“You’ll be fine,” Dorothy said, as if reading her mind.
The drive into town didn’t take long and after paying the driver Hannah and Dorothy alighted the vehicle. Smoothing her dress down, Hannah suddenly felt nervous. Mel and Liv had never seen her so dressed up and the last thing she wanted was anyone thinking she’d made an effort for Gabe. A little voice questioned if subconsciously that might have been her intention. Another said,so what if it was. A third hoped Liv would be there to tease her regardless.
Dorothy nodded to the restaurant door. “Shall we?”
It was clear Dorothy was awestruck because she immediately admired the room’s circular tables that were perfect for socialising. She oohed at the shiny silver cutlery and array of gleaming glasses sat on crisp white linen. And aahed at the space’s rich wooden floor and the various ornate gold-framed pictures that adorned its matt black walls. “Very swish,” Dorothy said.
While her aunt continued to be impressed, Hannah looked around for her friends. Spotting their table, there was no sign of Liv or Quentin, and Hannah’s heart sank.
Dorothy squinted. “Mel’s boyfriend’s a bit older than I expected.”
Hannah couldn’t help but chuckle as she identified the man in question. “That’s not Russel.”
“Then who is it?”
“Gabe’s dad.”
Dorothy let out a laugh. “Thank goodness for that. I wouldn’t have had a clue what to say if ithadbeen.”
The restaurant hostess stepped forward and led Hannah and Dorothy over to their seats.
As Gabe and Roger rose to their feet, Hannah couldn’t help but feel impressed. Father and son had certainly gone to some effort. Roger looked great in his navy suit, and Gabe, wearing a crisp white shirt, grey fitted trousers, looked more gorgeous than ever.
As Gabe’s eyes locked on Hannah, he seemed lost for words.
“Put your tongue back in, son,” Roger said to Gabe, while Mel gave Hannah and Dorothy a hug.
“And you must be Dorothy,” Roger said. “Lovely to meet you at last. I’ve heard so much about you.”
As he moved to shake Dorothy’s hand, she wavered as if not sure how to respond.
Hannah understood why. The way Dorothy continued to talk to Uncle Denis, she probably thought she was being disloyal.
“I believe you’re the glue that’s been holding this running team together,” Roger said. Briefly glancing Hannah’s way, he gave a discreet nod that said he understood Dorothy’s hesitance. “I’d love to hear how you keep this one in line.” Roger indicated Gabe. “In the nearly forty years since he was born, I’ve never quite managed it.”
Dorothy relaxed and when Roger pulled a chair out for her to sit next to him, she willingly lowered herself into it. “I suppose we pensioners should stick together.”
“Wine?” Roger asked, indicating a bottle of white that had sat in wait.
“Yes please,” Dorothy said.
Roger proceeded to fill everyone’s glasses.
“No Russel?” Hannah asked.
“Not yet. He has messaged. To say he’s on his way. His train must be running late.”
“And he knows to come straight here?” Gabe asked.
Mel took a deep breath in anticipation. She nodded.
Mel looked so nervous Hannah couldn’t help but reach out and squeeze her friend’s hand. Hannah checked her watch on her other wrist. “Has anyone heard from Liv or Quentin?”
“Nothing,” Gabe said.
Mel shook her head. “Not a word.”
“Fine team bonding session this is going to be with half the members missing,” Dorothy said.
