Page 62 of Never Too Late to Date

‘Ouch. That’s harsh.’

‘But, admit it, possibly true.’

Christian threw back his espresso in one mouthful.

‘OK, I’ll give you that. But people can change, you know. You wouldn’t believe how healthy I am these days. I’m a reformed character.’

For a moment, at least, they’d moved away from the heavy stuff about her reasons for leaving. She could let her heart rate come down below health-risk level.

Christian took a battered packet of cigarettes out of his jacket pocket.

‘Only got one vice left. I allow myself one a day as a treat. Do you mind?’

‘I suppose not as we’re outside.’ Suzie turned to look at him. ‘Poor you, just the one vice.’

‘Well, I could always add another couple if you insist.’

His eyes bored into hers, and for a moment she was nineteen again, watching those eyes darken as he pushed her over the edge to oblivion. She blinked to get rid of the picture, praying she wouldn’t blush.

The waiter’s arrival with a large piece of spanakopita was a welcome break. Suzie broke it up into several sections.

‘Do you fancy a piece?’

His eyes were full of amusement again as he took a long drag on the cigarette.

‘No, you’re OK. You could always eat, couldn’t you? In any situation. And there were times when you were particularly hungry, do you remember?’

She knew exactly what he was referring to. After sex, she’d always been keen on a snack. But she wasn’t going there.

‘Nope, no idea what you’re talking about.’

Christian’s lazy smile almost made her choke on her food.

Spinach and feta pie over, Suzie glanced at her phone.

‘We’d better be going back soon. Frank will send out a search party.’

Christian held up his hand for the waiter.

‘Two brandies please.’

‘What are you doing? I thought you were going to ask for the bill.’

‘You always used to like a glass just before we went on stage.’

Something else he’d remembered.

‘OK, but then we really must go.’

‘Yes, Miss.’

Back in her dressing room, Suzie only had a minute to herself before Giannis strolled in, carrying a collection of bags. The plan had gone out the window. She’d spent an hour flirting outrageously with an old boyfriend instead of preparing for her performance, and the warm feeling in her stomach wasn’t just the brandy. Giddy, her mother would have called the state she was in. But it had to stop now. She was letting her emotions get the better of her and putting everything she’d carefully built at risk. Accepting that Christian was just a pleasant memory was the only way to go.

‘Hey, Mama. Good day?’

‘Yeah, nice and quiet. You?’

Giannis put his booty down on the table.