Page 32 of Playing for Keeps

“It just makes more sense now,” Damian said.

“It makes no sense,” Hugh argued. “I don’t even care what Nancy thinks, so I don’t know why I let it get to me. But she made some comment implying that I don’t have fun. Like I have a completely boring life.”

“Hmm,” Damian said, in an annoying know-it-all sort of tone.

“What?” Hugh demanded.

“It all seems pretty clear to me,” Damian said. “But I’m not sure I want to explain it in case I do irreparable damage to our friendship dynamic.”

Hugh gave him a stern, questioning look.

“You usually give us advice,” Leo answered for Damian. “It’s going to throw things off if Damian starts being all wise and grown up.”

“You realise I’m only two years older than you?” Hugh said. “How come you always act like we’re a different generation or something?”

“You just seem older than us,” Leo replied. “You’re sensible and grown up. You always have been.”

“You’re an old soul,” Damian added.

Hugh didn’t think that was true; he’d just had responsibilities for longer than they had. He’d had to be sensible.

“Anyway,” Damian said. “Here are my thoughts on the matter. I don’t think your issue is really to do with Nancy.”

“Really?” He rolled his eyes. “You don’t think my annoyance is justified when she’s making comments about me needing to get a life?”

“I think you’re probably annoyed because you agree with her.”

Hugh’s forehead creased to a frown. “What?”

“Deep down, you must think she has a point, otherwise it wouldn’t bother you.”

“I …” Hugh opened his mouth to argue but couldn’t think of anything to say. “I like my life,” he said weakly.

“We know,” Leo said. “Because you say it often. But maybe you say it so much because you’re trying to convince yourself.”

“It’s fine to want more from life,” Damian said. “It’s never going to be a reflection on Emmy.”

“Now what are you talking about?” Hugh snapped.

Damian shrugged. “I feel as though you think it might somehow offend Emmy if you wanted more from life.”

“I don’t think that.” Hugh shook his head, then smiled as the shop assistant returned with a stack of jeans.

“Start trying those,” she said, handing them over. “I’m going to grab one or two more things.”

As she rushed away, Leo muttered “makeover” under his breath.

Five minutes later Hugh was standing in front of the mirror in a pair of stone-washed jeans and a bright white T-shirt. He had to admit that the cut was more flattering.

“That looks all right, doesn’t it?” he said without taking his eyes off his reflection.

“It looks great,” the shop assistant replied from her place beside him. Zara, according to her name badge. “Your date’s going to love it. Ooh, hang on a minute …” She was off again in a rush.

“You look about ten years younger,” Leo said.

“Yeah.” Damian grinned. “You look our age now.”

“I am your age,” he huffed, but couldn’t quite tear his eyes from himself. He really did look younger. “Shame I can’t do anything about my hair,” he said, dragging his fingers through the dark-brown hair at his temple which was close-cropped and peppered with grey.

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