‘Whose are those shoes? They’re not Dad’s.’
‘What shoes?’
Poppy stands up and goes for a closer inspection.
‘Whoever they belong to has got big feet. What’s going on? Is there a man here?’
Right on cue, Elias walks out of the bedroom.
‘Who thehellis this?’
‘Now, Poppy. There’s no need to be like that. This is Elias. You remember how I told you about the lovely man I met in Monaco?’
‘You told me about a scammer who is probably after my inheritance,’ she says.
‘Poppy. Don’t you dare be so rude. Elias is not a scammer. I really like him, love.’
‘I don’t care who he is. Dad told me you two are getting back together, so, what, now you’re being unfaithful to my father?’
Elias’s eyes open wide as he looks between the two of us. ‘Umm, I’ll get my things. I should probably go.’
‘I’m not getting back with her dad,’ I say, giving Elias a pleading look.
‘Yes, you are. Why are you lying, Mam? Dad told us when we went bowling.’
‘Look, I know what he might think, but I’ve put him straight since then, okay?’
I turn back to Elias. I feel as though I am caught in a crossfire.
‘Look, please don’t go because Poppy is here. Maybe the two of you can get to know each other.’ Even as I say it, I realise what a futile hope this is. Poppy is never going to want to get to know anyone whilst being brainwashed by Michael that there is a chance of reconciliation.
‘I think it’s clear she doesn’t want me here. I get that. And it sounds like you’ve things to sort out with, what’s his name, Michael, was it?’
‘Yes, Michael. Mydad,’ croaks Poppy.
I open my mouth and then shut it again. Anything I say now will only lead to a more heated argument. I know Elias has the wrong idea and I can also see that my girl is ill, confused and hurting. I feel frozen, torn in two directions and unsure what to do or say next.
Elias walks into the bedroom to get his stuff. I watch in regret as he removes his toothbrush from my toothbrush holder. It was nice seeing our toothbrushes side-by-side for that short time. It brought a sense of togetherness.
‘I’m so incredibly sorry, Elias,’ I say. ‘Let’s talk later.’
He doesn’t answer but quietly packs his things away. His silence feels like the worst thing. What if he isn’t open to talking it through with me and hearing what I have to say? What if this is over almost before it has begun? Elias throws everything in at great speed, and it’s obvious that he can’t get out of here quickly enough.
‘If you’re leaving, at least let me drive you to the train station.’
‘It’s fine. It didn’t seem far when we drove over yesterday. I can manage.’
‘Well, umm, see you soon?’
‘Yeah, let’s see, hey.’ I can tell that it is one of those times when you say the words ‘let’s see’ so that you can escape from a conversation. His face says it all. With his bag in his hand, he attempts to say goodbye to Poppy who is refusing to look at either of us, and he closes the door behind him.
It is obvious that he thinks I am getting back with Michael. That couldn’t be further from the truth, but somehow, I need to convince Elias, and also Poppy.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Four days later, Poppy’s antibiotics have kicked in and she feels so much better that she is heading back to Cardiff. Over the past few days, I have wanted to pick up the phone to Elias and speak to him, but with Poppy listening to every word and requiring soluble painkillers every four to six hours, it has been difficult to get the space and time to have any sort of honest discussion. It hasn’t gone unnoticed that Elias hasn’t tried calling me or messaging me either. I would like to think he is busy, but I know that is far from the truth. After what happened between us, it is me who needs to break the ice. How I want to so badly, but I also don’t know where to begin. What if Elias won’t take my calls? We had such a beautiful evening together and it’s all ruined.
Poppy is still not in the best of moods with me by the time she sets off.
