Page 59 of Love on the Run
As Dorothy and Roger chatted amiably, Hannah, Mel and Gabe exchanged awkward glances. Not usually short of words, Hannah couldn’t help but wonder if the stress of not knowing where Liv, Quentin and Russel were had weirded them out. “I hope the three of them are all right,” Hannah said, having had enough of the silence. Glancing over at the door, it remained firmly shut. “Can you imagine if poor Russel’s got lost. As for Liv and Quentin, they might not even have been released yet.”
“Someone forgot to put on their positive pants,” Gabe said.
Hannah laughed and glad someone had cut through the atmosphere, threw her napkin at him.
“Of course they’re okay.” Mel fidgeted in her seat, an action that belied her smile. “Although,” she said, rising to her feet. “I might give Russel a quick ring. Just to make sure he’s not sat in the wrong restaurant wondering where we are.”
“Good idea,” Hannah said.
Mel picked up her bag and headed outside.
“How are you getting on with the treadmill?” Gabe asked.
“Fine,” Hannah replied. “I’ve been following your training plan.”
“And is it helping?”
“I suppose I’ll find out tomorrow. Although 2.5k in one go still feels unrealistic.”
“If you need a cheerleader, remember I’m your man.”
“Promise to wear spankies and wave pom-poms.”
Gabe laughed. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“Sorry we’re late, everyone.”
Hannah looked up to see Liv standing there. Her eyes widened and she immediately jumped up from her seat to give Liv a big hug. “How’re you feeling? What time did they let you go? Sit down. You’ve had one hell of a day.”
“Tell that ex of yours we owe him a drink. Honestly, we can’t thank him enough. Thanks to Carl’s colleague and a city centre full of CCTV cameras, we were both released without charge.”
“That’s great news,” Hannah said.
“No Slim?” Gabe asked, frowning.
“He’s parking the car.”
“I was beginning to think we’d have to start a campaign to free the cotton couple,” Roger said, laughing. “I’m Roger. Gabe’s dad.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Liv said, laughing. She glanced around, suddenly curious. “Where are Mel and Russel? I was looking forward to seeing them together.”
“You mean you didn’t see Mel on your way in?” Hannah asked. “She popped out to call him. She was worried he might have got lost.”
“Well she’s not out there now,” Liv said.
The restaurant door swung open, and a handsome gentleman walked in.
Liv preened. “Here he is, my Quentin.”
Gabe shook his head. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing him called that.”
Hannah took in the blond haired, green-eyed hunk of a man, as he approached. “Pleased to meet you, at last,” Hannah said. From his appearance alone she could see why Liv was attracted to him. He had the most fantastic cheekbones and a well-groomed beard, and tall wasn’t the word. He towered above Liv.
“You too,” he replied.
“Ooh, Liv, he’s gorgeous,” Dorothy said. Shaking his hand, she was slow to let go. She turned to Gabe. “I’m sorry to say this, but you have some strong competition for my affections right now.”
Gabe clutched his chest. “I’m wounded.”
