Page 80 of The Cornish Cream Tea Holiday
‘You too,’ Thea said, wrapping her arms around her friend. ‘And you, Alex.’ She stepped out of Esme’s embrace, and into his. ‘It’s so lovely to have you both here.’
‘Great to be here, Rushwood,’ Alex said, squeezing her tightly.
All she could think about was how he didn’t feel anything like Ben, and instead of relaxing into his hug, she felt herself stiffen.
She lifted her gaze, looking over Alex’s shoulder, and saw Ben standing in the doorway of his cottage, Scooter beside him. She stepped away from Alex and waved.
‘Hi, Ben,’ she called, her pulse thrumming as he walked to his van.
‘Hey,’ he replied. Then, without another word, he opened the van door, let his dog jump up and followed him into the cab, then slammed it closed behind him.
Thea watched as he backed out of the space, and then, wheels spinning in what seemed a very un-Ben-like manoeuvre, he raced down to the road and turned onto it, driving away from the cottages at speed.
‘OK?’ Esme asked, squeezing Thea’s hand. ‘We need to catch up so you can tell me what’s going on.’
Thea gave her what she hoped was a warm smile, even as her insides felt like they were crumbling, and followed her friends inside.
