Naked Truths by Jo Carnegie

Benedict gave Minty an easy smile and took her hand.
    â€˜Benedict, actually. I’m Caro’s second husband.’
    Instead of going bright red, Minty laughed raucously.
    â€˜Uh-oh, old Mints has put her size tens in it once again! To be honest, I’d heard Sebastian was a bit of a wanker, anyway.’
    She looked at Caro.
    â€˜What was that I heard about shoe lifts? Anyway, Benedict, I’m sure you’re much nicer. No offence meant.’
    Benedict’s lips twitched. ‘None taken.’
    Minty looked down at Caro, still cringing in her seat. ‘Well, bloody great to see you! Must get back, got a fifteen-ounce steak waiting. Ciao!’
    Benedict sat down. ‘I’m so sorry . . .’ Caro started to say again, but he waved his hand dismissively. ‘Don’t be. I think it’s quite funny.’
    â€˜Are you just saying that?’ she asked anxiously. He gazed at her over the table. ‘Of course not, what would you like to drink?’
    As Benedict studied the menu, Caro watched him. When Benedict had moved into Churchminster, she had still been very unhappily married to Sebastian. The rivalry between the two men had been instant and intense, even turning physical on one occasion. Caro and Sebastian had thrashed out a maintenance settlement for Milo, but Caro now had very little contact with her ex-husband. She knew he still lived in London, but where – and whether he was in the same banking job – she had no idea. Despite her efforts, Sebastian had showed little interest in seeing his son. Luckily, as Milo had only been one when Sebastian had left, he’d never really asked for him. Besides, Milo had Benedict now. Caro knew he would never try to replace Sebastian as Milo’s father, but he loved the little boy as if he were his own flesh and blood.
    Caro cast her mind back again. Throughout the divorce proceedings Benedict had been a tower of strength. When Sebastian had cancelled seeing Milo yet again at the last moment, Benedict had absorbed the news silently, and had taken Milo out for the day himself. He never referred to Sebastian, as though he’d washed her ex-husband out of their new existence. In most ways, it was just what Caro needed, and she was eternally grateful for Benedict’s undiminished support. But she had to admit, as she studied her beautiful blond husband across the table, that there were depths to him that still lay hidden. Was it just that he thought Sebastian beneath contempt, a waste of time and space, or was there something more to his feelings?
    Benedict looked up. For a second, Caro couldn’t read his expression. She smiled. ‘You look miles away. What are you thinking?’
    â€˜Oh nothing, just about my own university days.’
    Caro looked eager. ‘I’d love to hear some stories. You’ve never really talked about that time.’
    â€˜That’s because there’s nothing to tell,’ said Benedict. He snapped his menu shut decisively and put it down on the table between them.
    â€˜Shall we?’

Chapter 11
    ON THE SATURDAY morning Caro and Benedict took Milo to one of his nursery friend’s birthday parties. It was being held at a private children’s members club in Belgravia – ‘Good Lord,’ Benedict said when he heard the extortionate fees. ‘Is Milo expected to drive us there in his own Porsche?’ Benedict had been cornered by a skinny blonde dripping in jewels as soon as they’d walked in and Caro got stuck talking to a balding banker with halitosis on his third divorce, as hyperactive children called Artemis and Willow ran round throwing organic frozen yogurt over each other’s designer outfits.
    â€˜Milo’s goody bag alone must be worth £100,’ said Benedict, peering into it when they finally got home. ‘What on earth happened to fairy cakes and kiss chase in the garden? I’m sure I never got a miniature gardening set and