Page 41 of Where She Is
“Done, I’ll get a menu.”
I feel the devil inside me. “Why don’t we go out, my treat. I’d love to have a look around town.”
“Right.”
Okay, he hasn’t said no, but he looks unsure. I drop myself next to him and snuggle into his side. I look up to his delicious jaw line, using my puppy dog eyes to see if they work. “Please?” I hope he can see the funny side, but instead, he seems sad.
“Han, it’s difficult for me. Can you try to understand?”
“It’s okay, forget it.”
His pursed lips and deep sorrowful eyes pull at my heart. I feel like a bitch.
“I will show you around, and soon, I promise.”
I nod, “Great, then maybe you might attempt to come to the city with me one day?”
“I haven’t been in a while, I’ll have to see.”
I’m not exactly tactful today and feel awful for the second time. My hands cup either side of his face and pull him towards me. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have pushed you.” My lips crush to his, but the passion he normally gives with every kiss, is somehow missing. I pull away when he gets up and walks towards the kitchen,
“I’ll get the menus.”
I could kick myself.
We sit, crossed-legged on the floor in the lounge and eat at the coffee table. It’s a veritable banquet for two. Daniel has chosen some excellent wine to go with it and this early dinner would have been perfect, had I not been so pushy. We’re talking, but it’s strained and I feel most of what I say is crap. The gentle sound of guitars against breaking waves interrupts an awkward silence as my alarm signals. I jump up with far too much enthusiasm. “That’s my cue to call home. Is it okay if I use the bedroom?”
At least he’s smiling now. “You don’t have to ask, Hannah. I want you to feel at home.”
I pull up my home number as I walk. It’s early morning in the UK, but mum and dad are always up with the lark. It only takes a few rings before she answers.
“Hi Mum, it’s me.”
“Darling, how are you? Did you see I called? I got a little worried when you didn’t answer yesterday.”
My stomach is in knots. It’s so good to speak to her and I want to hug her so badly.
“I’m sorry. I had a bit of a nightmare when you called. I was in the middle of dinner with… some clients and the time difference was proving a problem. Sorry, Mum.”
I’ve lied to her about the weekend, but I’m not ready to share Daniel just yet. Not until I’m sure of where things are going.
“Everyone sends you their love, darling. We all miss you so much.”
“I miss you all too.” Loneliness creeps around me again and a cold shudder runs down my spine, but I do my best to sound upbeat. “But I’m having a whale of a time.”
“And work is going well?”
“Yes, it is actually. We have a lot to do here, which means not a lot of time for a social life, but I love it when we’re busy.”
“I hope that doesn’t mean Richard is working you too hard. He needs to look after you.”
“I think we’re looking after each other, Mum. We’re not bored, that’s for sure.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Listen, darling, I know you find it hard to be away from home, but it will get better, I promise. You just have to give yourself time. Once you meet new people, it will all fall into place. If it doesn’t, then you know you can come home. Just give yourself a chance, darling.”
“I will, I mean I am Mum. Promise.”
“You never know. You may meet the man of your dreams!”
