‘Honey, how many women do you see dressed like me?’
Cassie looked down at her own comfy sweatpants and hoodie. She was a woman, and one with a decent figure, to be fair, but she really wasn’t celebrating it. She made a mental note to make a bit more of an effort in future. Ramona had a point. One really shouldn’t take one’s sex for granted. It was kind of lazy, when you came to think of it.
‘I’m really curious, what was your family like? I mean, what sort of woman was your mum?’
Ramona’s reaction was barely a flicker, but Cassie was aware of her energy closing down.
‘Sorry, I really didn’t mean to pry. Just tell me to mind my own business.’
‘No, it’s OK, dear old Mom.’ There was a note of bitterness in her voice. ‘I didn’t know her very well. She had her issues. She was an addict, among other things. I was mostly brought up by my grandmother .?.?.’ Her voice petered out.
‘I suppose it’s hard to be brought up by someone of a different generation, even if they’re a good person.’
Cassie was conscious of trying to rescue the situation.
‘She got stuck with me, poor woman. She’s filthy rich, by the way. I got a shit ton of money when I turned twenty-one, hence this place, so at least I owe her that.’
There was something about Ramona’s brittle tone that didn’t make Cassie feel like she could probe any further.
‘Well, I just want you to know I’m incredibly grateful for you renting to me at mates’ rates. I really don’t take it for granted.’
This seemed to jolt Ramona out of her slump. She perked up.
‘Cassie, what’re you like? You’re such a goddamned chatterbox, look at the time. I have to get my ass out the door, this night won’t start on its own. Don’t wait up.’
With that, she drained her glass, grabbed her orange faux-fur jacket and disappeared out the door. Cassie waited until she heard it close with a bang then finally released a long breath. Phew.
She lay in her new bed that night and looked around. Hers was the smaller bedroom, nonetheless there was a floor-to-ceiling window to her right covered by expensive-looking curtains. The polished floor was made of real wood, not laminate, and the wardrobe fittings closed with a discreet clunk. Everything had the air of a life where you bought exactly what you wanted, not just what you could afford.
Chapter 13
Finn helped himself to a warm, flaky croissant and a mug of fresh coffee as they sat bundled up together on the sofa, wrapped in a fleecy rug against the bleak greyness, as the rain pounded against the window and the gas fire flickered.
‘I’m so sorry this happened. Why would Marisha take the kids away for the weekend without warning?’
Finn shrugged gloomily. ‘It’s all based on goodwill, just like I said.’
‘Finn, if my being in your life is going to ruin things, maybe we shouldn’t—’
‘Is that what you want?’
She detected a note of uncertainty in his voice.
‘No, it’s .?.?.’ She was on the verge of blurting outthe last thing I want, but realised that was going to sound needy. ‘It really isn’t.’
‘Me neither, but I wouldn’t want you to feel stuck with somebody who’s pinned down by sandbags.’
Cassie laughed incredulously. ‘Not the word I’d have used. All I see is someone who’s trying hard to be a good dad.’
He smiled. ‘I’m trying to keep everyone happy.’
Cassie found herself on the verge of replying, ‘Well, don’t worry about me,’ but switched tack just in time.
‘So, what makes you happy, hmm?’
She was fishing for compliments and she knew it, but what the hell.
‘Being here with you. Not having to watch myself all the time.’
