Page 98 of B is for Beg

“I haven’t met the guy, but if you like him, I can’t see how she wouldn’t.”

Corey smiles ever so slightly.

“Plus, you’ve been more relaxed since you started spending time with him.”

Corey’s smile widens.

I grin at him. “He makes you happy, doesn’t he?”

“Yes,” Corey whispers.

“Then he’s a keeper in my book.”

Corey breathes out slowly. “I’m not sure we’re—”

“That serious?” I cut in.

“Yes.”

“Maybe not now, but you will be one day soon.”

Corey stares at me for a few seconds. “I’d like that.”

It’s good to see my brother loved up. He’s not let himself have serious feelings for anyone since Caroline.

“Call Archie and then book a table somewhere,” Corey says. “Or we’ll end up trailing around pub after pub, trying to find space for seven people.”

“Good plan.” I wouldn’t have thought of that.

I leave Corey to finish his breakfast while I call Archie to invite him to lunch.

* * *

Corey and I swing Lexi between us as we walk to the carvery from the bus stop. It was a good idea to book a table. The pub is packed full of people, with more waiting in the bar area. We’re shown to our table, which is in a corner next to windows that overlook the main road. Archie and Hamish are already there. I shouldn’t be surprised. Archie is early foreverything. What’s more amazing is that I’m there before Gabe and Calvin.

“Have you brought your make-up kit with you?” Hamish asks Lexi in a light-hearted tone.

Archie brought Hamish over for tea, and Lexi ended up painting their nails and giving them both a make-over. Their make-up didn’t turn out too bad, considering Lexi is five.

“No,” Lexi says. “You could come to our house after dinner?”

Panic flits through Hamish’s eyes, which is pretty funny, as he’s such a huge, imposing man.

“We’re busy, sorry,” Archie says.

“Busy doing what?” Lexi asks.

“Couply stuff,” I say, taking a seat.

“Kissing?” Lexi pulls a face.

I laugh. “Yes.”

She’s five. It’s understandable that she thinks kissing is gross.

Lexi pouts.

“Another time,” Hamish says.