Page 22 of Ask Another Day

He mumbled something she couldn’t quite make out.

‘What was that?’

‘Nothing. Anyway, I overheard your Owen telling Tony he isn’t planning on putting down roots here. Just thought you should know.’

And before she could even formulate a response, he turned and left her outside; alone.

*

The odd conversation with Seb played on her mind as she drove back to the pub to collect her swim stuff she’d annoyingly left on her bed. Their interaction had bothered her to such a degree she was even tempted to text Rose about it - despite the fact mentioning Seb’s name anywhere near her friend seemed to cause her to grin maniacally. Luckily life intervened, and thoughts of messaging her friend dissipated as she stepped out of her car and came face to face with Owen. The unexpected encounter made her jump, a scream catching in her throat.

‘Shit, sorry!’ Owen reached out to apologise. ‘I’d just called at the pub to offer to give you a lift to the pool, but obviously as you’re here, you weren’t there.’

He laughed at himself, and the action brought squishable dimples to his cheeks.

The question of why they weren’t dating each other right now, crashed into her. The swimming lessons, came an irritating reply from her more sensible self. And because it could make things awkward, Rose’s voice took over her inner monologue.

‘You alright, Hols?’

‘Yeah, sure, sorry – you were saying something about giving me a lift?’

Owen laughed and manoeuvred Holly so they were standing next to each other.

‘Yeah, and then I was planning on saying I didn’t get the chance to tell you last week, but you’re doing so well in the water. I’d like us to try something this lesson. But you’ll need to trust me.’

‘O-kay,’ she stretched out the word.

‘Not sounding particularly trusting there, Hols,’ he teased.

‘No, I do trust you… to a point. But in the water?’ she winced.

‘In the water, where I literally work?’ he finished for her, his palms spread wide.

‘You’re right - I know you’re right. Let me grab my swim stuff and check that Lucy is all set.’

‘OK. Great,’ he said, looking happier at her change of heart. As she moved away towards the door, he caught her wrist, ‘Hey, Tony mentioned Lucy’s been working at the pub lately. Bit of a change from her investment banking job isn’t it?’

‘I think that’s the whole point.’

At Owen’s confused face, Holly explained, ‘That firm did a number on her, Owen. Worked her into the ground, called her at all hours - even at the weekend, and then when she handed in her notice, they pretty much banned her from working for six months. Reading between the lines, I think there was more to it, but I haven’t wanted to pry.’

Owen nodded as he took her words in. ‘Tony said it had been a tough job. I didn’t realise it had been that bad. Poor Lucy.’

Holly pursed her lips, and nodded back at him, mirroring his actions. ‘Selfishly though… she’s been so great for the pub. She was wasted in investment banking. I’ll be back in a minute.’ When Owen nodded, Holly slipped out of his grasp and headed into the pub.

Her swim bag was waiting for her, where she’d forgotten it, on her bed. As she turned to leave, her favourite grey cube caught her eye. Her question of whether she needed to worry about Seb’s warning was answered with, Focus and Seek Your Answer Another Time, which wasn’t a terrible answer. But the ambiguity needled her. Instead of asking the question again (she knew asking straight away again after an answer like that was not in the spirit of using the Fortune Cube) she made her way downstairs to find Lucy. That ambiguous answer would have to do for now.

Holly found Lucy in the office, looking through the accounts.

‘All ready for your debut?’ Holly asked as she rested her head on the door jamb.

‘My debut?’

‘Opening up for the first time. By. Yourself,’ Holly punctuated the final words with a waggle of her eyebrows.

That earnt her a smile. ‘Ah I see. Yes I’m ready. I’ve learnt from the best, haven’t I?’

‘Flattery will get you everywhere, Lucy…’ she trailed off when she realised she’d forgotten Lucy’s maiden name. She’d been so used to calling her Lucy Barrett.