Page 86 of Playing for Keeps

“No.” Allie’s hand went to massage her shoulder. As irrational as it was, she was convinced her pain would return if she set foot back in Fox Hill. “I’m kind of exhausted.”

“Don’t come if you don’t want to. Go home and rest.”

“Thanks.” She remained on the bench as Bella walked away. Even going back to her house felt unappealing.

The only thing that finally got her moving was the thought that she could call Hugh once she got there.

The sound of his voice was bound to soothe her.

CHAPTER 31

When Allie had bought her semi-detached house in Surrey, she’d been absolutely head over heels with the place. It was her sanctuary to return to after being away at a tournament or after a long day at work. She’d thought it cosy and welcoming.

This time, returning to the house didn’t feel the same. She didn’t get the rush of relief that she’d had before, nor the feeling of contentment. After setting her keys on the granite counter, she turned in a circle, wondering why the homely kitchen no longer inspired the sense of comfort that it had before.

The only thing that made her smile about the room was Hugh’s car key lying beside her house keys. Absently, she ran a finger over it, then delved in her bag in search of her phone. A message had come through from Hugh a couple of hours ago, asking how everything was and letting her know he was thinking of her.

In the front room, she kicked her shoes off and deposited herself onto the cream armchair as she pressed dial on his number.

“Hey,” he said, answering quickly. “How are you?”

“I’m good, thank you.” She sank further into the deep cushions. “Dad’s doing well.”

“Glad to hear it. What happened exactly?”

“Apparently he had a heart attack a month ago, and to save me some worrying he decided to not tell me and instead suggested I spend some time in Devon. He claims it was for my benefit, but I guess he also didn’t want me fussing over him.”

“I thought it was you who wanted a change of scenery,” Hugh said, questioningly.

“Yeah.” She sighed, thinking she needed to unravel all the untruths she’d told, but not sure where to start. “Mostly it was my dad’s suggestion for me to go to Devon. He thought a change of scenery would be good for me. Turns out he was probably right, but I won’t tell him that. He’s unbearably smug sometimes.”

“How long do you think you’ll stay in Surrey?” Hugh asked.

“Oh! You need your car back. Thank you so much for lending it to me, and I really am sorry for snapping at you this morning.”

“You were stressed. It was understandable. And there’s no rush for the car. I’ll only really need to drive to pick Emmy up from the airport on Sunday, but I can borrow Damian’s car if you’re not back.”

“You’re also welcome to use mine, but I’ll bring your car back before then anyway.” She had to think hard to remember what day it was. Wednesday. “Dad will be out of the hospital tomorrow. I’d just like to hang around for a day or two to check he’s settled. Then I’ll return your car.”

“There’s really no rush.”

Maybe there wasn’t any rush regarding his car, but she felt a tug to get back to Devon. It wasn’t only the beautiful beaches and breath-taking views that had her itching to get back. She couldn’t quite fathom how she’d got so attached to Hugh in such a short space of time, but she already missed him and it hadn’t even been twelve hours since she’d seen him.

Hugh cleared his throat. “You have a really nice car, by the way.”

“Thanks.” She felt exhausted at the mere thought of explaining everything. “I love it. It’s just slightly unpractical on the days when you need to drive a couple of hundred miles without warning.”

“Yeah.” She waited for more questions about the car, but it was Hugh who changed the subject. “I’m glad your dad’s okay anyway. It must have been a stressful day.”

“Yes. Parents can be a nightmare,” she said lightly. “You said you’re not close to yours?”

“Not really, no.”

“How often do you see them?” she ventured when he failed to expand on the subject.

“I see my dad now and again, my mum less so.”

“Are they separated?”

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