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“Right.” Allie glanced around, keeping an eye out for Hugh returning.
“I take it no one knows you own the golf club? They think you’re just waitressing?”
“Yes.” Allie’s cheeks felt as though they were on fire. “It’s a long story. Dad’s idea.”
“What about Hugh?” Verity’s voice remained quiet but her tone was tinged with anger. “Does he know the truth? Or are you just stringing him along?”
“No,” Allie spluttered, not quite sure which question she was answering. “I’m not … I mean …”
“Does he know the truth?” Verity asked through gritted teeth.
“Not yet. But …” She trailed off as she spotted Hugh walking over to them. “Please don’t say anything. I need to speak to him and explain everything.”
They fell quiet as Hugh reached them. “Have you had cake?” he asked.
“No,” Allie said, feeling as though her lungs weren’t getting enough oxygen. “I’m fine though, if you want to leave now.”
“We can’t go without eating cake.” He smiled warmly as he moved away. “I’ll get us a piece to share if you’re not very hungry.”
“Okay,” she murmured as he approached the table.
Verity turned to face Allie, speaking quietly enough that she wouldn’t be overheard. “I don’t know what you’re playing at, but Hugh’s a good man and he doesn’t deserve to be lied to.”
Allie tried to speak, but couldn’t find words. Verity wasn’t hanging around to listen anyway. She sauntered over to ruffle the hair of one of the kids at the end of the table.
“It’s delicious,” Hugh said, arriving back with a slice of cake balanced on a napkin. “You have to try this.” He held it out and she took a bite, then held her hand in front of her mouth as she chewed.
“It’s great,” she agreed, despite the clenching of her stomach which had nothing to do with the cake.
* * *
Inviting Allie to the birthday party had been entirely impulsive, but Hugh was glad he had. It had felt good to have her by his side and, as cliche as it was, it felt good to feel part of a couple, especially now that his friends were in relationships.
“Sorry we had to rush off,” he said, pulling the car away from Leo’s house. He’d need to drop Allie back at the golf club and go straight to the airport from there.
“It’s fine,” she said, staring out of the window.
“It wasn’t too overwhelming, was it?” He changed gear, then reached for her hand.
“No. I enjoyed it. I’m just a bit tired. I left Surrey pretty early.”
“I forgot you’ve had a long drive today. A stressful few days as well.”
“Yeah.” She squeezed his hand and turned to him, a look of sorrow flashing in her eyes.
“Are you still worried about your dad?”
“A bit. I have a lot on my mind, I guess.”
He slipped his hand from hers to gear down at the junction, then glanced at his watch.
“You’re not running late for Emmy, are you?” Allie asked.
“No. I should be fine.” He still had plenty of time, just without the extra allowance for hold ups.
“Are you excited to see her?”
“Yes.” He frowned. He’d missed Emmy, and he was excited to have her back, but everything felt a little different to normal. “I actually wanted to talk to you about Em. Well about us really …” He struggled to find the right words and cursed himself for not having the foresight to get his thoughts in order.
