Did I guess right that you failed to pack anything other than jeans and jumpers?
Before I could think of a reply, she sent one more message:
Yes, I asked Daniel if he was planning on taking you out. He dodged the question but the dreamy look in his eyes gave the answer away. ENJOY!! And make sure you tell me EVERYTHING when you get back xx
Wow.
He’d thought about this even before the creepy comment.
Even if he hadn’t thought about it himself, Becky had made him think about it.
I checked the time, grabbed Daniel’s car keys from the bedside table and raced to the car.
* * *
Half an hour later, looking pretty darn fine if I do say so myself in a black midi dress with mesh sleeves and a swishy skirt, my hair pinned up and wearing a pair of heeled ankle boots that had survived the trip from London, I went to find Daniel.
He was standing awkwardly by the reception desk, facing the lounge room. As I reached the bottom of the stairs, the sound of Hope shrieking with laughter burst through the open door.
‘Hi,’ I managed.
He spun to face me. ‘Oh. Hi!’
For a long moment, we stood there, the air so still that I heard Daniel swallow.
‘Here.’ He managed a smile then, thrusting a bunch of pale pink tulips towards me.
‘These are lovely!’ They were. Simple, beautiful. Not a hint of showmanship. I hurried into the kitchen to put them in water, my heart pounding.
‘You look lovely,’ Daniel said, once I’d returned, nodding a little stiffly.
‘Thank you. So do you.’ He wore a moss-coloured shirt that made his eyes look green, and trousers that were smart without looking like he’d just left a work meeting.
Wow. This was really happening. I was on a date with Daniel. I hoped we weren’t walking because I wasn’t sure how long my legs could hold me up.
‘Is Hope okay?’ I asked, remembering how unsettled she’d been the night before.
‘Your grandma is planning on letting her fall asleep while being cuddled. She’s got a bottle, a banana and unwavering attention. Plus the T-shirt I wore today. Oh, and your mum and dad have promised to Grandma-sit while she babysits. Hope’s more than okay.’
A perfectly timed wave of giggles wafted through the door.
Daniel checked his phone.
‘Come on then, the taxi’s here. My plan is to slip out without her noticing.’
It was a clear evening, but not a cold one. The air carried a definite hint of spring, and the fading twilight shimmered on the lake. I pointed out the odd random landmark as we wound out of the town and to where the Red House nestled against the edge of the water. Its lights twinkled through the glass-enclosed deck that wrapped around the building so that patrons could enjoy the view whatever the weather.
The restaurant was quiet, as expected on a Tuesday night in the middle of March, and our table was right up against the water’s edge. The sun had already sunk behind the mountains, but I could have watched the moon glimmering on the gentle waves all night.
‘Do you miss the lake?’ Daniel asked.
I turned to see him watching me, grateful that the candlelight would probably hide my blush.
‘Sometimes.’ I shrugged. ‘I’ve not lived near water for six years, so having the Maddon nearby is brilliant.’
‘What about the mountains?’
I took a sip of water. ‘Again, I’ve grown used to concrete and tarmac. While Nottinghamshire farmland is completely different to here, I’m simply enjoying being surrounded by fresh air and green spaces again.’
