High Hopes at the Cotswolds Candy Store by Hannah Lynn

Author:Hannah Lynn [Lynn, Hannah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

24

It was the first time Holly had properly looked at her watch in hours, and she was amazed to find it wasn’t as late as she had thought. At six thirty on a Friday, the car park to the Pickle and Fig was only just starting to fill up with people ready to celebrate the start of the weekend.

‘It’s up to you if you want to eat outside,’ Giles said, offering her a hand to help her down out of the car. ‘They have some good outdoor heaters here, if that’s what you’d prefer? It’s pretty small inside, but I’m sure they’ll be able to find us a table. Holly?’

Holly was only half listening. She was looking around her with a sudden panic growing in her chest. She was about to have dinner with another man when the father of her child was away in a different country. Could she really do that? In her head, she rationalised the situation. She wasn’t on a date with Giles. He was taking her to get some food as a friend. He was being a good friend, that was all. A friend when all her others were unavailable. A friend that Ben happened to have a vehement dislike for, that was all.

‘They have a back room. Only a couple of tables. Exclusively for locals,’ Giles said, reading her expression. ‘If you’re really that worried about us being seen together.’

‘No, no… it’s fine. It’s fine.’ Holly wished she could stop the red flush from colouring her cheeks as she forced herself to smile. ‘It’s still fairly quiet. And it’s not like I know that many people in Stow. It’ll be fine.’

A small muscle twitched along Giles’ jawline and for a second, Holly thought he was going to say something, but he just nodded quickly.

‘This way then,’ he said, taking large strides towards the pub, and for once, not waiting for her.

The inside was far more modern than Holly expected, with large print wallpaper, and vibrant lampshades that hung above dark, wooden tables, though it smelt exactly as any pub should. Ales and hops flooded the air around the bar, while the aroma of home-cooked food wafted out from the kitchen. She didn’t need to see the menu of the food to know that her dad would love it here. An ache immediately spread across her chest. Maybe when he was fully recovered, she could take him here to celebrate. Just for a salad, of course.

‘Do your parents need anything dropping off?’ Giles said, having stopped in front of her and apparently aware exactly Holly’s mind had gone from her glazed look. ‘I don’t mind picking them up from hospital when he gets out either, if that would be helpful.’

‘Thank you,’ Holly said, genuinely meaning it. ‘They’ve already asked one of the neighbours, so they’ve got that sorted.’

‘Okay, well, just let me know if I can help.’

She was tempted to say thank you again, but there were only so many times you could thank someone in such a short time, she decided.

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