Page 52 of The Surrender

“So tell me about Arlington Hall,” Lloyd says.

“It’s dead posh,” Abbie pipes in. “You wouldn’t fit in.”

“Fuck off,” he retorts, prompting Charley to slap her hands over Elijah’s ears.

“You’re welcome anytime,” Jude says around his smile.

“And me?” Abbie asks. “Got any special offers on spa days coming up?”

I turn a tired look her way, and Jude shifts on his chair, uncomfortable.

“Abbie,” I warn. She’s not being as cold as Charley, more sarcastic, but still. Is it really necessary?

“It’s fine.” Jude’s hand lands on my knee under the table and squeezes. “The spa’s free for you to use anytime, Abbie.” He looks at Charley. “And you too, of course.”

“Anyone would think you’re trying to buy our approval.”

“No, just being friendly.” Jude turns to Elijah. I don’t blame him. The kids are blissfully oblivious to the lingering tensionandfar more receptible to Jude’s graciousness. Jude picks up the dinosaur off the table, checking it out. “T. rex, huh?”

“Rahhhhhhh,” Elijah roars.

“Ooohhh, I’m scared,” Jude breathes, dropping the dinosaur on the table and backing off.

“You should be.” I give Lloyd eyes to suggest I need him to carry this conversation.

The panic on his face is endearing. “So do your parents live in Oxfordshire too?” he blurts.

My jaw becomes lax, and both Abbie and Charley shrink. They know Jude’s lost his parents. Lloyd doesn’t, because why would Charley think to mention that? Oh God. My poor man is getting all the heat from all directions.

“I lost my mum a few years ago,” Jude says. I see the struggle on him. And, again, no mention of his father.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Lloyd loses himself in his wine.

For God’s sake, someone change the subject.“Lloyd’s in cybersecurity!” I exclaim. Then I frown. “I think.”

He blinks in surprise. “I always thought you were being polite whenever you asked how my day went.”

I shrug. “I was. Wouldn’t want you to feel left out when the girls are together.”

“I’m happy to be left out, for the record.”

Jude chuckles. “Do you play any sport?” he asks, going in safe.

“Well.” Lloyd comes closer, leaning across the table. “I should have gone pro at rugby, but my ACL let me down.”

“Oh, Jude’s brother plays rugby,” I declare, sounding almost proud. I’m not, I’m excited. Jude and Lloyd may share some common ground, and I would love that. Lloyd never jelled with Nick—they just tolerated each other for the sake of me and Charley.

“He does?”

“He does,” Jude says, seeming to shy away. “For an Irish team.”

“And England,” I add, knocking Jude’s knee. “Why are you being modest?”

“No shit.” Lloyd’s suddenly more interested. “Wait. Harrison? Don’t fucking tell me your brother is Rhys Harrison.”

“Lloyd, for Christ’s sake,” Charley hisses, covering Elijah’s ears again.

“My brother is Rhys Harrison,” Jude confirms. “You like watching?”