Page 96 of Love ad Lib
‘I’m nearly ten years older. I made sure I got into the right university, studied the right subject, got the right job. I wanted to help all of them but could only afford one set of fees. Leo had almost finished school, and Willow seemed settled, so I paid for Summer.’
Bloody hell. ‘That must have set you back a bit.’
‘I don’t regret a penny. I just wish she’d completed a degree.’
‘You paid for her to go to uni as well?’
He nodded.
Libby thought about how much debt she’d accrued to go to university. It was a huge amount and she expected to spend most of her life repaying the loans.
Henry squeezed her hand. ‘I never meant to tell you this. You’re just such a good listener, it all came out.’
‘Have you ever talked to anyone else about it?’
He shook his head. ‘Everyone knows. But like I said, it’s a subject we never discuss.’
‘Is this why you don’t want to come back here?’
He hesitated, then nodded. ‘I can’t control anything here, but I can in London. I want to feel normal. I want to fit in. Like you.’
‘Me? Fit in?’
His expression was earnest. ‘Yes. You fit into any situation you’re placed in, perfectly.’
‘God, Henry, that’s just acting and false confidence. Most of the time I don’t feel like I fit in at all.’
He looked at her as if she’d just announced she was a shapeshifter from the planet Xarg.
‘Henry, when did you last look at yourself in a mirror? Seriously, you’ve got a great job and are adored by your family—’
‘I wouldn’t go that far—’
‘You’re sweet, kind, clever, funny, and better looking than a model. Jesus, Henry, you’ve got it all.’
He frowned. ‘It doesn’t feel like that.’
She understood. Just because she thought he was amazing and had all his ducks in a row, didn’t mean he agreed.
‘Libby?’
Oh god, please just kiss me!‘Ye-es?’
‘I feel normal when I’m with you. Most of the time.’
‘Most of the time?’
Henry let go of her hand, his cheeks colouring. ‘Sharing a bed with you doesn’t, er, feel particularly normal.’
He leapt to his feet, shading his eyes as he looked towards the lake. ‘They’re setting up for the picnic. Do you want to wander that way now?’
No! I want to stay here with you!Libby stared at the field. ‘Are we allowed to pick the flowers?’
‘Sure. Do you want them for the room?’
She shook her head. ‘I want to be a flower fairy for the day.’
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