Chapter Six #2
She parked the car and walked up through the grounds of the pub – Luke had texted to say where he and Xander had gone – to where she could see them sitting at the top of the garden, where the view was best. It was a beautiful summer afternoon and Hattie never stopped being grateful for living in such a beautiful area.
‘Hi, guys!’ she said, aware of a sudden rush of happiness at seeing them. The dogs, Frank and Fearless, who’d been settled quietly under the bench, got up and made a huge fuss of her. ‘Can I get you drinks? Not you,’ she said to Fearless, who was particularly affectionate.
Luke unhooked his long legs from the bench and got to his feet. ‘I’ll get them. What are you having? And do you want anything to eat? We’ve already had lunch, but they’ll stop serving food soon.’
‘Lime soda, please, but nothing to eat.’
Luke nodded, and after a quick command to his dogs to stay, set off towards the pub.
‘So, how was it?’ Hattie was a little anxious; she’d left Xander with Luke when they didn’t really know each other. Luke had offered, and to her surprise and relief, Xander had accepted the offer of spending Sunday morning with him.
Xander nodded. ‘Cool.’ He didn’t elaborate, but as far as she could tell, he wasn’t unhappy.
‘You haven’t spent all morning at the pub?’
Xander shook his head. ‘No. We went to an old house Luke is working on. But I found out he used to be into electronic music, like I am. He’s still got quite a lot of kit. He said I can use it any time.’
‘That’s good.’ Hattie wasn’t sure she knew about Luke’s musical interests and certainly didn’t know about Xander’s. ‘So you had a nice time?’
Xander nodded.
Luke came back with drinks and packets of crisps. Seeing him walking up the hill with the tray, Hattie noticed how easily he moved, his faded linen shirt loose on his body, his equally faded jeans flattering his long legs. She reached for her bag, so he wouldn’t notice she’d been looking at him.
‘So, how do you feel about quizzes?’ Hattie asked when everyone had had time to sip their drinks.
Luke nodded. ‘I like them. No good at sport or popular culture though.’
Xander shrugged. ‘Never watched one.’
‘I’m talking about a real-life quiz, not one on television. And I really hope you’ll come. Sheila, Fiona’s mother – she’s my client – Fiona is, I mean – needs people for a quiz team.’
‘When is it?’ asked Luke.
‘This Friday,’ she said. ‘Very short notice.’ She pulled out a couple of leaflets. ‘You’ll be my guests, of course, and there’s a supper which sounds pretty good.’
Luke looked at the leaflet. ‘I’ll come if I can but I’m back down in Cornwall next week. I might not be able to get back in time.’
‘Oh, don’t rush back for it!’ Hattie felt suddenly guilty. ‘It doesn’t matter if you can’t come.’
‘I can’t come either,’ said Xander.
Hattie shook her head. ‘You’re an essential part of the team, Xander, you don’t get a choice.’ She paused. ‘I’m going to ask Rose and Sam if they can come. You’ll like them,’ she said to Xander.
‘I’ll certainly try and make it, Hattie,’ said Luke.
He didn’t often use her name and suddenly it felt meaningful. ‘Thanks!’ she said, hoping she didn’t sound breathless.
It was easy to convince Rose and Sam to come to the quiz; they loved a night out.
‘I’m hoping it won’t go on too long,’ said Hattie.
‘It probably will,’ said Rose. ‘If they’re raising funds there’ll be raffles and all sorts. You can have a power nap before we go.’
‘I’m nearly thirty-five, not nearly ninety!’ said Hattie.
‘Anyway, I’m needed. Bye, bye.’
Hattie could find no genuine reason to get in touch with Nick; she’d already organised a builder to come and see the house with him but the appointment wasn’t for ten days or so.
In the end she decided to just invite him.
She tapped on his number. ‘Nick! How are you doing?’ she said when he answered, surprisingly quickly.
‘Thank you for your interest, Hattie,’ he said lightly. ‘I’m fine. Now why are you ringing me? I do hope the builder hasn’t pulled out of our meeting. Although it’s got everything wrong with it, I’m really excited about that house.’
‘That’s good to hear, but no, nothing to do with that. I’m hoping you can do me a favour…’
‘What’s that?’ He sounded curious.
‘Could you come to a quiz this Friday? Do you like quizzes? You strike me as someone who’d be good at them.’
This made him laugh. ‘Really? Or are you desperate?’
‘Both. It’s local. There’s food and one free drink, and a very desperate woman who needs to fill two teams. That’s not me, by the way. I’m only desperate by association.’
‘Well, you’re in luck. I do like quizzes. My knowledge of flags and the Periodic Table is outstanding.’
‘Oh, Nick, that’s amazing! I can’t do flags and my knowledge of the Periodic Table is only what I’ve learnt from Pointless.’
‘I’m rarely at home in time to watch that.’
Hattie swallowed. ‘And would you like to bring anyone? A partner?’
Too late she remembered she officially knew he didn’t have a partner; she really just wanted to know if he had any sort of girlfriend.
‘No, just me. I’m currently single, as you should know.’
‘I know you’re only looking for a property for you, but you could have a red-hot lover who you don’t happen to want to live with,’ Hattie blurted out, sticking up for herself.
‘Could I indeed?’ He sounded quizzical.
‘It happens.’ Hattie laughed, and as she disconnected she realised she was getting to like him.