Page 53 of The Surrender

“When I’m allowed.”

Charley scowls, outraged, and I smile.

“I’ll get you tickets for the next international.” Jude accepts my hand under the table when I put it in his lap.

“I’d love that.” Lloyd nods, reaching over and hitting the side of his glass with Jude’s.

I don’t appreciate Charley’s eye roll. Why the hell did she even come if she’s not going to give Jude a chance?

The conversation flows easily for a while, the girls not saying much, the kids being loud, the boys talking rugby, and when our order arrives,I busy myself eating, so thankful Lloyd and the kids are here; otherwise there would be silence at the table.

As I lower my fork, I check Jude’s plate, seeing he’s not eaten much. “You okay?” I ask.

“Sure.” He offers a small smile. “I had a big lunch with Casey and Rhys.”

“Both of them?”

“Yeah, it was nice. Unusual, but nice. We’re rarely in the same place at the same time.”

“So, you have two brothers?” Abbie pipes in.

“Yes,” Jude says. “Both younger.”

“So you’re the older, reliable one, are you?” Charley asks, still feeding Ena while Elijah smears mashed potato around his plate.

I eye Charley as Jude huffs on a little burst of amusement. “Apparently.”

“Or apparently not.” Charley stares at Jude across the table, not backing down, and Jude flicks his eyes to everyone else, like,Is anyone else sensing the over-the-top animosity?

I mentally yell at Lloyd to wind her in. She’s going too far.

“Charley,” he warns, catching my look.

“What? I’m trying to get to know him.”

“What do you want to know, Charley?” Jude breathes, as exasperated as I am. “Ask me, and I’ll happily tell you.”

“And now he gets cocky?”

“He’s not being cocky, Charley,” I snap, forcing her hands to lay over Ena’s ears. Jude places his hands on Elijah’s, who wipes some of his mashed potato on Jude’s suit jacket for his trouble.

“I’ve never had to do this before.” Jude ignores the mess Elijah’s made of his sleeve, setting his fork down.

“What, explain yourself?” Charley laughs. It’s so over the top, I could quite easily reach across the table and slap her. “I find that hard to believe.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask through a tight jaw, feeling Jude’s hand on my leg again, silently telling me not to get worked up. Too late.

“It means I find it hard to believe it’s the first time Jude Fuckboy Harrison has hurt a woman,” she says, matter of fact. Abbie slides farther down her chair, as does Lloyd. “Oh, let’s not forget the ex-fiancée,” Charley goes on, not done. I close my eyes and take a few deep, calming breaths. “I’m assuming she was hurt when you dumped her. But then I suppose you kept her happy by fucking her when you felt like it after you decided not to marry her. Until you met Amelia, of course. Or maybe you’re still fucking her.”

“Okay, that’s enough, Charley,” Lloyd snaps, showing rare anger. “Who the hell do you think you are?”

I look at Jude, seriously not liking the shade of his eyes right now. I think it’s time for us to leave, but just as I’m about to declare our departure and get Jude away from the verbal abuse coming at him, he stands abruptly. “Excuse me.” He strides towards the back of the restaurant and disappears through the doors that lead to the men’s, and I exhale, going heavy in my chair.

“You’ve gone too far.” I look at Charley and see an expression I know well. Regret. Although it’s a bit late now. Her lip is quivering a little, her eyes blinking more than normal to keep the tears building at bay. I’ve no idea whyshe’sgetting upset. It’s me who should be.

“Yes, Charley, I’ve got to say, that was way too harsh.” Abbie gives me sorry eyes, and I shake my head, wondering whether I should go after Jude. He was livid.

“Bad Mummy,” Elijah sings, smacking his T. rex on the table.