Page 47 of New Year, New Guy
‘Me too. I have no idea what to expect.’
‘We should be there in about another half hour.’ Her promise did nothing to soften Hunter’s strained expression. Laura gave up any further attempt at conversation until she turned onto Trelyn Road. ‘If it was August it would’ve taken us twice as long because the roads would be jammed with cars and caravans trying to reach the beaches in Newquay.’
‘Twice as long would’ve worked fine for me.’ Hunter dredged up a half-hearted grin. ‘Sorry, I’m bein’ a jerk.’
‘No. You’re anxious and worried but not a jerk. There’s number sixteen on the gatepost. This must be it.’ She drove slowly down a long gravel drive lined with manicured yewtrees and gasped when a stunning Georgian-style manor house appeared around the last corner. Even in winter the elaborate garden was brightened by a swathe of early daffodils and edged with massive deep pink rhododendron bushes in full flower. ‘Wow, what a fab place.’
‘Doesn’t mean he’s had a good life.’
Laura held her tongue. ‘Let’s do this.’ She jumped out of the car first because otherwise he might sit there all day and, as they approached the glossy, black front door, a slender man in crisp chinos and a starched white shirt stepped out to greet them. Judging by his teenage picture, his white-blond hair was darker and thinning on top, but the pale blue eyes and thin mouth hadn’t changed.
‘Welcome to Newquay, Ms . . .?’
‘Williams, Laura Williams.’
He turned towards Hunter but his blank expression gave nothing away. ‘Long time no see.’
‘Daniel, whatever are you thinking? Bring our guests inside.’ An elegant brunette appeared carrying a golden-haired baby girl and her smart dark orange dress and soft tan leather ankle boots made Laura feel her grey wool skirt and navy jumper looked mundane. ‘I’m Eleanor and this little monster is Amy.’ Her friendly manner smoothed over the lingering awkwardness hanging around them all.
Soon they were settled in a sunny living room, drinking martinis and admiring the incredible view. It was hard to overestimate the positive effect of a laughing eight-month-old crawling around the floor and Laura allowed herself to relax a little as the two men exchanged polite conversation about the weather.
‘We can have a proper chat when Amy goes down for her nap but lunch is ready, so let’s go ahead and eat. I hope you like roast beef and everything that goes with it?’
‘I sure do.’ Hunter’s swift response made her smile. ‘I could eat those Yorkshire pudding things by the bucket load.’
Eleanor grinned. ‘I made plenty. Amy’s enjoyed gumming on one already.’
‘Is there anything I can do to help?’ Laura offered.
‘Word of warning, layin’ the table’s about her limit.’ Hunter chuckled. ‘Or carrying in dishes.’
‘What a cheek.’ She smacked his arm and everyone laughed. Laura had no problem being made fun of if it helped to break the ice.
Although she had been starving on the way down here until the food appeared she’d wondered if she would be too nervous to force anything down. Luckily it was all so delicious she had no trouble. Danny stayed quiet throughout the meal but she suspected he often left the talking to his gregarious wife. By the time a huge bowl of black cherry trifle appeared, little Amy was half-asleep in her highchair.
‘Why don’t you all go back to the lounge and I’ll bring coffee in when I’ve got her down?’
The knife-edge tension returned and Laura slipped her hand into Hunter’s, earning her a grateful smile. Now came the hard part.
* * *
‘Danny, there’s a question I’ve wanted the answer to for twenty years.’ The words poured out of Hunter in a long breath. ‘Did I—’
‘—Youwant? You don’t get to ask anything until I’ve had my say.’ His voice rose. ‘For a start no one calls me Danny any more. I returned to using my full first name the day I left that godforsaken place.’
‘Sure, no problem.’ He back-pedalled, desperate not to make things worse.
‘I didn’t invite you here today to make you feel better.’
‘Why don’t you explain why youdidwant to see Hunter?’ Laura used the same quiet, firm tone she reserved for difficult patients.
‘I hoped I might finally be able to put that part of my life to rest.’
‘We’re on the same page there. I need the same thing.’
‘What do you want Hunter to tell you, sweetheart?’ Eleanor joined them again and perched on the arm of Danny’s chair.
‘Why you turned on me that last day? Before then you always stuck up for me and anyone else who got bullied.’
