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I look at Emily quizzically, but she gives her head a slight shake.
“It’s me. Jeremey Laughton.”
My eyes pop wide.
“Jeremy, wow, I didn't recognise you!” I apologise, stand and give him a hug. “How are you?” I smile. The last time I saw Jeremy was on that night. He was my ride from hurt to help. Unlike the others who had laughed at me and mocked my pain when I caught Cameron with Sarah, he’d taken pity. He’d followed me out of the house where the party was held and offered to drive me home. When I asked him to take me to my mother, who lived in London and not my father’s house, he had done so without complaint. I’d begged him not to tell anyone where I was, and I believe to this day he had stuck to his word. My cheeks flush with the awkwardness of our meeting now. I was a sobbing, scrawny teen then.
“I'm great, thank you. Are you visiting your father?” he asks, looking down and seeing Beau for the first time. He smiles brightly and drops down to be at her level. “Hello, what's your name?”
“Beau, and I'm stuck.” Her arms and legs are wedged uncomfortably over the chair seat.
I laugh and quickly lean down and help her upright.
“Hello, Beau and I'm stuck, I'm Jeremey.” His eyes twinkle, and he holds his hand out to her.
“No, silly!” She giggles. “I was stuck in the chair.”
“I know, I was just messing. Guess what?”
“What?” Beau wriggles back, placing herself deep in the chair.
“I used to go to school with your mummy.”
“Like I go to school with Grace?” Beau asks him. He frowns, and I mouth, “Dan’s daughter.”
“Yes, exactly like that! Are you excited for the show?”
“We have lots of sweets and Mummy has lots of wine,” Beau states, pointing to Emily pouring us glasses.
“I’m not an alcoholic, I swear.”
“I am on Fridays and Saturdays.” He laughs heartily. “So how's your dad?”
“Oh.” I look down at Beau, who is already glued to the big screen playing a music video. “He passed away recently. We moved back.”
“Holly, I'm so sorry.” He rubs my arm and sighs. “It’s hard. My mother passed away two years ago.” He gives me a sad smile.
“Sorry to hear that,” I reply, checking again that Beau isn’t looking. “Beau, strangely, has adapted well.”
“Mummy, it’s going to start!” Beau calls, dragging us from our conversation.
“I'm in Barton now. I’d love to catch up,” Jeremy says.
“Yes, that would be great. I’ve just opened the shop over there.” I point toBeau’s Books & Bakes. “Drop by and we can sort something out.”
“Great, I’ll see you th?—”
“Jeremy,” Cameron’s dark voice snaps. I blink in shock and find him bristling behind Jeremy, who on inspection is a few inches taller than Cameron, however his height doesn’t seem to factor because Cameron’s frame is wider, and he carries himself in a way that suggests he is bigger than the other man. A confidence about him highlights him asmorethan a simple man, more than Marcus or Jeremy. Both seem very ordinary compared to Cameron Stone.
“Hello, Cameron.” He sighs wearily.
“What brings you back to Richmond?”
Jeremy stares down his nose at him, yet I feel like Cameron is looking down on him. “Holly, I'll catch up with you soon.” He leans to give me a hug.
“Sure.” I kiss his cheek and Cameron's eyes bug. Jeremy walks away, and I turn back to Cameron. “Do you always have to be so rude?” I spit.
“To him, always,” he grunts and drops to Beau. “Hey, squirt.” He grins, ruffling her hair. “I like your glittery shoes!”
