Page 32 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

‘Yep, the very one. And that’s not the worst of it.’ Brogan drew in a deep breath. ‘She’s expecting his baby.’

The two friends stared open-mouthed. ‘What? He’s suddenly decided he wants to be a dad now?’ Kristy didn’t hide her outrage.

Brogan nodded sadly. ‘Getting married and starting a family were the two things he told me he could never see in his future, and the reason we broke up. Seems he’s changed his mind.’ There was no mistaking the hurt in her eyes.

‘Oh, Broge. I’m so sorry.’ Anoushka reached across and squeezed her friend’s arm.

‘What a shitty thing to do. Goes without saying you’re better off without both of them in your life,’ Kristy said vehemently.

‘I honestly don’t know why I’m so upset, I mean, I’m over him, really I am. I think I’m just shocked because of how strongly he felt about not settling down and having kids. Maisie was really sweet; said she didn’t want me finding out through seeing their wedding photos on social media and getting a shock.’ She released a wavery sigh. ‘I suppose it explains why Karina ghosted me, which I could never understand; we were quite good friends at one time, until she stopped answering my texts. I honestly don’t mind that they’ve got together; I mean, me and Archie split up ages ago. It’s the fact that she ignored me and has actually blocked me on social media that hurts the most. Plus, I suppose it does feel kind of like he didn’t love me enough to tempt him to get married and have kids; that hurts a bit too.’ She gave a resigned shrug of her shoulders. ‘Sounds daft, I know. I guess I’m feeling sorry for myself. Just ignore me.’ She picked up her glass, swirled the wine around and pushed her mouth into a smile.

‘We get we’re you’re coming from, Broge, and it doesn’t sound daft at all. Karina hasn’t treated you very nicely. Kristy’s right, you’re definitely better off without them. And Archie clearly wasn’t right for you. You’ve got us now; we’ve got your back, hon.’ Anoushka gave her a sympathetic smile.

‘Too right we have.’ Kristy nodded resolutely.

‘Thanks, girls, that means a lot.’

‘I think this calls for that hot chocolate fudge cake I mentioned earlier. Are you two lasses still up for some?’ asked Kristy.

‘Since when have you known us turn down one of Bea’s puddings?’ Anoushka looked at her in mock disbelief.

‘Um, that’d be never.’ Kristy chuckled as she went to place the order at the bar.

Before they knew it, Bea was at their table, her hands laden with a tray of chocolatey puddings and a large jug of custard. ‘Here we are, my darlings. I’ve added a dash of orange liquor to this batch; I do hope you approve.’

‘Mmmhm. They smell delicious, Bea. I think we’ll most definitely approve.’ Anoushka inhaled the intense aroma of chocolate, her eyes on the puddings that were dusted with icing sugar and garnished with a handful of jewel-coloured berries and a sprig of fresh mint.

‘Oh, wow! And to think I was considering giving up chocolate,’ said Kristy.

‘I could never give up chocolate,’ said Anoushka.

The friends were halfway through their puddings, chatting away, when a rasping voice interrupted them. ‘I’m surprised to see you here, Kristy, and not with your Ben.’

They looked up to see Anita Matheson – known locally as Maneater on account of her predatory nature. She was looking down at them, a sneer of a smile on her lips. Anoushka’s heart sank; there was something in the delivery of Anita’s words that spelt trouble.

‘Oh, and why’s that?’ asked Kristy, a challenging look in her eye.

‘Oh, nothing.’ Anita fluffed up her bouffant of over-processed hair. ‘Only, if I had a man like him, I wouldn’t let him out of my sight. He’s quite a catch, what with those big muscles he’s got on him and his “come to bed” eyes.’

‘Really?’ Kristy spoke through clenched teeth.

‘Really.’ Anita adjusted the plunging neckline of her clinging black dress, putting more of her cleavage on display, and thrusting out her chest as John Danks walked by. His eyes widened in alarm and he scuttled back to his seat at great speed.

Kristy drummed her fingers on the table. ‘I’m really not sure what you’re getting at here, Anita, but, just so you know, I trust Ben implicitly and am more than happy to “let him out of my sight” as you put it.’

Anita smirked. ‘There’s no need to be defensive, missy; I was only making conversation. And I was going to offer my services, being highly qualified in the art of massage. I’m sure I’ve got a few techniques I could use on him to help ease his aching muscles after a hard day slogging on the farm.’ Before Kristy could reply, Anita turned to Anoushka. ‘And it’s such a shame about that Gabe Dublin, especially with you being so sweet on him. I mean, we all thought you two were going to get together, but I suppose you being a simple country lass, well, it would be a bit tricky for you, wouldn’t it? At the end of the day, a man with hiscelebritystatus needs someone with a profile and lifestyle that equals it. A little country bumpkin would hardly do that.’ She laughed. ‘I mean, he wouldn’t want you to be out of your depth; he’s considerate that way.’

Anoushka could feel her face burning with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. Anita’s passive-aggressive tone rankled with her but she did her best not to rise to it. She was trying to think up a suitable response when Brogan spoke.

‘Anita, why do you think any of this is your business?’

‘Gabe is a public figure; he’s everybody’s business. I mean, we’ve all seen the photos of him and that famous model Lilith Dean that are plastered all over; they looked very cosy and loved-up from what I could see. The gossip columns are rife with rumours they’ll be announcing their engagement any time soon.’

Anoushka’s stomached lurched. Could this be true? Surely not. But then again, she had no right to feel this way; she’d made it perfectly clear to Gabe she wasn’t interested in a relationship, she couldn’t expect him to live the life of a monk, and he was perfectly entitled to date anyone he chose. It still didn’t stop this new information feeling weird though. Lilith Dean was stunning, successful and über glamorous. It was easy to see why he would have fallen for her; they’d make the perfect celebrity couple; their photos together would help sell shedloads of magazines. But announcing their engagement? Really? She’d never even heard Gabe mention her name before. Surely Anita had got it wrong? Then again, there was no smoke without fire…

22

Though Anoushka was trying to hide it, Anita’s news had knocked the wind out of her sails. Not only that, but she was also taken aback by her own reaction to it; it was totally out of proportion to her feelings for him. Or at least that’s what she told herself. Her heart was pounding and a lump of hurt sat heavy in her stomach. She tried to swallow, but her throat felt tight and the threat of tears was gaining pace. She clenched her teeth in a bid to stop them, hoping no one had noticed.

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