‘And I deserve nothing less.’
He grinned. ‘Right in one. Can I get you something else? A drink maybe?’
He was doing this well. Making it clear that she was welcome to either stay or go, and that even if the kiss had been just one moment in time it wasn’t one he regretted. And that was why she had to go.
‘I should probably get home. Will you call the car for me, please?’ She picked up his glass, imagining that she could taste his lips on the rim before the brandy hit her tongue.
He nodded and made the call. The car arrived within minutes and Leo escorted her downstairs, holding the door open for her and exchanging a quiet word with the driver, as if he’d just entrusted him with something precious. Then he watched as the car drew away.
Maybe she should text him, the way she’d done that morning, from the bus. She took her phone out of her bag, but that was as far as she got. That was something that had started a long time ago, but tonight had been the final ending.
CHAPTER EIGHT
LEO AS A FRIEND. A good-looking, charming friend who seemed to get just how she felt, and who might be around for longer than just a fleeting love affair. It was a thought. Stranger things had happened...
They could have lunch from time to time, talk about their lives and promise to see each other again some time soon. No pressure. No expectations. It wouldn’t matter that Leo was so bound up with the past that he couldn’t contemplate anything more than a slightly distant relationship with the present.
All of that assumed that Alex could forget about the kiss. It was just one kiss. How difficult could it be? Particularly when the need to think about Saturday’s race meeting was so pressing.
The attendance of an outside broadcast crew had persuaded the manager of the sports centre they normally used to allow Together Our Way to take over the main track instead of being consigned to the cramped practice track. A lot was hanging on this and it had to go well.
There was still more than an hour to go before the start of the meeting but Alex saw his car in the car park outside the sports centre when she arrived. He was inside, fiddling with his phone, and when she rapped on the window he looked up.
His eyes. His smile...
Her skin began to tingle and Alex reminded herself yet again that she wasn’t supposed to be thinking about the kiss. It had been an ending, not a beginning.
Leo finished typing a message on his phone and swung out of the car, reaching back inside to pull a bag from the back seat.
‘You’re joining in?’ Or perhaps the sports bag was just for show.
‘Thought I might just give the impression that I would, if asked.’
‘Okay. What happens if I don’t ask?’
‘You’ll ask.’ He started to walk towards the sports centre and she fell into step beside him. ‘You won’t be able to resist putting me up against a bunch of skinny kids and watching them beat me.’
‘You’re thinking that you’ll bravely suffer the humiliation of letting them win, are you?’
‘I’m thinking that I’d be proud to run with them. And I respect them enough to give it my best shot. Are you running?’
‘Yes. Think you can beat me?’
‘I’ll try...’ His phone beeped and he pulled it out of his pocket. ‘Ah. She’s just arriving. I took the liberty of asking someone along, I hope you don’t mind.’
‘Of course not. But they’re a bit early—it doesn’t start for another hour.’ Alex followed Leo’s gaze to where a black SUV was manoeuvring into a parking space. ‘Who is it—someone from the radio station?’
‘Um...no.’ He was looking suddenly awkward. ‘I... Evie’s sister’s over from the States for a couple of weeks, and I asked them to come.’
‘You did what? Evangeline Perry!’ Alex looked over to the SUV, where a tall, slim woman was getting out of the passenger seat. Her hair was wound beneath a baseball cap and the peak obscured most of her face. ‘You asked a film star to my race meeting? Leo, you might have mentioned it.’
‘Why, so you could run around panicking? That’s exactly why I didn’t say anything about it. They’re here because they’re interested in what you’re doing, and they’ll keep a low profile.’
‘Keep a low profile! Leo, didn’t it occur to you that people might recognise her?’
‘Of course it did. You said it would be good for the kids to have someone showing a bit of interest. And Evie’s not high maintenance. Her minder will look after her.’
‘Minder! For goodness’ sake, Leo, if you’re trying to disrupt things...’ He’d lulled her into a false sense of security with his careful way of including her in every decision. ‘I told you that you couldn’t just swan in and take over. The kids are always the most important ones.’
‘That’s why Evie’s here. Because the kids are important and she wants to show them some support. Give her the benefit of the doubt, will you...’
‘I’m more than happy to give her the benefit of the doubt. You, I’m not so sure about.’
‘Don’t worry about sparing my feelings, will you.’ He was grinning broadly, laughing as he turned to wave to the two women who were walking across the car park, followed by a man who sauntered behind them.
‘Leo...’ The woman in the baseball cap greeted him with a smile and they exchanged kisses. ‘We made it.’
She turned to Alex, holding out her hand. ‘Hi, I’m Evie Perry. You must be Alex.’
Close up, she was beautiful. Creamy skin, huge green eyes, with strands of Evangeline Perry’s trademark red hair escaping her cap. Her jeans and warm jacket were casual but didn’t look as if they came from the high street, and couldn’t conceal her tall, willowy figure. If Evangeline Perry thought she needed to introduce herself then she was mistaken.
