‘Yes,’ said Will, rolling his eyes. Man, he couldn’t get away with anything around these two. ‘She’s a brilliantPersonal Assistant,’ he added, with heavy emphasis on the last two words.
‘Well, I hope you tell her that,’ said Matt, still wrestling with Stanley. ‘Regularly.’
‘Of course I do,’ huffed Will.
But… did he? Really?
Sure, he’d called her a miracle worker in his tired haze last night… but how often did he really show her any real appreciation? Then again, actions spoke louder than words, didn’t they? Will always made sure Leah had nice rooms when they travelled. Plus, she knew that if she ever needed something, all she had to do was ask. Of course, it went without saying that he paid her well.
So… why did Will feel quite so guilty all of a sudden?! Hadn’t he invited her to join him on his first proper break in ages?
Will frowned. Now he came to think of it, Leah probably had plenty of places she’d much rather spend her rare time off. Maybe… with a boyfriend?
Urgh!The thought made his blood run cold. It had never occurred to him that Leah might have a private life he knew nothing about. After all, she was pretty much always at his side.
Maybe his annoying family had a point!
‘Where’d Leah go, anyway?’ he muttered. He had some serious making up to do, and the least he could do was start by buying her breakfast.
‘She’s gone back up to the flat to change,’ said Rosie.
Will bit back a retort when he saw a meaningful glance pass between the two girls.
‘But sheiscoming to breakfast?’
‘Yep,’ said Rosie, looking triumphant.
‘Well, you guys go on ahead,’ said Will. ‘I’ll join you in a bit.’
He needed five minutes away from their knowing looks.
They didn’tknowanything.
How could they know something when he barely knew anything himself?!
‘Why, where are you going?’ said Matt.
‘The Sardine,’ said Will. ‘I’ll take Mega-Fluff here back over to Kate.’
‘No need,’ said Connie. ‘Her other half owns the Froth. You can just bring him to breakfast with you.’
Great. There went his excuse for a few moments to get his head back on straight!
‘Fine, let’s go,’ he sighed, offering Connie his arm.
‘No need to sound like we’re leading you to the gallows!’ she laughed, taking it gratefully. ‘Anyway, I’m not joining you guys. Some of us have got to go to work.’
‘What?!’ said Will, glancing at her in surprise. ‘I’d have thought you’re meant to be taking it easy.’
‘Don’t get me started,’ said Matt, taking Rosie’s hand and letting her tow him to his feet.
‘Yeah - don’t get him started, I beg of you!’ said Connie. ‘Dr Pepper here has been super careful with me this entire pregnancy.’
‘Of course I have,’ said Matt, his face serious. ‘This is the first Pepper of a whole new generation!’
Connie sighed. ‘I put it to you—again—that there’s nowhere more restful or cosy than Ewan’s shop. I mean, it’s literally a little nest of wool!’
‘She does have a point, ‘ said Rosie, lacing her fingers through Matt’s spare hand while he kept a firm hold of Stanley’s makeshift, fluffy lead with the other.
