Three Amazing Things About You(67)

‘They’re both OK,’ said Hallie as the rider got to his feet, emptied water out of his hat and set off after his horse.

‘And in answer to your question,’ Christina continued, ‘no, no luck on the man front. Sadly. Although I think I probably know the reason for that.’

A distant warning bell was ringing in Hallie’s head; something about the look on Christina’s face told her what she might be about to say next.

‘Go on, then,’ said Bea. ‘What’s the reason?’

Christina shrugged, and half smiled. ‘How’s Luke these days?’

There it was. ‘He’s fine.’ Hallie nodded, wishing she hadn’t been right.

‘Well, that’s good. And is he . . . you know, seeing anyone at the moment?’

‘No.’ Bea shook her head, then let out a yelp of realisation. ‘Oh, I get it now, you haven’t found someone else because you still like Luke!’

Christina sat back, her expression rueful. ‘Well, yes, I guess that’s the reason. But this is just between us, OK? You mustn’t tell him.’

No we mustn’t, no we mustn’t . . .

‘Why not?’ said Bea. ‘I’m serious! You two were always brilliant together, everyone said so.’

‘Did they really?’ Christina brightened.

‘God, yes. We were all so disappointed when the two of you broke up. You were like the perfect couple!’

‘Oh that’s so nice of you to say! Yes, we were happy. Sometimes it isn’t until afterwards that you realise what a good thing you had.’

‘And Luke hasn’t been out with anyone else either, which has to mean something. I wonder if he’s been thinking exactly the same? You know, we wouldn’t be obvious or anything,’ said Bea, ‘but we could definitely mention that we bumped into you today, say how great you’re looking, drop a few subtle hints . . . If he’s secretly been missing you like crazy, it could give him just the nudge he needs.’

‘That might be interesting.’ Christina was definitely looking keen. ‘Especially if he hasn’t had any other girlfriends in all this time. I hadn’t realised that.’

‘There hasn’t been anyone,’ said Bea. ‘Well, apart from Hallie, of course.’

Christina sat up and did a double-take. ‘What?’

Oh great, thanks a lot.

‘You mean you didn’t hear about it? Oh yes, it was the talk of the village!’ Bea was grinning. ‘Everyone thought Hallie was on holiday in Paris, then her mum found out she was actually holed up with Luke in his cottage . . . well, that was it, and the photos were on Facebook, so everyone knew . . .’

‘Are you serious?’ Christina’s eyebrows had by this time disappeared into her hairline. ‘Is this true?’

‘Ha, it was hilarious.’ Bea put down her drink. ‘Of course it wasn’t true! Hallie was too ill to fly to Paris, and her mum was in Edinburgh and there was no one else she could stay with, so Luke was pretty much forced to put her up. Then her mum turned up on Luke’s doorstep and confronted them, can you imagine? Like something out of EastEnders! It was all sorted out by the time the rest of us got back from Paris, but just for that weekend everyone actually thought Hallie and Luke were having a secret fling!’

‘Oh no, how funny!’ Christina rested her hand on Hallie’s arm and started to laugh along with Bea.‘Oh, bless you . . .’

Which possibly wasn’t meant to come out sounding quite so patronising as it did, but still managed to leave Hallie feeling like the girl least likely to ever be physically desired by a member of the opposite sex.

Because let’s face it, who in their right mind would fancy her?

She managed a brief smile and adjusted her nasal specs, fiddling with the tubing that hooked over her ears. Then she looked at her watch. ‘What time do you think we need to leave if we don’t want to get stuck in traffic?’

‘As long as we’re out of here by four, we’ll be fine. Anyway.’ Bea turned her attention back to Christina. ‘It’s decided, then. You and Luke should definitely get back together. We’re going to have a word with him, make him realise what he’s missing.’

‘Go on then. But be subtle,’ Christina pleaded.

‘Subtle is my middle name. Ha, that’s me, Bea Subtle.’ Cracking up at her own joke, Bea added, ‘Don’t you worry, leave it to us. We’ll work our magic, just you wait and see.’

‘OK, I will.’ Christina’s eyes danced. ‘I’m quite looking forward to it now.’

‘And when you and Luke get married, you can thank us by letting us be your fabulous bridesmaids.’