“I don’t need to hear this.”
I run a hand through my hair.
Lottie turns to me.
“Drink your coffee. You’ll feel better.”
“Who’s the parent here?” I ask, making her once again roll her eyes. “It’s good to have you home, munchkin,” I say, standing up and moving towards her, holding out my arms.
Lottie grins and jumps down off the stool before coming around the island and into my arms. I wrap her in a bear hug.
“I’ve missed you,” I say, breathing in her scent. One that is now distinctly more grown up as she’s wearing perfume.
“Dad, you’re crushing me,” she groans.
“I’ve missed you. I’m allowed to crush you,” I tell her.
“I’ve missed you too,” she says, my heart melting.
I pull back and grip her upper arms, holding her away so I can look at her properly.
“How was Italy?” I ask, finding her in one piece.
“Italy was amazing. The art school was fantastic. I have so much to show you. They taught me this really cool technique. I think you’ll love it.”
Art is our thing.
Lottie starts off at one hundred miles an hour. Condensing her three-month trip and all she’s learned into a five-minute summary. I know these are just the highlights, and there will be more to come. We have all the time in the world now she’s back.
“I can’t wait,” I tell her.
“Mum’s shipping my artwork once it’s fully dry. Then I can use it for my exams. My art teacher says I’m good.”
“You are. And I look forward to seeing it.”
I look over my daughter’s head at Pen, who’s sat watching us.
As if suddenly remembering Pen is here, Lottie looks up at me.
“Are you and Aunty Pen an item now?”
My gaze darts to Pen.
Fuck.
We haven’t really discussed what we are. Friends with benefits isn’t something a parent wants to admit to their young, impressionable daughter.
“It’s complicated.”
It’s Pen who comes to my rescue.
Lottie turns to face her.
“What’s complicated?”
“I’ve just come out of an engagement. Kris and I were due to get married in two weeks. Your parents haven’t been divorced that long. Your dad and I’ve been friends for a long time—butjust friends,” she adds quickly. “It could be complicated if it got out.”
“So you’re keeping it quiet?” Lottie says. “Like Tina and Gerry when they started dating. Gerry was with Julie before Tina, and he didn’t want to hurt her feelings.”
