Page 74 of Teacakes & Tangos
‘Xander and Freddie are identical twins, though.’
‘Yes. But they’ll still have different personalities.’
She nodded. ‘Freddie sounds like the sort of person who takes what he wants without bothering that he might be hurting otherpeople, whereas Xander... well, he’s really kind and caring.’ Her eyes shone at the mention of him.
‘There’s your answer, then. Xander sounds lovely, by the way. I think you should go for it.’
‘You do?’
‘Absolutely.’
She paused. ‘He did lie to me about a lot of things but I suppose that was because he felt bad about his brother.’
‘Lies told to protect someone are generally permissible, don’t you think?’
‘Maybe. My dad... well, he kept some things from me which I’ve only just found out. But I know he had his reasons for doing what he did. I was shocked at first but I’ve sort of forgiven him. So maybe I should forgive Xander as well. For keeping me in the dark.’
I nodded. ‘I think you should.’
Her face relaxed into a smile. ‘So what about you, Clara? Why doyouneed the triple chocolate cheesecake today?’
I was finding Anika so easy to talk to that I started telling her all about my romance with Rory and how my step-sister, who was also his ex, seemed to be trying to upset the smooth-sailing of our relationship.
‘Is she jealous, do you think?’ Anika asked.
I frowned. ‘Maybe. I don’t know.’
‘What does Rory think?’
‘Again, I’m not sure. I really don’t know how he feels towards Lois now.’
‘Why not?’
‘Because I’ve never asked him.’
‘Well, why don’t you? Ask him?’
I chuckled. ‘Because we never seem to have the time to talk these days, what with us both being tied up with work. Rory tookover a thriving stables business and he works late all the time. Just like me.’
‘Right. Well, it seems to me you need to talk to each other, face to face. Get all your worries out in the open.’
I nodded. ‘You’re right, of course. It’s just finding the time.’
‘You need tomakethe time. Rory’s worth the effort, isn’t he?’ she asked gently.
‘Of course he is.’
She smiled. ‘I’m thinking... romantic dinner for two somewhere really special?’
I nodded slowly. ‘I like it. And actually, I know just the place.’
Our conversation was interrupted at that moment by a sudden storm of applause and cheers emanating from Studio Two.
Anika grinned. ‘Better get back to work.’
‘Good idea. Before the hungry hoards descend on you.’ I pointed at our barely-touched cheesecakes. ‘We’ve been talking too much. I think we need two takeaway cartons, don’t you?’
‘I’ll get them!’ And she dashed off, looking much lighter of spirit than when I’d first walked into the café.
