Page 91 of Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe

‘Actually, it was just after we’d graduated,’ Jake told Ben. ‘When he and I first visited Maple Tree Lodge.’

Ben was still looking confused. ‘But that was years ago!’

Jake took a deep breath. ‘True. But that was also the first time that he met your sister.’

His words rang out in the almost empty bar. Ben stared across at Alex in wide-eyed shock.

There was a short silence before anyone spoke.

‘You know, I haven’t caught up with Frankie for a long time and I suddenly feel like that’s long overdue,’ said Jake, before excusing himself.

Alone by the snooker table, Ben looked down and took his shot which bounced off the side and slid into the pocket. Meanwhile Alex stood nearby and waited for whatever came next. He just hoped it wasn’t the end of their friendship.

‘How long has it been going on?’ asked Ben.

‘We’ve been together about three weeks,’ Alex told him. ‘I’ve asked her out on a proper date but I didn’t want to keep it from you. Neither of us did.’

‘And she’s happy?’ asked Ben.

‘I think so,’ replied Alex, before nodding. ‘Yes. She is.’

‘And you?’

‘Ecstatic,’ Alex told him. ‘I’ve been in love with her for a very long time. Not that she knew anything about that.’

Ben looked at him. ‘Neither did I,’ he said, frowning.

‘There was never the right time and besides, I didn’t think she felt the same way,’ said Alex.

‘But she does?’ asked Ben, looking concerned.

‘I hope so.’ Alex attempted a smile but could feel the nerves spread across his face as he tried. ‘At least, that’s what she tells me.’

‘You’re my best friend and I trust you,’ said Ben. ‘But hurt her and…’

‘I would never do that,’ Alex told him fiercely. ‘You have to believe me.’

‘Oh, I do,’ said Ben, breaking into a grin. ‘I was just teasing you. You’ve got to give me something as the protective older brother here.’

Alex puffed out a sigh of relief just as Jake returned.

‘So, is it pistols at dawn, or do I need to choose one of you in the divorce?’ he asked.

‘Neither,’ said Ben. ‘Unlike you, Alex is the perfect gentleman where women are concerned.’

Jake shook his head. ‘I don’t see how he can be so perfect when he’s had so little experience with women compared to me,’ he said.

‘My point exactly,’ said Ben.

Alex felt relieved and grateful to have Ben’s blessing in what was beginning to feel like the most important relationship of his life. Finally he could relax and make it official by taking Hannah out on their very first date.

49

Hannah had spent the whole day in a bit of a muddled mess. She was equally nervous and yet excited about her date with Alex later on.

‘Where are you taking me?’ she asked him when he popped in for a coffee later in the morning.

But he shook his head in reply. ‘It’s a secret. But as it’s our first date, it’s also got to be special.’ He finished his coffee and stood up. ‘Anyway, I’ll see you later when I pick you up at four.’