Page 88 of Playing for Keeps

“We’ve been telling you to go for it for years,” Leo added. “You’ll make the money back in no time.”

“They’re not exactly cheap,” Damian said. “Not just the initial cost, but the insurance.”

Leo shrugged. “Even so.”

“Amy’s reaction surprised me.” Damian propped his chin on his hand. “I was expecting her to tell me it’s a crazy idea, but she was really encouraging. She also pointed out that it would be less risky for me now that we’re a two-income household.”

“Do you think you’ll go for it?” Hugh asked.

“I might have to.” His features relaxed. “For one thing, Amy mentioned it to the boys. I don’t think Billy is ever going to shut up about it.”

“I assume that was a strategic move on Amy’s part,” Hugh said.

“Yeah. She’s also pretty excited by the idea of us racing jet skis along the coast.”

“That’s why she’s gunning for two.” Leo gave an appreciative curl of his lip. “It does sound like a laugh. I’d be up for races.”

“We’ll see.” Damian took a swig of his pint, looking thoughtful.

“Where’s Alice?” Hugh asked Leo.

“At home with Caitlin.”

“Any developments there?”

“No. I really think she likes having her own place and I don’t want her to feel pressured to give it up.” Leo indicated Hugh’s pint. “I take it you didn’t come in the Porsche?”

“No.” He rolled his eyes. “It’s still up at the club.”

“When’s Allie getting back?” Damian asked.

“She thinks probably at the weekend. She’s not sure.”

“And Emmy’s back on Sunday, right?” Leo asked. “I suppose that’s going to burst your romantic bubble somewhat.”

“I already managed to do that myself,” he replied.

“How come?” Damian asked.

“Allie called me last night and the conversation ended up a little awkward.” He twisted his lips. “We were talking about her dad, and then she asked about my parents …”

“Did you bite her head off?” Damian asked, wincing slightly as he shrunk back into his seat.

“No.” He tried to recall exactly how bad the conversation had been. “I was fairly monosyllabic and then I ended the call abruptly.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad,” Leo ventured. “Have you spoken to her today?”

“No.” He sighed. “I don’t know what to say.”

Damian leaned back and interlocked his fingers at his chest. “How about you tell her the truth? That your mum is a narcissistic maniac who you have nothing to do with and who you’d rather not talk about.” From the way Damian’s body jerked and the look he shot at Leo, Hugh deduced he’d just got kicked under the table. “It’s true,” he insisted with that look he always got on the rare occasion that Hugh’s mum came into the conversation.

There was something mildly comforting about the way Damian hated Hugh’s mum so much. Especially when contrasted with Leo’s more measured, diplomatic responses. No doubt he didn’t think any more highly of her but was sensitive to the fact that she was Hugh’s mum, no matter what they all thought of her.

“I should have just calmly changed the subject,” Hugh said. “But Allie kept asking questions and I got stressed.”

“Just explain that it’s hard for you to talk about and apologise for being grumpy.”

Hugh shot Leo a hard stare. “I never said I’d been grumpy.”

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