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‘Hi, there, Jobe.’ Naomi smiled and went straight over. ‘It’s Naomi, Ava’s nanny and Merida’s friend...’ He gave a nod of recognition. ‘It’s so good to see you again.’
‘Am I already in heaven?’ he asked. ‘What’s that smell?’
‘I brought in a pretzel.’
And whether he could eat it or not, it didn’t matter. The scent alone made him smile.
‘Where are you off to?’ Jobe asked.
‘It’s a secret,’ Abe answered for her. ‘We’re not allowed to ask.’
And then he looked at Naomi as her face broke into a smile. They had been teasing and flirting, even if she refused to admit it.
‘Jobe can know,’ Naomi said. ‘I’m going to seeNight Forest. The production your daughter-in-law—’
‘I’ve seen it,’ Jobe said. ‘You’re in for a magical night. Who’s the lucky fellow?’
‘Jobe, I’ve barely been in the country for three weeks! And,’ she added, ‘I’m working.’
‘Not tonight you’re not,’ Jobe said, taking in her heels and make-up. ‘Where are Ethan and Merida?’
‘They’re out with Khalid,’ Abe said. ‘I chose to give it a miss, though I can feel my ears burning.’
‘You took a risk,’ Jobe scolded.
‘Someone had to.’ Abe shrugged.
‘Well, you should have spoken to me about it,’ Jobe insisted. ‘Not that he’s ever come to me for advice,’ he added, rolling his eyes for Naomi’s benefit, and that made her giggle. And that made Jobe smile. ‘You know, while you’re here you should go to the Devereux Christmas Eve Ball. It’s the best night of the year.’
‘I’m working.’
‘Pah!’ Jobe said. ‘I thought Merida said that she didn’t want a nanny.’ Jobe looked at his son. ‘You could take her. Ethan will be there with Merida...’
‘Stop interfering.’ Abe’s voice was harsh, and it was Naomi’s first glimpse of it, not that it seemed to bother Jobe.
‘Just saying.’
‘Well, don’t.’
Naomi looked at Abe’s gritted jaw and gave a tight smile. She didn’t blame Jobe, of course, he was a little confused and was just being nice, but it made an already awkward situation worse.
‘I have to go, Jobe,’ Naomi said. ‘You look after yourself.’
And when she had safely gone, confused or not, Abe waved a finger at his father. ‘Don’t even go there.’
‘What?’
‘Suggesting I take someone to the ball.’
‘She’s only here for a few weeks, she deserves a big night out...’
‘I’ve never asked for your permission or help with my love life, and I shan’t start now.’
‘I never said anything about love,’ Jobe said. ‘I was just saying take the girl to the ball. She’s nice.’
Abe said nothing.
‘Remember how I used to buy you one of these to warm your hands?’ Jobe said.
