Page 29 of From the Moment We Met

Chapter Six

Jacob

As Jacob chatted with Sabina in the darkened booth, he realized how much he missed sharing a pint with friends. The pub was quaint and local enough that his presence slipped by unnoticed. He was grateful for the temporary anonymity.

He was also grateful that Sabina segued into a conversation about Lilly without him needing to broach the topic. In fact, her name came up almost immediately after they arrived at the pub. He felt oddly desperate to learn more about her, besides the lively discussion soothed his nerves. He was nervous as he awaited Lilly’s arrival, not that he’d admit it, even if his life depended on it.

Jacob felt an immediate sense of comfort with Sabina and soon disclosed his family situation. “Lilly didn’t approve of my extended absences from my family, and she had no issue with telling me.” He raised his glass, motioning to the bartender for another whiskey.

Sabina fiddled with her swizzle stick and shrugged. “She wouldn’t.”

“Let me guess, she has a perfect family that never argues and spends every holiday in matching sweaters.”

Sabina stopped fiddling and met his gaze. “Not even close, she doesn’t have any family.”

That statement hit Jacob in the gut. “I never would have guessed that.”

“She keeps it close to the vest, but both her parents have passed, and she’s an only child with no children of her own. She’s basically alone in the world.”

Jacob averted his eyes when the waitress placed the whiskey in front of him and paused for a moment, as if examining him. He waited for the inevitable question, but a call from the bartender broke the moment, and he smiled when she moved away from the table. “I pegged Lilly’s situation all wrong, didn't I?"

“That’s likely why she pushed you to be a bigger part of your family’s life, since you still have that option.”

Jacob considered Sabina’s statement; despite his feelings of alienation, he was surrounded by a loving family, unlike Lilly. “She covers it well, she seems to love everybody. Except me, of course.”

Sabrina grinned. “She’s my tree-hugging gypsy.” She sipped her drink, sending Jacob a sly smile. “And I think she likes you way more than she’s letting on.”

Sabina’s statement coursed through his veins faster than the burn from a fine scotch, but he covered it with a chuckle. “A gypsy? That explains the Stevie Nicks music.”

“Hey, I like Stevie Nicks too, but I’m no hippie. Lilly's quite the environmentalist, but her focus lies in protecting the animals. She’s only been in London for three months and has already garnered enough funds and manpower to build a new set of dog runs at the shelter.”

“I can’t fault her for loving animals, my dog is my best mate. So, is Lilly this kind to people or is it reserved for the four-legged variety?”

Sabrina scoffed. “She prefers the four-legged variety, but her sarcastic exterior covers the gentlest heart. Hell, she barely knew me when I got kicked out of my flat, but she put my daughter and me up for two months until we got back on our feet. Never accepted a shilling from me. She takes care of everyone, maybe because no one ever took care of her. She’s exceptional at loving people but not very good at allowing herself to be loved.”

Jacob stared into his whiskey, mulling Sabina’s statement. Since meeting Lilly, he felt an innate need to protect her, but couldn’t put his finger on the reason why. Now he understood.

Sabina cleared her throat, smiling. “She’ll kill me if I divulge any more of her secrets so let’s move to a happier topic, like how fit I look in this outfit.”

Jacob laughed. “Without question.”

Sabina looked past him, a slow smile spreading across her face. “Of course, I don’t look quite that good.”

Jacob followed her gaze and saw Lilly walking to the bar, Dr. Torres at her side. He huffed at the sight of them together. “I see she brought a date.”

Sabrina leaned further out of her side of the booth, a confused look on her face. “They’re not dating. I invited him. They must have walked in at the same time.” She leaned back, a knowing look on her face. “Are you not a fan of the good doctor?”

“He’s a fabulous surgeon. He saved Janie’s life, I’m forever grateful to him.”

“That doesn’t sound like a rehearsed line.”

Jacob cleared his throat. “I think she could do better.”

“Possibly…perhaps someone a bit more like…you?” Sabina grinned broadly.

“I didn’t mean me.” What a load of bollocks that was—complete crap. And judging by Sabina's smirk, she knew it too.

Jacob scanned the pub for another glimpse of Lilly. He spotted her at the end of the bar, laughing with Dr. Torres. The surgeon was hanging on her every word.

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