It was impossible not to feel somehow dowdy and lacking next to her, and that wouldn’t have mattered so much if Leo hadn’t been there. Alex took Evie’s hand, trying not to tremble.
‘Thank you so much for coming. I’m... I wish I’d known you’d be here—I could have...done something.’
Evie laughed. ‘From what Leo said the other night, you’re already doing a great deal. He couldn’t stop talking about you.’ She smiled at Leo and he winced, as if he’d been caught out doing something he shouldn’t.
The thought that, in the presence of such a woman, Leo would have one thought in his head for her was... Well, it was something to think about. But Evie gave her no opportunity.
‘This is my sister, Arielle. She’s very interested in what you’ve achieved here and, as we’re looking to set up a scheme something like this in the States, we’re here to learn from you.’
‘I... I’m sure there’s not a lot I could teach you... But I’d love it if you’d come and meet some of the kids...’
‘That’s what we’re here for.’ Arielle’s smile was just as warm as her sister’s and Alex grinned back stupidly, not sure of what to say.
‘Right, ladies.’ Leo had picked up her sports bag along with his own and started to make for the entrance of the sports centre. ‘No point in standing around here...’
For once, Leo’s no-nonsense way of making things happen was a boon. Someone had recognised Evie on their way into the auditorium and word had gone round the small group of competitors and helpers who were already there, like a whispered shock wave. He gently made a path for Evie and Arielle down to the running track, and then pushed Alex forward to introduce them to the group that was beginning to crowd round.
She saw Hayley at the back of the group, her eyes shining. Alex leaned over, pulling her a little closer.
‘This is Hayley—she’s our best runner.’
‘Not as good as you...’ Hayley clasped Arielle’s hand and didn’t let go. Clearly she knew exactly who Arielle was.
‘What dista
nces do you run?’ Arielle gave her a dazzling smile.
Hayley was too busy hero-worshipping and seemed to have forgotten. Alex prompted her.
‘Hayley’s best event is the thousand metres. But she’s pretty good over shorter distances as well.’
‘Ah, an all-rounder. So what’s your best time over the thousand metres?’
‘I... Not as good as yours.’
Arielle laughed. ‘Well, I’ve been doing this a bit longer than you. Can I see?’
Hayley looked around wildly. Apparently she’d also forgotten the notebook she kept in her sports bag, noting all of her times, along with the dates.
‘Hayley, go and get your book. Show Arielle your times.’
Hayley dropped Arielle’s hand suddenly and pushed through the group to the side of the track. Arielle flashed Alex a smile and followed her.
* * *
The initial frenzied excitement at Evie and Arielle’s arrival had subsided to an elated buzz. Rhona was dealing with the sound engineers and the seating area was beginning to fill up. The first competitors were beginning their warm-up routines and everything seemed to be working like a well-oiled machine. Alex had sat down by the side of the track, feeling suddenly surplus to requirements.
‘Everything okay?’ Leo sat down beside her.
She turned to him, smiling. ‘Thank you. You were right, Leo.’ He probably knew that already, but Alex wanted to be the first to say it.
He shrugged. ‘Have you taken Evie’s number?’
‘No. Am I supposed to?’
He sighed. ‘It would be good to think about these things. You’re a good contact for her to make and she and Arielle can help you too.’
‘That sounds a bit cold-blooded, doesn’t it?’
‘No, it’s not at all. You both have the same priorities, don’t you?’
‘Yes, I suppose so. But it’s so good of them to come; I can’t ask any more of them.’
He rolled his eyes, taking his phone from his pocket. Alex averted her eyes. Probably a message from someone that Leo couldn’t help but take. He typed for a moment and then her own mobile beeped.
‘Done.’ He put his phone away and Alex withdrew hers from her pocket. A text from Leo, to both her and Evie. She looked up towards the top of the stand, where Evie was sitting with a group of parents, and saw her turn, look at her phone and then wave down at them.
‘Leo...’ She felt herself flush awkwardly. Her phone beeped again and she looked at the text.
Making yourself useful, Leo? Please keep my number, Alex. Will call you.
‘See...’ Leo leaned in, looking over her shoulder.
Her whole body screamed at her to relax against him, and her mind told her to keep her distance. Good sense won out and she blanked the screen, feeling the pressure of his shoulder against hers relax.
‘I’m not very good at this. Networking...’ Leo seemed to do it all so effortlessly, knowing exactly the right thing to do in any given circumstance.
‘No, you’re not. You’re good at making the magic. Leave the rest to us lesser mortals.’
Hard truth, laced with a compliment. Or maybe the other way round; it was impossible to tell with Leo. Somehow he managed to make it sound real, the two twisted together in a complex, sparkling spiral that sent shivers down her spine.
She should be doing something useful, not spending her time sitting here, however good it felt. ‘Do you have an interview schedule or something? Anything I can help with?’
‘I expect there is one. What I really need is a mike, though.’ He signalled to one of the sound engineers who came hurrying over, putting a microphone in his hand.
‘Thanks.’
‘And here’s the running order...’
