This Could Change Everything(43)

It was all so unbearably sad; Essie’s heart went out to him. ‘And your mum? Did she ever remarry?’

‘No.’

‘Where does she live?’

‘In the north of England.’

‘Do you get the chance to see her often?’

‘I see her when I can.’ Having given as much detail as he evidently wanted to give, Lucas sat up straighter. ‘So anyway, that’s the story of my family.’ He turned to look at her. ‘And now you know why I told you that it was me who sent out the round robin. I didn’t know you; all I heard was you being absolutely furious with your brother. And that wasn’t something I could cope with, because what if the two of you had ended up not speaking to each other, and then something terrible happened and one of you died?’

Essie saw the residual guilt and pain in his dark eyes. She said, ‘Well thank you for doing it. I wouldn’t have stopped speaking to him for long. Maybe a day or two. But that’s the trouble, isn’t it? We never know when the bad stuff’s going to happen. You did a kind thing for a good reason. And I’m sorry I’ve given you such a hard time since then.’

‘That’s OK. You didn’t know.’

He was half smiling now, and Essie was struck by just how much she hadn’t known about him and how many erroneous assumptions she’d made. Everyone did it, though, didn’t they? When people came to the Red House and met Lucas for the first time, they were instantly charmed by his easy-going, cheerful persona. It was a huge advantage in this kind of business; knowing he’d be there was what made them want to come back again and again. He was extrovert and funny, the perfect host, exuding charisma and bonhomie.

To look at him, who would ever guess that his childhood – and undoubtedly his subsequent life – had been blighted by tragedy?

Because he’d changed the subject, she wasn’t about to press him on it now, but there was definitely something else about his mother that he hadn’t told her. For a start, he hadn’t been to visit her over Christmas, nor had she travelled down to Bath to see him.

‘Oh no,’ wailed a high-pitched voice, and they both looked to the left, where a small boy in a Spiderman anorak had skidded to a halt at the edge of the clearing. ‘Grandpa, there’s people on our special bench! What are we going to do now?’

His expression was so outraged that Essie and Lucas both burst out laughing, which caused the boy to glare at them with even more vehemence.

‘That’s it, I’m scared,’ Lucas murmured. Then, rising to his feet, he said to the small boy, ‘It’s OK, we’re leaving now. You can have your special seat.’

‘There, isn’t that kind of them? Say thank you,’ prompted the boy’s grandfather.

The boy surveyed Lucas with disdain. ‘No. I want them to go away.’

Back at the car, Lucas switched on the engine and turned the heat up to maximum. As they waited for the windscreen to de-mist, he said, ‘That’s the first time I’ve told a member of staff.’

Essie nodded. ‘You can trust me.’

‘I know. Like I said before, it’s not some huge secret. It’s just easier all round if it isn’t common knowledge at work. I don’t want people feeling sorry for me, or feeling as if they have to watch what they say. It’s my job to relax them, make sure they have a good time.’

‘And you do a great job of it.’

‘Of course I do. I’m brilliant.’ The corners of Lucas’s mouth twitched. ‘Anyway, I’m glad I told you. And . . . thanks.’ He lifted his hand, as if to rest it on hers, then stopped himself and replaced it on the steering wheel instead.

And at that moment Essie realised she was holding her breath, had wanted him to make that physical contact. Because right now, the connection between them was almost palpable. She wanted him to know that she was unequivocally on his side.

But no, Lucas had stopped himself and was right to have done so. He was her boss; they’d only just started speaking to each other like normal people. Furthermore, he was Giselle’s boyfriend, which meant it would also be deeply inappropriate.

OK, it had only been a potential hand-clasp, but right now, the way the adrenalin was fizzing through Essie’s body, it would have felt like so much more.

She forced herself to relax. They were friends and she wanted them to stay friends.

A car had pulled up alongside them, winking its indicator and ready to move into their parking space. Twisting round in her seat, she said in as casual a voice as she could manage, ‘All clear behind us. Let’s go.’





Chapter 20


It had been a busy Monday at the Red House. Conor’s latest set of street portraits had gone up and he’d been asked to come over tonight to meet a visiting group of enthusiasts from a photography club. Once they’d left, Essie had said, ‘Have you ever taken any pictures of Lucas? You should have one of him on display.’ And Conor, realising that he hadn’t, and that it was a good idea, had gone back to his flat and collected his favourite camera.

Now, as Essie and Jude cleared up after last orders, Lucas was sitting on a stool enduring having his photograph taken.

‘Lean forward a bit more,’ Essie called across to him. ‘Come on, show off that cleavage.’

Without looking at her, Lucas grinned and raised a middle finger in her direction. Essie laughed. ‘Oh well, there’s always Photoshop.’