Page 76 of In the Frame

He shakes his head. “Not romantically, no. We’re friends and only friends. I did meet up with him after the gala. But I’m not dating Billy.”

I’m quiet. “Did you find out what’s happening with his boyfriend?”

It’s not really my business, and maybe I’m nosy, but I can’t help the question.

“They’re going through a rough patch.”

“Right.”

We’re quiet again for a long time.

“Have you been doing your painting while you’ve been home?” Florian asks. Which is also probably nosier than he needs to be, in return, with echoes of my mum.

“I haven’t been painting,” I admit. “I haven’t drawn anything either.”

He frowns. “That doesn’t sound like you.”

“I don’t know if I want to do art anymore.” My voice is subdued. “I can’t see the point.”

His frown deepens. “Matty…”

I frown right back, defiant. “It’s my choice whether I do art. Or not.”

“Of course, but it’s so important to you, I thought⁠—”

Which is when my dad appears out the back door of the kitchen, peering at us. He still looks delighted to see Florian. “Florian, would you like to come to dinner tonight with our family? We’d be honored to have you.”

“What about the pub?” I ask, startled.

“The pub will still be here,” my dad says without missing a beat. “You’re welcome to join us at home tonight. Matty, don’t look so worried. José is coming in to work tonight. I’ll come home for dinner, too, and then head back.”

I open my mouth and shut it.

“Please say yes,” my dad encourages Florian.

“Yes,” says Florian with a glance at me, lifting his eyebrows ever so slightly.

I suck back a steadying breath. If it’s unnerving to have Florian in the village and in the pub, I can’t even imagine him at home. In our cottage. With my family. The girls will be unhinged. My parents will fuss over Florian. He’ll doubtless be charming. I will probably die several times during the meal, and the heat of my face will set off a wildfire.

“Dinner,” I say after a long moment, “isn’t for a while yet.”

“Not for a couple of hours,” my dad agrees. “Florian, you’re welcome to find a seat at the pub in the meantime, or you’re free to go explore the village.”

“I’ll stay for a while, at least,” Florian says. He pats the tote bag on his lap. “I brought a book.”

“Excellent.” My father beams. “Let me get you a drink. What would you like?”

“Any light beer,” Florian says.

“I’ll send you the address, just in case, and confirm the time,” I concede to Florian. “I’d better get back to work in the meantime.”

“Of course, don’t let me stop you,” says Florian easily.

Which is how I end up working in a daze behind the bar. Florian finds a seat somewhere on the patio in the shade of an umbrella, soon engrossed in his book. My father brings him a radler. And I practice remembering how to breathe again.

Chapter Forty-Three

By the time dinner comes around, I’ve come home a little early with my dad to freshen up and help get ready. Mum’s busy making salads and marinading food for the grill. Dad joins in to help her. The twins set the table, with some help from Leila to get down dishes and glasses from higher up in the cupboard. I have a quick shower, nerves getting the better of me, and the warm water helps me calm down.