Page 6 of Falling Fast
‘Because I’vejuststarted. Are you going to let me in or not?’
‘Well, since you asked so nicely.’ I open the door wide. ‘Why aren’t you at work?’
‘I had some holiday owing, so I took a long weekend. Then I thought I’d come and visit my little sister so she could interrogate me.’
‘Sorry!’ I laugh, as I lead him through to the kitchen. ‘It’s just that you don’t usually drop by.’
I wave him into a chair as I head to the sink and pour a glass of water. Dan and I have always been close, but it can be hard to find time to hang out together when he’s so busyworking as a business analyst for some huge multinational, with an equally busy medical-student fiancée, Hailey.
‘So, what’s with the jogging?’ I ask, handing him the water as I take a chair opposite.
‘Thought I’d try something new.’ He sprawls backwards, downing the water in a few gulps. ‘You know, get into shape.’
‘That’s great. I can devise a programme for you, if you like?’
‘No!’ He answers a little too quickly. ‘I mean, no offence, but I can manage.’
‘Fair enough.’ I lean forward. ‘Now tell me the truth. Did Mum and Dad ask you to come by and make sure I’m OK, now that Maisie’s moved out?’
‘How –?’ He puts the glass down on the table with a thud. ‘All right, yes.’
‘Why?’ I throw my hands up in exasperation. ‘I told them I was fine. I even told them I was going to Monaco. I sent Mum a photo from the yacht!’
‘They still worry.’ Dan looks sheepish. ‘And that’s not the only reason I’m here. I’ve been meaning to visit for a while.’
‘Well, that’s OK, then.’ I arch an eyebrow. ‘But just out of interest, how often should I expect one of these spontaneous visits? Is it an occasional thing or did you promise Mum you’d do a recce every couple of days?’
‘It wasn’t a formal arrangement. Not everyone is as organized as you.’ He glances at my laptop and cue cards. ‘What are you up to anyway?’
‘Applying for jobs. Making lists and using my highlighters. You know how much I love doing that.’
‘I do.’ His lips twitch into a smile. ‘So I know you probably have your day all planned out, but I wondered if you’d like to jog with me? I’ll treat you to lunch afterwards.’
‘Sorry. Wrong day. I work out on Tuesdays and Thursdays.’
‘So? Break the rules a little! I won’t tell anyone.’
‘ButI’llknow.’ I tip my head sideways. ‘Although I could still lunch?’
‘Even better.’ He sounds relieved. ‘All this exercise was beginning to hurt anyway.’
‘Great.’ I leap out of my chair and head to my bedroom. ‘Just give me five minutes to get changed.’
HALF AN HOUR LATER, we’re sitting in a cafe with two flat whites, a grilled chicken salad (mine) and a bacon and cheese toastie (his) on the table between us.
‘So, how was Monaco?’ Dan asks.
‘Amazing.’ I give him a smug look. ‘It’s really not so bad, hanging out with the rich and famous on a yacht for a weekend.’
‘I’ll bet. Gio Bauer seems like a good guy. Did you meet any other drivers?’
‘A few.’ Leif Olsen’s unfriendly face pops into my mind. ‘So, how’s Hailey?’ I ask to distract myself. ‘She must have finished her training by now, right? It’ll be useful, having a doctor in the family.’
‘Yeah, about that …’ Dan’s face seems to crumple. ‘Hailey and I broke up.’
‘What?’ I splutter on a mouthful of coffee. ‘But you two were perfect together!’
‘I thought so too. Only it turns out Hailey didn’t totally agree. She’s moving to Australia.’
