Page 72 of Be More Capybara

‘Harry acknowledged my existence, which is far more than either of my daughters has done for weeks.’

She looked mortified. ‘Sorry, that was insensitive.’

Nigel shrugged. He was relieved that Harry had gone back to his room. That avoided having to make awkward conversation around the dining table. But he couldn’t say that to Helen. Or could he?

‘I get more time with you on your own. That’s a plus as far as I’m concerned.’

‘Is it?’

‘I’d say so.’ He smiled.

Helen picked up one of the wine glasses. ‘To a quiet evening alone.’

53

HELEN

Helen was moving her last piece of fried chicken around the plate with her fork, trying to work out what to do next. Unlike the last time they’d eaten at this table, there had been several signs that Nigel wanted this to go further. Or was it her raging hormones fooling her again? She needed to retry that peck on the cheek tactic. She downed the last drop of wine in her glass and glanced across the table at Nigel.

‘Top up?’ he asked, holding the almost empty wine bottle.

‘Yes, please.’ She offered him her glass. Their fingers briefly touched as he took it from her.

‘Are you ok?’

‘Hot flush,’ she said.

He looked puzzled.

‘Madison is probably too young for those.’

‘Oh. Sorry, I see what you mean now.’

Well done, Helen. Make him feel awkward AND highlight that you’re older than his soon-to-be ex. That’s a guaranteed turn-on.

He shared what was left of the wine evenly between their glasses.

Helen gulped hers down.

‘So what are your plans for the rest of the weekend?’ she asked.

‘I’d not thought about it. Anything you want to do?’

‘Together?’ Getting forward now, Helen. The alcohol’s definitely kicked in.

Nigel smiled. ‘Yes, together.’

‘The traffic will be a nightmare. If you thought today was bad, you haven’t seen anything yet.’

‘Worse than it used to be on a summer weekend?’

‘Yes, half the tourists have got big SUVs now. The cars have grown, but the lanes haven’t.’

Why are you prattling on about traffic, Helen?

‘We could stay in,’ he suggested. If Angus had looked at her that way, there would only be one meaning to that suggestion.

She moistened her lips. Don’t ruin it now!