Page 35 of The Summer Escape

“How old did you think I was?” Trystan asked.

“I didn’t know. And now I’m really embarrassed.”

“I can see that.”

“There’s no need to look quite so amused by my discomfort.”

“I’m not. I’m just smiling because it’s such a beautiful day.”

“Yeah, right.” Stretching her leg out, she gave his foot a gentle kick.

“Morning!” Mirren called as she approached them with shopping bags in her hands.

“Need some help?” Trystan asked.

“No. This is everything.” She took the bags inside and came straight back out to them. “Did you two have a nice evening last night?”

While they both told her they did, images of the end of the evening flicked through Beth’s mind and she avoided eye contact with Trystan.

“Thank you for looking after Ellie,” she said.

Mirren waved a hand dismissively. “It was my pleasure. We had a lovely time, didn’t we?”

“Yes.” Ellie wedged herself between Beth’s legs but kept her eyes on Mirren. “How old are you?”

A snort of laughter erupted from Trystan.

“You can’t ask that,” Beth told Ellie in a rush. “It’s rude.”

Ellie’s bottom lip twitched manically. “You said it’s just rude for adults to ask.”

“I know.” She pushed a curl from Ellie’s face. “It’s okay. It was my fault; I didn’t explain properly. Sometimes it’s okay and sometimes it’s not.”

“It’s quite confusing,” Mirren said, stroking Ellie’s hair. “You’re not supposed to ask really old people. Because they usually don’t want people to know how ancient they are.”

“You’re notreallyold,” Ellie said.

“You might be my new best friend.” Mirren held out a hand to her. “Come inside with me and I’ll tell you how old I am. You’ll have to keep it a secret though.”

“I will.” The smile lit up Ellie’s face.

“I got you a little treat from the shop as well.”

Beth watched the two of them disappear inside. “Ellie’s never going to want to leave.”

“Mum’s never going to want her to leave.” Trystan slouched in his chair, stretching his legs out so they rested against hers. “What have you got planned for today?”

“I’m not sure yet. How about you?”

“Unfortunately, I have a ton of work to do.” He looked at her intently. “I was thinking—”

“Mummy! Mirren got me a colouring book.”

“That was very kind.” Beth shifted her leg away from Trystan’s and took the book that Ellie held out to her. “Did you say thank you?”

“Yes.” She took the book back and moved to show Trystan. “I got new crayons too.” She set them on the table and opened the book to show him. “Which picture do you think I should colour first?”

“The first one?” he suggested.