Page 105 of Play On

Or a man who didn’t like Nicholas.

They are already friendly with each other, so we’re off to a good start. And from the way they are talking now, I’d say things are looking rather promising.

Going out this evening should confirm everything my head—and my heart—needs to know.

And my heart is already telling me another puzzle piece of Noah’s is going to fit perfectly in my life tonight.

Chapter Twenty-Five

The Striped Cat

“It’s going to be around the bend, on your right,” Nicholas informs Noah from the back seat.

“Got it,” he says, nodding.

His Bentley rolls through the English countryside, passing cobblestone fences and rolling fields of green. We whiz by pastures full of sheep. Round through villages with old stone homes. Receive the shade of leafy trees hanging over certain parts of the road.

But just as Nicholas said, up around the corner is The Striped Cat Pub, which is one of our favourite pubs in Dorset. The building is old—from the 1500s—and is made of stone and has a charming thatched roof. Ivy climbs up one wall, covering nearly the whole side of the building. The Striped Cat is a local favourite for its outdoor garden, which is a perfect spot to enjoy a pint on a beautiful summer night like this.

“I have beaten Nicholas many a times here on Quiz Night,” I tease my twin.

“I’ve beat him, too!” Amelia cries in delight.

“You both got lucky with topics that are in your wheelhouse,” Nicholas declares.

“Do they have Quiz Night tonight?” Noah asks. “We could place some bets.”

“No, that would be completely unfair because now you know to put money on Nicholas finishing last,” I tease.

“Shut up,” Nicholas says good-naturedly from the back seat. “But no, there’s no Quiz Night on Saturday. We’ll have to resort to talking to each other for entertainment.”

I glance at Noah. That first night at Wisteria House, he was quiet and didn’t speak much at all. At least from what I can remember of him. When he came to stay with us in Dorset, he was still quiet within the group, but began to open up to me. Before this past week, I would have wondered if he would be more reserved in the presence of Nicholas and Amelia.

But from the relaxed expression on his face, I know he’s going to be just fine conversing with them tonight.

Noah eases into a parking spot and turns off the engine. We all get out of the car and head inside. Because it’s Saturday night, the pub is full—both with people at the bar and on the restaurant side.

And because of that, I know Noah could easily draw a lot of attention. “Noah, would it be easier if we sit outside? To keep you from being recognised? You could keep your sunglasses on out there.”

He nods. “That probably would work best. But I don’t mind if you would all rather go inside. You’ll just have to be prepared for possible interruptions.”

“Oh, we don’t mind eating outside, it’s beautiful out tonight. I want to enjoy it after all that rain yesterday,” Amelia says cheerfully.

We go to the hostess stand and ask for an outdoor table. She leads us out to the garden, which is also full of people wanting to enjoy the perfect summer evening. We luck out with a picnic table in the back, and we all take a seat, with Noah sliding in next to me and Nicholas taking the seat next to Amelia.

“Welcome to The Striped Cat,” the hostess says, putting down plastic-coated menus in front of us. “Tonight’s special is fish and chips with mushy peas, and your waitress, Carrie, will be with you shortly.”

We all thank her and turn our attention to the menus. Noah reaches for my hand underneath the table, and I grow warm with happiness as he entwines his fingers with mine.

“I’m going to leave sunglasses on, if that’s okay,” he says.

“A disguise.” I grin.

“A bad one, but yes, somewhat of one,” Noah says, the edges of his mouth pulling up into an amused smile.

“We need to get you a better one,” Amelia says. “Like a wig!”

Nicholas burst out laughing. “You want Darby to wear a wig?”

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