Page 64 of Never Too Late
Sash still hadn’t relinquished her rein on defensiveness. ‘I do. I don’t believe in pretence.’
‘Neither do I. As such, I would be very interested to hear those opinions, if your mother can spare you?’
‘I’d be more than happy to keep the lady company until you come back.’ A mid-Atlantic twang curled itself around the words as we all turned towards the person who’d spoken them. A similar build to Tomas, he was perhaps ten years younger, with a wide, orthodontically perfect smile and pale-blue eyes. ‘Hi. Frank Delaney.’ He held out a hand and I shook it.
‘Katherine Collins. Pleased to meet you.’
‘If I was being corny, I’d say that I’d guess this was your sister, but that’s not my style.’
Tomas gave a grunt at this before the new arrival continued.
‘But I’m assuming she’s your daughter.’
‘I am.’ Sash held out her hand, this time with far less confrontational energy behind it. ‘But Mum did have me very young.’
‘That I can see.’ He flashed us the smile again. ‘Nice to see you again, Tomas.’ He pronounced it in a standard English – or American – way and I saw a tiny muscle begin to pulse in Tomas’s jaw. It was something you’d only notice it if you knew him well, knew what to look for.
‘Francis,’ Tomas parried back.
Oh, for goodness’ sake.
‘I’m fine here, darling, if you want to go with Tomas for a tour.’ I made a point of saying it correctly and felt it was probably an ideal opportunity to separate these two boys before they started putting itching powder down each other’s pants.
‘OK. Have fun!’ She winked at me, making sure Tomas saw.
The flicker increased and I shooed them away.
25
‘So! It seems like you two are the best of friends,’ Frank said, briefly watching Tomas’s retreating back before swinging his full focus back on to me.
‘We used to be.’ I took a sip of my champagne and idly wondered if it was actual ‘Champagne’ or from their family’s vineyard. I guessed the latter and took another sip. It really was truly excellent.
‘That sounds like a story.’
‘As does the fact you two were acting like ten-year-olds.’ I kept my eyes on him as I took another sip.
‘Touché.’ Throwing a glance over his shoulder, he looked back to me. ‘She’s a little younger than Tomas’s usual dates.’
‘That’s because my daughter is certainly not his date. Right now, she’s not exactly a fan.’
‘Aha, there are two of us then.’
‘She has her reasons and she’s here because I wanted to come and because she’s working.’
‘I saw the press badge. Interesting.’ He took another sip, his eyes never leaving mine. ‘Gabrielle and Tomas are usually super cagey about the media.’
‘Gabby and I are old friends.’
‘Gabby and I used to be friends.’
The penny dropped. ‘Ah.’
‘Yep. I was stupid and Tomas never forgave me.’
‘I take it Gabby has, bearing in mind you’re here.’ I drained my glass then pointed it at him. Normally, I wouldn’t have been this intrigued. Or flirtatious. Was I evenbeingflirtatious? It felt like it. But then again it had been literally decades since I’d attempted anything remotely in that arena – I actually had no idea! ‘Am I being too nosy?’
Frank laughed, easily and openly. From the corner of my eye, I saw Tomas and Sasha look round. Sash grinned. Tomas scowled.
