Page 102 of Love ad Lib
‘Do you have the money for a deposit?’
Fuck!Her cheeks flamed. No, she didn’t. She didn’t have enough money for anything because all of her savings had gone to Lucas.
Henry was frighteningly calm. ‘Now that Claire’s given birth, what’s your business strategy going forward?’
‘I’ll sort something out.’
‘Is there a plan in place?’
She shrugged, hiding how utterly mortified she felt. Henry was a successful City broker, and she was an arty-farty fuck-up. A gulf deeper than the Grand Canyon lay between them, and with every truth he stated, it got bigger. Memories of Giles flashed into her mind.
Your hobby job isn’t exactly covering the increase in utility bills since you moved in.
‘Libby. I picked you up from Claire’s flat, so I know your sleeping choices are the sofa or the floor space between a cot and a changing table. Without a deposit, you won’t be able to secure alternative accommodation, and without a job you won’t get a deposit. Do you honestly think, in all good conscience, I can subject you to four days of my family then leave you high and dry when we return to London?’
She glanced at him, then away again. He was deadly serious.
‘What kind of a person would I be if I treated you like that?’ His voice was low and tight. ‘Enduring a five-minute conversation with most members of my family should qualify for a bonus.’
She bit the inside of her cheek to keep the emotion at bay. Once again, she was a charity case.
He threw his hands up. ‘Jesus, Libby. I’d give you all the money in my bank account if you’d let me. I was dreading this weekend, but you’ve made it enjoyable. You have no idea how much you’ve done for me.’ He crossed his arms. ‘And you signed a contract.’
Thatbloodycontract again.
‘Libby?’ his voice was softer. ‘Please look at me?’
She shook her head.
‘Fuck!’ He exhaled. ‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken so harshly.’
Out of the bottom of her blurry eyes, she saw his fingers extend towards hers. This time he didn’t stop, clasping her hands in his.
She raised her head. If she was in pain, he looked in agony.
‘Libby, I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t pay you for everything you’ve done. Please let me?’
‘Cooee!’
Their heads snapped up. Estelle was rowing towards them.
Henry let go of Libby’s hands. She wiped her eyes and put on a smile.
‘Hey, lovebirds, I’ve come to race you.’ Estelle drew nearer. ‘Henry, have you got your phone on you?’
‘No, it’s back at the house. Why?’
‘I can’t get in touch with Eveline, so I thought I’d try from yours.’
Libby gazed at the bank where a figure with long, deep red hair was strolling towards the group.
‘Isn’t that Eveline?’
Estelle turned her head. ‘Ah, yes, so it is.’ She stood, holding an oar over her head and waving it. ‘Eveline!’ Her boat wobbled.
‘Estelle, sit down,’ Henry called out. ‘What are you doing?’
Her boat started to tip.
