“Really?” Beth said. “You are taking this sponsored run seriously.”
Archie looked impressed. “That’s brilliant.”
“So what have you two been up to?” Hannah asked.
“We visited Aix-en-Provence the other day.”
“Ah, Paul Cézanneterritory. Did you check out his studio?”
“The Atelier Cézanne. Yes, we did,” Beth proudly replied.
“Excellent.” Hannah was pleased to see on that occasion her children weren’t hitting Google to do a knowledge check.
“It’s a nice place, but I’m in no rush to go back,” Archie said. “It was all museums and fountains.”
Hannah stared at her son, horrified. “You can’t say that. Aix-en-Provence is rich in history and culture.”
“Which is great if you like that kind of thing,” Archie replied.
A knock at the front door caught Hannah’s attention. She heard Dorothy pass by and a second later welcome Gabe. Hannah wanted to clap her hands in excitement. She couldn’t believe she felt enthusiastic about a piece of exercise equipment, especially one that involved running.
Gabe popped his head into the room. “Everything all right.”
Hannah spun round. “Yes. Why wouldn’t it be?”
“No reason.” A smile spread across Gabe’s face and giving her a wink, he disappeared again.
“Who’s that?” Beth and Archie chorused.
Turning back to her children, Hannah felt herself blush. “My personal trainer,” she said, trying to keep her voice light.
“You have a PT?” Archie asked. “Go, Mum!”
Unlike her brother, Beth appeared less than impressed.
“He’s here to deliver the treadmill I mentioned,” Hannah explained.
“He gives all his clients a wink like that, does he?” Beth asked.
Not realising Gabe had been seen on screen, Hannah took in her daughter’s indignation. “I couldn’t say. I’ve never seen him with any of his other clients.”
“Does he have a name?” Archie asked.
“Yes. His name’s Gabe.”
“Whose name is Gabe?” Joining Beth and Archie, Carl had clearly got over his sulking.
“Mum’s personal trainer. He just winked at her,” Archie said.
Carl frowned. “That doesn’t sound right. What kind of professional behaves like that?”
“It’s only an eye movement,” Hannah said, wondering why the fuss.
“He fancies her,” Archie carried on.
“He does not,” Hannah said.
“I think Mum fancies him too,” Beth said, as if Hannah hadn’t spoken. “I get why. For an older man he doesn’t look bad. Anyway, that’s why she’s defending him. And probably why she seems different. See.” Beth indicated Carl make a proper assessment of Hannah. “She’s all happy and her eyes are brighter.”
