Page 43 of Teacakes & Tangos
‘I still think you should just use that money.’ He shrugged. ‘The money that... er... Minnie gave you? That’s obviously why she gave you it, to help you out of your money difficulties.’
I sighed. ‘I know. And I really appreciate the gesture. But no matter how hard up we are, I just couldn’t take money from a virtual stranger like that. I just couldn’t.’
He nodded. ‘Fair enough.’
I’d told him all about Minnie and her very generous gesture while we were waiting for the ballet to begin.
‘I just wish I could track her down and give it back to her.’
‘Well, anyway... that’s a problem for another day. You’ve got other things to think about tonight.’ Xander smiled. ‘Your dad coming out of his coma and beginning his recovery. And a new job as well.’
‘I know.’ I sighed happily. ‘Honestly, if I wasn’t so tired, I’d probably be asking you to stop the car right here so I could get out and do a little dance for joy.’
‘I’d like to see that. Socanyou dance? I mean, you must have picked up a lot from your mum and dad?’
‘They used to teach me dance routines when I was little and I’d perform them on special occasions, like when all the family came round on Christmas Day.’ I smiled, remembering. ‘Not that I’d be able to remember any of them now, of course. This was before I was a teenager and parents became a huge embarrassment – especially ones who insisted on dancing and smooching in the kitchen while they were cooking dinner in the evening.’
Xander chuckled. ‘I can see how that would have been cringy for you back then.’
‘Too right.’ I grinned. ‘Now, of course, I’m just so proud of both of them. I couldn’t have wished for better parents.’
‘And you really can’t remember any of those dance routines?’
‘Not the actual routines. But I could still do a passable Viennese waltz or a quickstep. Maybe even a tango if I was in the right mood. I just haven’t had the opportunity to dance lately. Les thought ballroom dancing was too ‘girly’ for him, so he’d never get up at weddings unless they were playing heavy metal, which was obviously never.’ I smiled, experiencing a rush of joy knowing I was free of Les and a relationship that had stifled my true personality. ‘Sometimes I’ll hear a song on the radio that I danced to with Mum and Dad and memories from those times will flood back.’
Xander nodded and we drove along in silence for a while.
‘I can’t wait to go back tomorrow morning to see Dad,’ I murmured at last. ‘I only hope there was no permanent damage after his bump on the head.’ I paused. ‘I guess we’ll soon know if so.’
‘Well, he could obviously understand what you were saying to him tonight because you said he squeezed your hand in response,’ Xander reminded me.
‘That’s true.’
‘He’s going to be fine. I’m sure of it.’
I smiled gratefully at him. ‘Thank you, Xander.’
‘What for?’
‘For everything. For your support and for being such a good listener.’
He shrugged. ‘That’s what friends do.’
‘I know. But we’ve only become good friends very recently... only since Dad’s accident, really.’
‘What’s that got to do with anything?’
‘I don’t know. I suppose what I mean is Lyndsay’s always texting and phoning and being really supportive but that’s because we’ve been friends for years. And she knows I’d do the same for her. But I’ve only known you properly for a few weeks and yet you’ve probably been the best support of all.’
‘Well, good,’ he said rather dismissively. ‘I just want to help, that’s all.’
‘And I really appreciate it.’ I glanced at his profile, puzzled when he didn’t reply. He was just staring straight ahead, concentrating on the road.
Was it my imagination or had the atmosphere between us cooled a little?
But then he smiled across at me and the moment passed.
Arriving back, he parked in the only available space, at the entrance to the close. I was all set to say goodbye and get out, but to my surprise, Xander cut the engine and got out with me, saying he’d walk me to the door.
