Page 106 of The Home Grown
She meets my eye and smiles.
“Elliedoeswant to go along with being married,” she says.
And there’s a squeeze in my chest; it’s unmistakable. It’s everything.
Hutch’s attention shifts from me to Ellie, and he gapes.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude,” she says.
But Hutch simply bursts out laughing and I flash him the mother of all death stares.
“I’m sorry, but there’s no waysheis your wife,” he says.
“I—”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I snap.
“I’m just saying she’s too pretty for you. C’mon, Betts, you said so yourself—you’re like a?—”
“Shut it,” I say. “God, you’re such a dick at times.”
But he ignores me, swivelling on the barstool so he’s facing Ellie entirely, a grin on his face the size of the moon.
“I’m Paul Hutchinson,” he says. “The guys call me Hutch. Nice to meet you.”
“Hey,” Ellie says, looking between Hutch and me, “It’s nice to meet you too.”
“So,” Hutch says, leaning back so his elbows rest on the counter. “How much is he paying you?”
I’m quick off the mark, grabbing a tea-towel and whipping him across the biceps of his left arm.
“Shut up,” I say. “That’s enough.”
“Okay, okay,” Hutch says. “But in all seriousness, I don’t see how this is going to work, realistically.” He turns back to me. “People have seen you out and about—they’ll know this isn’t real.” He wags his eyebrows, and I know exactly what he’s saying.People have seen me with other women. Rochelle, being the main offender.
But Ellie surprises me. She moves in closer before she says, “Who says it isn’t real?”
Hutch’s expression drops as he stares at her.
“I’ve been thinking about it, actually,” Ellie says, and I cast a look in her direction, hopeful that she’s going to give me a lifeline out of the hole I’ve dug myself. “I think we tell people we’re childhood sweethearts who lost our way for a while but found each other again. Now we’re committed to givingit a go since we both realise we want the same things in life.” My eyes widen; that’s a decent idea.
“I guess it’s a good thing you got picked over Rick, as he’ll probably wonder why I didn’t mention you to him,” Ellie says.
I almost hear Hutch’s jaw hit the floor.
“Wait—Rick. As in Rick Langdon? Your new pairing? What’s he got to do with this?”
I swallow, ignoring his question as I keep my eyes on Ellie, watching her hands run through her damp hair.
I want to run my hands through her hair.
“New pairing?” She says, looking at me. “You didn’t mention that.”
“Yeah, I’m not overly excited about it—hey, Hutch, how long do you think I’ll have to suffer before Coach shifts us around?”
He shakes his head. “That’s the least of your worries. God, you’re in a fucking mess, Betts.”
“I know,” I growl, reaching for the bottle of whisky before stopping myself.
