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Hugh winced. “Of course she loves you.”
“I was joking,” Emmy said.
“Were you?”
She shrugged. “Sometimes I think Louise likes to see me more than Mum does.”
“I don’t think that’s true.”
“It doesn’t matter anyway. It’s fine. I’m quite happy when I’m here with you.”
“When it’s just the two of us?” he asked.
“Yeah.” She rested her head against his chest.
“Em,” he said hesitantly. Part of him wanted to keep quiet and not risk raising any more issues, but it was probably better to get everything out in the open.
“What?” She pulled away and looked at him questioningly.
“Is me dating really okay with you?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“Because you keep saying you like it just being the two of us …”
“I meant I’m glad I live here with you and only see Mum at school holidays.”
“Okay.” He wasn’t convinced and wasn’t sure how to delve deeper.
“I’m the one who told you to go on dates,” she pointed out.
“I thought you might have changed your mind.”
“No.” Her nose crinkled. “You are still seeing Allie, aren’t you?”
He twisted his lips to one side. “Yeah. Kind of.”
“Dad!” She stretched the word into two syllables while glaring at him. “What do you mean kind of?”
“It’s sort of complicated.”
“I thought you really liked her?”
“I did. I do, I suppose.”
“When are you seeing her again?”
“I don’t know. I need to message her.”
She gave his arm a shove. “Message her then. Don’t let her think you’re not interested.” Emmy’s smiling eyes made everything feel better, and he had to admit he did miss Allie, even if things felt more complicated now. “Why don’t you see if she wants to go out for dinner tonight?” Emmy suggested.
“What will you do?”
“I’m fine on my own.”
“I don’t think I can really leave you alone if you’re ill,” he said pointedly.
“I’ll go to school tomorrow,” she said, her lips twitching nervously.