‘Okay.’ He had the grace to deliver a sheepish grin as he stuffed the paper in his pocket without even looking at it.
‘We’ll start over there, with an introduction...’
‘Yeah. Would you mind giving me a minute...?’ Leo got to his feet, making in the opposite direction.
‘Is he always like that?’ Alex heard Rhona’s voice behind her, and the sound engineer nodded.
‘Yeah. We give him a list, he ignores it and we end up following him around, not sure what he’s going to do next.’
‘And that makes good radio?’ Alex couldn’t help but ask.
‘Yeah. It makes great radio. That’s why he gets away with murder, and no one ever complains.’ The sound engineer shrugged, walking back over to his colleague.
‘Going to go try keeping him under control, then? Just for the sake of appearances.’ Rhona nodded at Leo’s retreating back.
‘Suppose so.’ Alex got to her feet, walking over towards Leo.
* * *
Everyone had been persuaded to sit down, despite the air of excitement running around the auditorium. The place was packed, the usual parents and families joined by people who’d heard about the meeting from the radio. Leo handed Alex the microphone, showing her how to mute it, and when she spoke into it her voice sounded disconcertingly through the speakers that the sound engineers had set up.
‘You do it...’ She covered the microphone with her hand and feedback squealed through the speakers.
‘Too busy.’ He shot her his melting grin and left her to it. Alex took a deep breath and haltingly started to thank everyone for coming. A roar of applause greeted her mention of Evangeline and Arielle, and then another for Leo.
‘And, on behalf of the young people who are competing today, I’d like to welcome you all. Please show them how much you’re looking forward to this afternoon...’ She was almost breathless, carried away by the noise and determined that the kids should have the biggest round of applause.
Evangeline and Arielle were both on their feet and Leo suddenly reappeared from whatever he’d been busy with, arms held above his head, clapping. Alex could almost feel the din of cheering and clapping vibrating through the air, and when she looked over towards the group of competitors waiting by the starting line their faces were shining.
They’d done it. Together, they’d made this moment. All the hard months of training, raising the money they’d needed, the teaching and the encouragement, had been down to her. But Leo had taken all that and given the kids something to remember.
She thrust the microphone back into his hand and hurried to her seat by the side of the track. Alex didn’t want him to see that this thing, the huge, roaring wave of response that they’d created between them, had brought her close to tears. And she didn’t want to think about all the other things that they might achieve together, because Leo wouldn’t be here for long.
The races started. Personal bests were shattered as the crowd cheered all the competitors on. Alex kept herself busy by the track side, making sure that everyone was warmed up and ready for their races. It was a difficult line to walk, encouraging everyone to do their best but reminding them not to get carried away and injure themselves in the process, and she made sure that she spoke to each of the young athletes before their races.
Then the first interval. Leo was still at the side of the track, a group of competitors gathered around him. Little Sam, the boy whose photograph she’d thrust in front of him when they’d met at the hotel, was hovering on the edge of the crowd, watching silently.
He caught sight of him and leaned over towards him. ‘What’s your name...?’ Leo bent down as everyone made way for Sam to get closer.
‘Sam.’
‘Hi, Sam. And what will you be doing today?’
Sam eyed him thoughtfully. Alex knew he was a child of few words and massive determination. ‘Running.’
‘Sounds good.’ Leo rose to the challenge, clearly not about to give up just yet. ‘And are you taking part in any of the events?’
‘Yes.’
<
br /> ‘Well, good luck. Let’s hear a round of applause for Sam...’
Leo was working his way around everyone, and the spectators quickly got the idea of what was expected of them. Each child got a round of applause before Leo went on to the next.
‘Thanks, Hayley.’ He turned to the second of the two girls who stood clutching each other’s hands, and Alice spoke up immediately.
‘I’m Alice. I want to say something.’ Alice’s cheeks were flaming red but she had that determined look on her face that Alex had seen time and time again. Leo tipped the microphone towards her and she took it out of his hand, as if she was afraid she might not get to speak her piece.
‘What is it you want to say, Alice?’
For a moment Alice wavered and Alex saw Hayley take her hand, squeezing it. ‘My leg was amputated two years ago...’ The stadium had fallen silent suddenly, in response to the urgency in Alice’s voice. She looked around wildly.
‘And then what?’ Leo’s voice, gently encouraging her. Alice focused suddenly on his face and he nodded her on.
‘I used to run for my county, and I’m training again now with the charity. I want to tell everyone that...’ Alice dried up suddenly.
Alex started to push towards them. Alice didn’t talk much about how desperately she wanted to run again, but somehow she’d screwed up the courage to share it with all these people. But this was enough. Good radio, good publicity for the charity, it all came second to Alice’s best interests and she didn’t want Leo pushing her.
He’d reached out, taking the microphone back and muting it. ‘That’s great, Alice. Is there something more you want to say?’
Alice nodded.
‘Okay then, take a breath and just look at me. Forget about everyone else and say it to me. Whenever you’re ready...’
‘I’m ready.’ Alice leaned towards him. ‘I want to say that you can do more than you think. If you just try.’
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