Page 22 of A Second Chance in Seabury
‘Thanks!’ Sarah fluffed up the frothy skirt she was wearing, and tiny lights danced in the net as minute sequins caught the lights of the hotel. ‘I was worried it might be a bit… you know… too much?’
‘No such thing, and don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise!’ said Hannah, her voice coming out a little more insistent than she’d intended.
‘Okay. Well, thanks. I’ll remember that,’ said Sarah with a grin. ‘And, can I just say… you look epic. That dress is perfect on you! And I’m loving the boots.’
‘Thanks,’ said Hannah, casting a rueful glance at her chunky leather boots with their embroidered roses and colourful laces. ‘I’ll be honest, I wasn’t so sure about them, but they’re all I’ve gotwith me other than a tatty pair of trainers. I do love the dress, though. I got it from the wool shop.’
‘Of course, I’d recognise Ewan’s work anywhere!’ said Sarah. ‘So, are you ready to see if the boys are already waiting for us in there?’
Hannah nodded. The idea of Mr Eaves being described as a boy made her smile. She’d definitely noticed a few silvery streaks at his temples while he’d been dashing around her garden after Bernard… and tiny lines crinkling around his eyes when he smiled. Not so much a boy… more like a slightly tired badger.
‘You okay?’ said Sarah.
‘Yeah… maybe,’ laughed Hannah. ‘Can I tell you a secret?’
‘Of course!’ said Sarah, looking intrigued.
‘I’m nervous.’
‘Why?’ said Sarah, looking surprised.
‘I guess I don’t really know Mr Eaves all that well,’ she said with a little shrug.
‘David’s a sweetheart,’ said Sarah. ‘Anyway, I thought you guys had known each other for years? Wasn’t your aunty his neighbour before Jason was even born?’
‘That’s right,’ said Hannah, feeling even more awkward. She really shouldn’t have opened this can of worms. What was she thinking?! ‘But… well, he was already a dad when I was just a teenager.’
‘Yeah, I guess he would have been,’ Sarah nodded. ‘He started young!’
‘Then he lost his wife… and… well,’ she cleared her throat. ‘We just never really talked much, that’s all.’
‘From what Jason has told me, I think he was really sad for a very long time,’ said Sarah. ‘He kind of keeps himself to himself a lot, but he really is lovely.’
Hannah nodded, feeling even worse about her behaviour last time she’d been in town.
‘What’s up?’ said Sarah, clearly noting Hannah’s look of discomfort.
‘I was really rude to him last time I saw him,’ Hannah muttered. ‘I kind of… yelled.’
‘Oh. Well... I doubt he even remembers it,’ said Sarah. ‘And anyway, you don’t seem like the type, so I’m guessing you had your reasons.’
‘Ex-husband-related reasons,’ said Hannah, decided there wasn’t really any point sugar-coating it. ‘Sadly, David just got caught in the blast zone.’
‘Well, I can guarantee he doesn’t hold it against you,’ said Sarah. ‘It’s not his style. It sounds like you were going through a crappy time.’
‘Thanks. Anyway, sorry, you didn’t need to know all that,’ said Hannah, shaking her head. ‘We’ve got a birthday to celebrate.’
‘You feeling better?’ said Sarah.
‘Nothing Hattie’s food won’t cure,’ laughed Hannah.
‘Come on then,’ said Sarah, tucking her arm through Hannah’s as if they’d known each other forever. ‘I’m Marvin! Time to make our fabulous entrance.’
CHAPTER 11
Hannah did her best to focus on Sarah as the girl trotted across the dining room towards Jason. Anything to distract her from the tall man with the piercing blue eyes who’d just got to his feet and was now staring at her intently as she followed at a much slower pace.
Mr Eaves.
