Page 119 of The Little Board Game Café

And then she had another eureka moment. Once again, she decided not to do an Archimedes and streak down the high street; that probably wouldn’t be good optics either, though it might get her some publicity. She was thinking about what Dad had said – I hope Smudge will be okay today; she’s not used to being without me for more than an hour – and it suddenly occurred to her. Who had fed Ludek’s cat when he was in hospital? When exactly had he had his accident? Was it before that evening when she’d walked round to his house?

She sidled over to him, hovering as he and Alan debated the merits of Agricola versus Caverna.

‘I think the mines bring that extra something to Caverna,’ said Alan.

‘There’s too many options though,’ said Ludek. ‘It feels less strategic.’

Emily didn’t quite know how to wangle her way into the conversation. In the end, she said, ‘Agricola’s the better game. Caverna’s cruel – the donkeys get sent down the mines. Ludek, who fed Catan whilst you were in hospital? It’s just occurred to me.’

They both looked at her as if she was mad.

‘Rachel,’ he said. ‘Why?’

‘And she used your car?’

Ludek looked baffled. ‘Yes, just to make it easier. She lives out of town.’

Emily nodded. She was about to leave them to it, but then she thought sod it. Why not ask him? She had nothing to lose and she wanted to be sure. ‘So you and Rachel aren’t…you know…seeing each other?’

‘What? She’s married, Em. I told you. And she’s a colleague. So no, we’re not seeing each other. Why would you think that?’

Her cheeks were beginning to burn. ‘Because she had your keys.’

‘She knew I kept a spare set in my drawer at the surgery. She’s got three cats of her own so when I had my accident, she thought she’d better feed Catan. Mind you, he’d have been okay anyway. I think half the neighbourhood feeds him behind my back.’

‘Oh,’ Emily said. ‘I see.’

What an idiot she’d been. Kate had been right; there had been an innocent explanation. Alan and Ludek were both staring at her. Her cheeks must be scarlet by now and she couldn’t think what to say next, so scurried back towards the counter.

She served a few more customers; Annie’s snakes and ladders cupcakes were going down a storm and there were hardly any gingerbread meeples left.

‘Could we have two glasses of your special punch please, Em?’ Julia and her husband were standing in front of her.

‘Coming right up,’ she said. ‘Anything for George?’

‘No thanks. He’s fine. He’s playing with your friend.’

She nodded over to the table in the window where George was now playing Wasabi! with Ludek.

‘He’s a sweet guy,’ whispered Julia. ‘Are you two…?’

‘No, we’re not. Not yet anyway.’

‘He was so kind to George, explaining all the games rules. He’d make a great dad.’

Emily bit her lip. Julia was right; Ludek would make a great dad. And a great boyfriend, come to that.

Perhaps the time had come for her to keep her promise – to stop shying away from love –much sooner than she’d thought.

Chapter Forty-Two

Emily was watching through the café window as the cream Austin Healey pulled up outside the café for a third time.

Dad climbed out of the passenger side, and held the door open for Marjory. He ushered her into the café. Emily walked outside to see Peter.

‘Thank you so much. It means so much to me having Dad here.’

‘You’re welcome. Though you didn’t need me in the end. He’d have got here on his own. Late, but he’d have got here. Anyway, I’ve enjoyed myself. It’s a gorgeous vehicle. I can see why he’s always wanted one.’