Page 31 of Watching Henry

“We do,” Hadley agreed.

They waited a long moment and then Hadley went back inside and Florence was left alone remembering that she really didn't like this woman. That they had nothing in common and nothing to talk about.

But that hug had been her first real human contact for longer than she cared to remember.

Chapter Fourteen

It was, Hadley had to admit, an elegant solution. Everyone came out of it looking good. Even if the McLeod-Allans did find out about the lost cash, at least she and Florence would get credit for working to replace it.

Having said that, Eleanor had worked her into the ground. Her feet ached and her back hurt and everything felt hot and gritty and slimy as she walked up toward the house. Eleanor had trained her all day and the only solace was that tomorrow was Florence's turn.

“How was it?” Florence asked as Hadley walked into the living room.

“Hard work,” was all Hadley said.

It was the first time they'd seen each other since the previous night. The first time since that ill-judged hug that had gone on just a little too long to be a friendly hug. But Florence was back to her calm competent self and the kids had their red heads bent low over their reading books.

“I'm going for a swim,” Hadley announced. The thought of cool, clean water made her knees weak. Almost as weak as they'd been last night when Florence had thrown her arms around her neck and Hadley had forgotten for a second who they were and where they were and possibly even what her name was.

“Yes!” Henry shouted, slamming his book closed.

“Hurray!” cried the twins.

“No—” Florence began.

“It's fine,” Hadley interrupted. “I'll keep an eye on them. You get things ready for dinner and rest for half an hour. We won't be long.”

“It's my day with the kids,” Florence said, looking as though she could really do with the break.

“You can pay me back by taking them for a swim after your training day tomorrow,” Hadley grinned. “Come on guys, last one in their bathing suit loses. Let's go!”

The kids jostled out of the door and Hadley was about to follow them when Florence laid a hand on her arm. A jolt of heat went through her body.

“Are you alright? Was it awful?” Florence asked. There was sympathy on her face for once and it made Hadley's skin even warmer.

“It was fine. Hard work, but nothing the two of us can't handle. Oh, and, I almost forgot...” She reached into her pocket and pulled out an envelope. “Tips. So we have a little ready cash on hand before we get paid at the end of the week. Should be enough for treats and stuff.”

“Great,” Florence said, taking the envelope. “I'll put this somewhere safe.”

“Better be safer than the kitchen table,” Hadley laughed as she ran out to grab her bathing suit.

THE EVENING SUN was orange and the water was still warm. Hadley slowly walked out of the lake, water beading on her skin, muscles relaxed and soothed now.

The kids were still playing, so she laid her towel out on the sandy shore and lay to watch them. It wasn't long until Henry started splashing water at the twins. She let it go for a little while until he dunked Charlie's head in the water.

“Henry, come on out.”

“But—”

“But nothing, come on, please.” He stared at her and she could feel the battle of wills. She swallowed and then sounding as much like Florence as she could she added: “Now, Henry.”

He splashed out of the water and grabbed his towel, wrapping it around himself and then sitting and sulking at the edge of the shore. Hadley gave him a few minutes, waiting until the twins were distracted and playing in the shallows, before she moved over to sit beside him.

Cicadas were chirping in the background, mayflies were buzzing over the surface of the lake, and for what felt like a long time she just sat beside him, saying nothing.

“It's hard, sometimes,” she said, finally.

“What is?” His voice was angry still.