‘So, how’s it going?’ Alex asked. ‘Missing London? How’s Dad managing without a job?’
She smiled. ‘I think he underestimated how important that job was. It was a way of life, and he was proud of it.’
‘If he’s not enjoying the sabbatical, he can always go back.’
What could Emily say? She wanted to confide in someone, but she and Mark had agreed they wouldn’t tell anyone the truth, especially not their left-wing son. Their friends wouldn’t exactly cheer the decision to become tax exiles either – no one likes a show-off.
‘He has his noddy roles and he’s busy getting us settled here, but he’ll soon find himself with spare time, and he’s never had that before. Dad is going to need a hobby. Any ideas?’
‘And what about you, Mum?’
Emily gazed fondly across the lawn, where Floria was charging about, yapping merrily. The dogs couldn’t do that in the tiny London garden.
‘It’s early days. Having your father around for every meal is challenging. You know the saying “for better or worse, but not for lunch”? He makes his own sandwiches now.’
A dog yelped. Emily spun around. A jet of water was chasing Floria around the garden, the dog’s ears flat against her headand her tail tucked between her back legs. Emily traced the line of water to the end of a hose poking out from behind a bush in Tommy’s garden.
Alex stood up. ‘Floria, come!’ he hollered. The dog scampered up the steps and stood shaking herself dry. Alex patted Floria’s head. ‘Nice neighbours, Mum!’
‘Don’t get me started,’ muttered Emily, raising a warning finger. ‘And please, not a word to your father about this.’
‘Mum, what’s with that grubby land behind the tennis court? Is it a building plot?’ asked Alex.
‘No, it’s rustic land, there won’t be any building that way.’
Alex sat down beside her. ‘Mum, can you sub me a bit? I’m out of funds again, kind of embarrassing with the new girlfriend.’ He winked.
She sucked in her breath. ‘Alex, this must stop. Get a job.’
He raised his hands in surrender. ‘Hey,Brexit, I can’t work out here now.’
She tutted then pinched her lips together. Alex did have a point. ‘All right. I’ll see what I’ve got.’ She shot him a warning look. ‘But it won’t be as much as usual.’
Nine
April 26th
Ellis bank balance: £1,754.01
90-Day Rule Tally: Emily: 10 Mark: 0
With four people in the room, Villa Anna’s kitchen was cramped. Alex was propped in the doorway watching Fran slicing onions, wondering how she did it so fast without cutting her fingers. Jess waited attentively like a fielder in a cricket match, leaping forward and scraping discarded skin into a food caddy each time Fran tackled another onion. His mother stirred milk into mugs of tea debating the merits of single- and double-handed backhands with Fran.
Tosca squeezed past Alex’s legs. Fran put down the knife and dropped to her knees. ‘What a gorgeous dog. So, who are you my lovely?’
‘That’s Tosca,’ said Alex taking a mug from his mother, ‘and somewhere around here will be her partner in crime Floria.’
Fran scratched behind Tosca’s ears. ‘You are special, aren’t you?’
His mother put a mug of tea next to the chopping board and leaned down to pick up her dog. ‘She’s very special but she’s a menace, and she knows she’s not supposed to be in the kitchen.’
‘I love dogs,’ said Fran, standing and squirting a dollop of blue liquid soap into her hands. ‘Let me know if you ever need anyhelp, I’d love to look after Tosca.’
‘What can I do next, Fran?’ asked Jess.
‘Why not take your tea outside and sit down? I’m being paid to cook your dinner.’
Jess’s nose twitched. ‘I’d rather help, I don’t mind. Shall I grate that cheese for you?’
