This Could Change Everything(62)

‘Oh no!’ Belinda looked dismayed. ‘Seriously? But it’s all been arranged – I can’t cancel the visit now. They’re really looking forward to meeting you!’

‘Look, I’m so sorry, but you don’t have to cancel because of me. You and Evie can still go along, and I’ll meet them some other time.’

‘But it’s Valentine’s Day, and I wanted to show you off! Can’t you tell Zillah you’re busy?’

Conor shook his head. ‘She’s organising one of her wishes.’

‘Oh. But it’s only photos. Couldn’t she get someone else to take them?’

‘No.’ Conor stood his ground. ‘I want to do them, and I’m not going to let her down.’





Chapter 29


Was everything OK between Lucas and Giselle? There’d definitely been a change in him this week, an almost indiscernible distance and air of distraction.

Not that anyone else appeared to have noticed it, but Essie had. Then again, the chances were that none of the other staff and regulars had a stonking great crush on Lucas, so they tended not to pay him quite as much attention as she did.

Discreetly observing him now, on Friday evening, Essie saw that the distance was still there. But he was evidently keeping the cause of it to himself. During a quiet period earlier, she’d asked him if he was all right, and for a brief moment it had seemed he was on the brink of saying something, as if he were tempted to tell her what was on his mind. But then he’d shaken his head and said, ‘I’m fine,’ before turning away and busying himself sorting out the float for the till.

He wasn’t fine, though. Something was up, and even though Essie hated herself for thinking it, a problem with his relationship with Giselle could maybe . . . hopefully . . . eventually . . . mean good news for her.

God, I’m such a horrible person.

Oh, but if they could both just realise they weren’t as perfectly matched as everyone thought, and have one of those amicable, pain-free break-ups, wouldn’t that be the best possible answer to her dreams?

‘Essie . . .’

‘Yes?’ Oh help, and now he was standing right behind her, hopefully not reading her mind. Essie half turned, her skin tingling at the unexpected proximity of their bodies behind the narrow bar. Honestly, this must be what it was like appearing on Strictly; with all that physical contact, was it any wonder emotions ran high?

‘I need to pick up some more limes,’ Lucas said, rather more prosaically. ‘After that tequila party this afternoon we’re almost out. I won’t be long, but if Giselle turns up before I get back, can you tell her to head on up to the flat?’

‘OK, no problem. Unless you’d prefer me to go out and buy the limes?’

Lucas shook his head. ‘It’s fine, I’ll get them. I’ll be twenty minutes, max.’

Fifteen minutes later, the door swung open and Giselle appeared, wrapped up in a burnt-orange coat and matching knitted scarf. With her auburn hair, she looked adorable.

‘Here she is then!’ Brendan Banks, in his usual position propping up the bar, beckoned to Giselle to join him. ‘My favourite girl! Come here, come here. When it’s all over between you and Lucas, I’m next in line, eh? Don’t you forget that.’ He beamed at Essie and said loudly, ‘Isn’t she a cracker?’

One of the downsides of working in a bar was having to smile politely and tolerate the inane comments made by customers who thought they were both irresistible and hilarious. As the girlfriend of the owner of the bar, Giselle was in much the same position. She and Essie exchanged a mutually supportive glance and Giselle said, ‘Hi, Brendan, how are you? All good?’

‘Never better, lovely lady! Come and sit by me, here you go, have a seat.’ He appropriated a high stool and gave it an enticing pat.

‘Actually, I’m fine standing.’ Rather than take the offered seat adjacent to the coffee machine, Giselle moved over to the right and looked around. ‘Where’s Lucas?’

‘Oh you don’t want to worry about him, he’s sloped off to meet up with one of his other girlfriends. You stay here with me, I’ll look after you.’

Giselle grinned at Essie and, out of Brendan’s angle of vision, did a good-natured eye roll.

‘We ran out of limes, so Lucas popped out to pick up some more,’ Essie explained. ‘He said for you to go on up to the flat.’

‘Actually, I’ll wait down here for a bit. I fancy something to drink.’ Giselle reached into her suede shoulder bag. ‘Essie, could I have—’

‘No you don’t! Put your purse away.’ Brendan made outraged chivvying gestures with his big hands. ‘Let me get this. Essie, she’ll have a large glass of Merlot.’

Giselle shook her head. ‘No, honestly—’

‘Don’t offend me, now. I insist. All I’m doing is buying you a drink.’

‘I know.’ Giselle’s tone was placating. ‘And it’s really kind of you. But not Merlot. Actually, I fancy an apple juice.’

‘No no no,’ Brendan blustered, appalled. ‘What are you talking about? It’s Friday night, girl! Get a glass of wine down you!’

‘Honestly,’ said Giselle, ‘I’d rather have apple juice.’