Page 32 of He's the One

It took Col a moment before he managed a quiet chuckle. “I’m hiding from someone.”

“How exciting. Does it involve international secrets? A plot to change the result of the shortbread biscuit class? You have to tell me.”

“I’m not sure I want to.”

Theo’s brow furrowed. “Then what else are we going to do in this confined space? Lying so close together? I’m stuck for ideas. Absolutely nothing is coming to mind.”

Col’s heart thumped. “PlayI Spy?”

“Other than body parts, the choice of words for what we can see is a bit limited. Cardboard, table, grass, tablecloth.” Theo grinned. “On the other hand: mouth, lips, eyes, cheeks, neck… Are we only allowed things we can see?”

Theo stared at Col and they both swallowed hard.

“I saw your picture,” Theo said. “Where did you find a Deathlayer to photograph?”

What?

Theo chuckled. “The sage and onion one is yours, right? It’s funny. You should have won.”

“A Deathlayer chicken? Did you make that up?”

“It’s a very proficient layer with iridescent greens and purples in its black feathers and black eyes.”

“How did it get that name?”

“Because it lays an egg a day until it dies.” Theo grimaced. “I’m horrified I know that. I spend too much time reading tea towels.”

Col grinned. “So why have you changed clothes? Your boss didn’t give you the sack, did he? He didn’t sound pleased with you.”

“He didn’t sack me, more reminded me what I was supposed to be doing. Not that I take any notice, which is why I’m under here with you. Tell me who you’re hiding from.”

Something other than the truth didn’t spring to mind. “My ex-boyfriend. I broke up with him a couple of weeks ago, moved out of his flat, and came home to stay with my mum and dad. Just for a while.”

“How do you cope, living with your mum and dad?”

That was what Theo picked up on?

“It’s fine.”

“Lucky you. So what is your ex doing here?”

“He knows where my parents live and probably spoke to their neighbours when he found no one home.”

“Did you abscond with his collection of Star Wars memorabilia and he intends to strike you with his light saber? Or does he want you back?”

“I suspect he wants me back. It isn’t going to happen.”Don’t blurt out the whole sad story.

“Not sure hiding was the best plan. Though to be honest, it’s one I use a lot.”

“Mum saidhideand I didn’t stop to think.”

“Oh God, I know how that feels. Except I’m usually trying to avoid my mother in order not to have to do what she tells me to. Then again, it seems you meet the most interesting people under tables. If only I’d known.”

Col’s heart was doing some complex acrobatics.

“At least I know now that if I see you with someone, you’re not really with them and I don’t need to become crazed with jealousy and beat my chest in distress.”

Col choked back a laugh.

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