Page 79 of Be Less Panda

‘I have missed being bossed around by you,’ he chuckled.

36

Nancy made Olivia comfortable on the bed, then passed her a glass of water and some painkillers.

‘Has Hans gone back to his hotel?’ Olivia asked once she’d downed the tablets.

‘Klaus. We have to remember he’s Klaus now.’

Olivia raised her eyebrows. ‘Alright then. Has Klaus gone back to his hotel?’

‘Yes. He’s going to phone his daughter to confirm he’s ok.’

‘Was she expecting you to exact your revenge on him?’

‘I don’t know how much he’s told her. I’m sure she’s just concerned for his welfare.’

‘So what’s the next move? Are we going home now that you know all his little secrets?’

‘I wouldn’t call them little secrets! He’s asked us to dinner this evening.’

‘Both of us?’

‘He’s a gentleman. He was hardly likely to suggest you stay here on your own.’

‘And do you want me to come along?’

The honest answer was no, but Nancy didn’t have to say that out loud because Olivia knew her well enough to take the hint.

‘I’m fine here. I can send for room service if I need anything. You go on your date with your hot octogenarian.’

‘You think he looks hot then?’

‘No. He was always more your type than mine. I’ve got to say, though, he’s stood the test of time very well. He’s the same age as my Peter but doesn’t look it. Peter’s like the last shrivelled old prune at the bottom of the tin - one that’s been left out to go mouldy.’

‘That’s a bit harsh.’ Nancy had thought that Olivia’s opinion of her ex had mellowed since she’d seen him at their son’s wedding at Christmas, but he must have upset her again. ‘Anyway,’ Olivia added, ‘it’s what you think that matters.’

‘In that case, I’ll text him to say it’s just me.’ Nancy grinned.

‘What’s Olivia doing?’ Klaus asked Nancy when he collected her from the hotel foyer.

‘She’s resting her bruised ankle. She assures me she will be back on her feet tomorrow, but she’s working her way through the liquid contents of the minibar to make absolutely sure.’

‘That sounds very like Olivia. I didn’t have an opportunity to ask earlier - what happened to Pierre?’

‘He left her for another woman shortly after we … after you disappeared.’

Klaus nodded. He obviously didn’t want to be drawn into that topic again. ‘Are you ok with walking to the restaurant? It’s only ten minutes away. Or we can get a taxi? Or an Uber if you don’t want anything as old-fashioned as a taxi?’

Nancy laughed. ‘Walking is fine. I don’t need a mobility scooter just yet.’ Nancy put her arm through his. ‘Which way?’

‘Over here.’ He led them down the main road.

Nancy’s phone rang.

‘Your son again?’ Klaus said.

She quickly glanced at the screen. It was Mark. At least she didn’t have to lie about that this time, but it was unusual for him to phone - he normally texted her.

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