Page 103 of The Surrender

“You don’t need to worry about retaliation from Nick.”

Jude scoffs. “I’m not worried about retaliation.”

“Then why the big deal?”

“It’s no big deal.”

I stand back on a small smile. “Are you worried he’ll convince me to go back to him?”

“Really, Amelia? I just want us to communicate, and I know it won’t be nice for you. I want to support you.”

“Wow.”

“Shut up.” He frames my face with his hands and smacks a kiss on my lips. “Let’s take your parents clubbing.”

I laugh loudly, freeing myself of Jude’s clutches as my phone rings. “It’s Clark. Mind?”

“Sure.” Jude takes the opportunity to make his own call, wandering off a few paces.

“Hey,” I say when I’ve answered. “Are you back?”

“Just pulling out of Heathrow.”

“Was it amazing?”

“Stunning. Where are you?”

“At Arlington Hall.”

“Of course.”

“With Mum and Dad.”

“What?”

I look at Jude. He’s frowning down at his mobile. “Yeah, they showed up. Dad’s become all passive, given Jude the dad talk, and everything seems ... well, lovely, actually.”

“The dad talk?”

“Did you know he only liked Nick because he was wet?”

Clark laughs hard. “He admitted that?”

“Yes, he admitted it. He also confessed that he doesn’t want to lose me to another man.” Jude’s frown is stretching by the second.

“God love that old goat. So you had lunch?”

“Yes, and now we’re taking them clubbing.” Mum and Dad round the corner towards Evelyn’s.

“Come again?”

“They’ve had a few cocktails each. We’re taking them to Evelyn’s.”

“I’m on my way.”

“What?”

“I need to see this. I’m diverting up the M40. See you soon.” Clark hangs up, and I make my way to Jude, who is still frowning, his head tilting as he moves his phone around, checking the screen at different angles. “What’s up?”