“What do you expect?” Roger stared at Gabe like he was an idiot. “The girl’s had a shock. She’s upset. But that doesn’t mean you don’t try. And before you say anything, phone calls and texts don’t cut it. If you truly are sorry, son, you’ll look her in the eye and say it.”
As hard as it was to hear, Gabe knew his dad was right. “Okay, you win.”
Roger smiled. “Does that mean…?”
Having supported Hannah through her running journey thus far, Gabe wanted nothing more than to be there when she crossed the finish line. Even if he ended up doing it from afar on account of her telling him where to go. Already short for time, he grabbed his car keys off the side. “It does.”
As he headed for the door, he paused and turned to Roger, who he suddenly saw as dawdling. “Are you coming, or what?”
CHAPTER46
“Look at all these people,” Hannah said to her aunt and Mel.
“Isn’t it wonderful?” Aunt Dorothy said.
“I can’t wait to get going,” Mel said.
Carrying a deckchair for Dorothy to sit on once the race got underway, Hannah proudly sported her numbered bib as she soaked up the atmosphere and took in her fellow competitors. As everyone around them chatted, the air buzzed with excitement.
The more serious of those taking part were already stretching and limbering up ready to beat their personal bests, while others took a more relaxed approach having brought their dogs along as running companions. Glancing around, Hannah thanked goodness she’d upped her fitness level. Even the pensioners amongst them appeared to be in good athletic shape. “I hope Liv can find us in the middle of this lot.”
“She can’t miss us wearing these,” Mel said. Thanks to their bright pink T-shirts, there was no denying the three of them stood out.
Wethersham Hall’s estate was vast and after checking in, like everyone else it seemed, Hannah’s group had decided to meet at the Rotunda café, which wasn’t far from the race’s start line. A circular stone building, it had a wide shuttered window that operated as a serving hatch and white bistro sets were dotted around its exterior providing seating for its customers. With the race due to start and her nerves coming to the fore, were it not for their team bet, Hannah would have been tempted to grab a coffee and watch events instead of seeing the race through.
“If you want to back out, now’s the time to do it,” Mel said, clearly exploiting Hannah’s trepidation. Reaching into her pocket, Mel pulled out her Saint Hilda’s long-distance running medal and dangled it in front of Hannah. “Bearing in mind you’re up against some stiff competition.”
“Exactly,” Dorothy said. “Why not admit defeat and save yourself the pain.”
“And embarrassment,” Mel said, tucking her medal away again.
Hannah shook her head. “It’s going to be like that, is it?” Unable to help but smile, she couldn’t believe they were resorting to mind games.
Dorothy sniggered.
“Let’s see who’s laughing come the finishing line, shall we?” Hannah said, more than up for the challenge.
“There you all are!”
Hannah spun round to see Liv, with Quentin in tow, fast approaching. Unlike Hannah, who wore her trusty leggings and team T-shirt, Liv looked the real deal in her blue running shorts and light-grey singlet tank top. Her hair was tied into a neat bun at the back of her head, and she had a sweatband on one wrist and stats monitor on the other.
Hannah indicated Liv’s ensemble. “I see you mean business too.” Hannah’s gaze flitted between her and Mel. “Let’s hope you’re both better at running than you are at psychology warfare. Although I have to say, Liv, I’m a bit disappointed you’re not wearing pink.”
Liv nodded to Quentin, who reached into the rucksack he carried. Producing not one, but two team T-shirts, he and Liv proceeded to put them on.
Mel suddenly froze, her expression serious.
“What is it?” Hannah stiffened in response to Mel. She wore the same expression that Gabe had worn when Kate made her surprise appearance.
“Russel?” Mel said, unsure.
Hannah turned. Taking in the red hair and black-framed glasses, she’d have recognised Russel’s steely stare anywhere. As her eyes went from him to Mel and back again, her heart did a little dance on her friend’s behalf.
Russel’s sudden arrival seemed to impact everyone. Dorothy oohed and Liv aahed, and even Quentin appeared to swoon. He wrapped an arm around Liv’s shoulder and pulled her close. Hannah couldn’t help but feel a bit envious.
Seeing Mel and Russel look as unsure as each other, Hannah sighed, wistful. It seemed her friend had been right to previously say things weren’t always as they seem. With Mel stood as if unable to move Hannah nudged her forward.
Mel continued to appear hesitant, but thanks to everyone’s encouraging nods she finally stepped forward. Hannah and the others took a couple of paces back, at the same time turning away to give Mel and Russel some privacy.
