Page 21 of Breakaway Heart
“Like, tell them not to talk about their ex’s bakery they just opened, or the deal they got on their car repayments…”
“Or to pull your chair out for you, tell you the outfit you painstakingly put together actually looks nice…”
“Oh! To not eat like a gross animal, or expect to share a dessert. Those profiteroles, they’re all mine! Order your own if you want some.”
“Don’t ask me when the last time I had sex was, and then who with, and then look mad about it when I tell you.”
“Oh. Was that the banker?”
“Yeah. Nasty little toad that one. It’s funny how money makes some people seem attractive, though. Hey, so does this count for the bedroom too?”
“It’s not like we’reactuallydating, Hannah. I’m his teacher.”
“Okay,professor. Well, if you’re doing dating practice, then bonking practice is the next step, right?”
“Ha! Not sure about that, Han.”
“So, whatareyou getting out of it?”
“I get a date that goes exactly how I’d want it to, and something other than being bored to tears back at the resort.”
That wasn’t quite true. Randall was not the perfect student for one. And I was still tussling with the disturbing feeling that I might want more than just not being bored in a hotel room.
Hannah put it as delicately as she could, “So, it’s that time of year, Luce…”
I sighed. For a moment, I had avoided the thought of it. But there was no escape.
“Yeah, I know. I’m trying not to think about it.”
“Just... Be careful, okay?”
“How do you mean?” I asked her innocently, but I knew what she meant.
“I worry about you, is all. You don’t always make the best decisions when this time comes around.”
“Gee, thanks, Mom.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Yeah. Sorry. I know you’re just looking out for me.”
I spent the next day sunbathing next to the pool, trying not to think about the evening ahead. But I couldn’t help a small smile from rippling across my lips. I wasn’t bothered by the slushy couples or the noisy families today. I was entirely and utterly relaxed and pleased to have a whole dreamy day to myself.
I also had managed to dial down those insistent feelings and had convinced myself, pleasingly, that I was in control. Of everything. Randall would do what he was told, and so I didn’t have to worry. Just keep my cool, and it would be a funny story to tell back in the real world.
How was your holiday, Lucy?Oh, it was fine. I got cooked for every night by none other than ice-hockey superstar, Randall Jackson.Gosh! How did that happen?Oh, you know, he needed my help and I got him to return the favor.Wait, did you and he… You know?Oh God, no! You think I’m that easy?Seriously, you had a hot hockey player all to yourself, and you resisted the temptation?I sure did.
Leon interrupted my daydream with a cough to get my attention. I lifted my sunglasses and looked up at him.
“Hi there! I just wanted to check if you needed a car again tonight?”
Of course, he was asking more than that. He wanted to know the gossip and where I had been going, but I wasn’t inclined to let him in on the secret.
“Yes, please. Same time would be perfect.”
“And… Anything else you need?”
“No. But thanks, Leon.”
