Rock Golf Club and Spa. She deserves a restful day out after that stressful networking meeting yesterday.’

Mark chuckled. ‘I meant the Beamer, not Helen.’

‘I’m sure the car will enjoy it too.’

‘It might feel intimidated, though, being surrounded by all those massive Mercs and Bentleys.’

33

HELEN

Helen held up the swimsuit against her body. Its plunge neckline and the cut of the fabric across her stomach were very flattering. But while the deep red worked when she had a hint of a tan, it didn’t do anything for her pasty white January skin. She went back to the drawer and pulled out her black one. Oh god, the elastic was starting to go on that. Probably just as well. It looked like something her grandmother would have worn. Intensely practical. Nigel would have no difficulty keeping his hands off her if she wore that. It would have to be the red one.

Why did you agree to try out the health club, Helen? Because it sounded fun when Nigel had suggested it as an alternative to tennis for what had become their regular Friday morning trip out. But she hadn’t factored in that she’d be semi-naked and showing off all the bumps and wrinkles that she’d acquired since he’d last seen her in a cossie.

Helen heard a car horn outside. Nigel was early.

She stuffed the swimsuit into her holdall and ran down the stairs.

Harry looked up from his breakfast. ‘Tom Cruise is outside.’

‘Ha bloody ha! You know it’s Nigel.’

‘He doesn’t look like a Nigel to me.’

Helen searched for her trainers. They should be on the shoe rack, but there was no sign of them. They could be anywhere. She opened the front door and stuck her head out to warn Nigel that she was still getting ready.

A highly polished, bright red, two-seater sports car with the roof down was parked on the drive, and a smiling Nigel was sitting in the driver’s seat, wearing aviator sunglasses.

‘What is that?’ she asked.

‘My new wheels.’

‘Yours?’