Page 39 of Where She Is
“Would you like something to eat?”
“I don’t think I can, Daniel. Just some coffee would be great.”
“What about fruit? I have some beautiful papaya and—”
“Just coffee, please. I can’t face any food, but thank you.”
He sets my coffee down then takes a seat by my side with his own. I notice he isn’t eating either. A few silent minutes pass as I think about my mum. I could really do with a chat and then I remember before all the commotion, she called. The touch of his palm gently squeezing my thigh brings me out of my daydream. “I think I’d like to go home a little earlier today if you don’t mind.”
“I thought you might, but you know it’s not what I want.”
“I know, but I should call my mum back. She’ll worry otherwise. Plus, I could do without bumping into Freya at any moment. I can’t stomach a repeat performance.”
“I’m certain she didn’t mean it.”
“Daniel, please. We both know she meant every word and I’m not hanging around for second helpings.”
“I wouldn’t let it happen.” His hand glides along my thigh,making my heart pound. “I wish you’d stay. You shouldn’t be on your own.”
I take a chance, although I already know what the answer will be to my next suggestion.
“You could come back to my flat?”
“I can’t, Hannah. It’s too much of a risk—”
I huff, “I know. You’ve said.” I feel awful when Daniel explains, “This is for you too. If the paparazzi get just a sniff, there’s a new woman in my life, they will make both our lives miserable.”
“I didn’t think of it like that.”Because I didn’t believe I was your newwoman. Not yet. Not officially.I get up to leave the kitchen and pack my things, but he catches my arm.“This will work out, Han. I promise you.” I’m not so sure, but I smile anyway.
I recline back in my seat while Daniel stands by the car door. He holds my hand while Jack puts my bags in the boot.
“Please don’t give up on what we could be.” His pleading eyes are almost too much to bear and I’m about to reply when Diana appears, “I’m sorry to interrupt you two, but could I have a minute with Hannah before she leaves?” Her eyes signal to Daniel.
“Of course, Mum.” He steps to the side, but she throws him a look and he knows he needs to make himself scarce. He raises one eyebrow, and a smirk appears on his beautiful lips, “I’ll go help Jack with the bags.”
Diana waits until he is firmly out of sight before she continues. “Hannah, I’m so glad I’ve caught you before you leave. I want to apologise for Freya’s awful behaviour.” She pulls herself into the car and sinks into the seat. “Look, I’ll be honest with you. Freya has some problems to deal with. She has a goodpsychiatrist and we hope he will help her through some… lingering issues. I’m sure she’s devastated this morning.” Her hand rests on mine. “You and Daniel are getting on so well, I’d love that to continue. It would be such a shame if you didn’t return just because of her. Please say you’ll come back again soon. Don’t let Daniel suffer because of this.”
I need to slow down her expectations. “Diana, thank you for that, but Daniel and I have only just met and—”
Her hand firmly grips mine. “Exactly. Don’t let anyone spoil this for you.”
The sound of gravel underfoot sparks my attention as Daniel appears behind his mother. Diana pats my hand and gets out of the car with Daniel’s help. “Take care of my boy for me.” She smiles and turns towards her son, giving him a hug before going back inside. As I watch her walk away, Daniel slams the boot shut and jumps inside the car on the opposite side. The enormous grin on his face confirms he is up to something. “What are you doing?”
“I’m coming with you, sort of.”
I’m surprised after the conversation we’ve had. “But you said—”
“I know and I stand by that, but I have a house in Seaforth. I’d like you to come back and stay with me there, just for tonight. You shouldn’t be on your own and selfishly, I want more time with you.”
I’m apprehensive at first. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea, Daniel. I’ve got work tomorrow.”
“Please, Hannah. Jack will take you to work.”
“But what about clothes for the office? I have nothing with me.”
“If you tell Jack exactly what you need, he’ll go to the unit and pick it all up. Please, Han?”
His beautiful hazel eyes fill with worry as he takes my hand in his. “I don’t want the bitter taste of last night to stay with you.Instead, think of the good moments we had this weekend. The incident last night is taking over and I want us back on track.”
