Page 57 of A Change of Heart

That made more sense. For a crazy moment, she’d thought Mirren was making some comment about her and Kit. Just becauseshecouldn’t stop imagining the two of them together didn’t mean anyone else was. Least of all his mum.

“I don’t have a love life,” Seren said, her mind flicking to Kit telling her he loved her. Then to him out on a date with giggly bloody Holly.

“I heard Felix is still hanging around you.”

Seren rolled her eyes. “Did you hear that from Noah? He seems to have turned into the town gossip.”

“He’s concerned about you.”

“He needn’t be. I’m not daft enough to get involved with Felix again.” Something niggled at her though; he’d been quiet in the pub that evening, and it reminded her of how he used to be when she was first with him. Before his ego had grown and he’d smothered his softer side with his cocky persona. She’d almost forgotten that she’d liked him once.

The landline rang and Mirren went to answer it, leaving Seren to her thoughts. Knowing that Kit was on a date would no doubt keep her mind whirring all night. Taking a long swig of wine, she had an overwhelming desire to get drunk. Maybe she should have taken Cadan up on his offer to hang out with them.

On impulse she took out her phone and messaged Felix, casually asking how the whisky was.

As dots pulsed over the screen to show he was typing a reply, she waited anxiously. He said he hadn’t started drinking it yet. Nothing more. She’d expected him to invite her over, but it didn’t seem like an invitation would be forthcoming.

Taking the bull by the horns, she asked if she could come over.

When he offered to pick her up she told him she was at the Trenearys’ place.

Some things never change,he replied.I’ll be there in ten minutes.

Seren was still staring at the phone when Mirren came back in, complaining about the strange times people called to enquire about booking the cottages.

“Do you mind if I head off?” Seren said when she could get a word in. “Cadan messaged me, wanting to hang out. I feel a bit bad that I haven’t made time to see him since he got back.” While she wasn’t overly comfortable with lying, there was no way she could admit that she was in such a bad place that she’d got in touch with Felix.

“Do whatever you want,” Mirren said. “Where are you going with him?”

“His place,” Seren said, hoping she wouldn’t ask any more questions.

“Is that Charlie’s place?” She arched her eyebrows. “Or Felix’s place?”

“Felix’s. But don’t look at me like that. They’re practically joined at the hip, so if I want to hang out with my cousin I have to hang out with Felix. It doesn’t mean I have to like him.”

“Just be careful,” Mirren warned.

“I will.” After finishing her wine, Seren put the glass in the dishwasher.

“How are you getting there?”

“He’s picking me up.”

Mirren gave a small shake of the head. “I suppose it’s better if I don’t ask whichheyou’re referring to.”

“Probably not.” Seren gave her a quick hug. “Thanks for the wine and chocolate.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Mirren said. “Lunch is at one. Don’t be late.”

CHAPTERTWENTY

Ahum of chatter and music filled the Old Town Inn. The twenty-first birthday party was a low-key affair with an eclectic mix of the birthday girl’s friends, family and co-workers, who ranged in age from eight to eighty.

Kit knew most people, by sight if not by name. Thanks to his job, everyone on the island knew him.

He and Holly happily mingled with the other guests for the first hour or so, then filled their plates at the buffet and found a table to themselves outside. The low stone walls around the patio were overrun with agapanthus and the striking tall blue flowers cast eerie shadows as the daylight faded.

“I’m sure we said we wouldn’t stay long,” Holly eventually said, looking at her watch. “It’s almost midnight.”