‘Hey, how did you get on?’
‘With your younger kids, adorable, they’re little darlings. With the call from your ex-wife, let’s say I’m still getting over it.’
‘Look, this was crazy and I’m so sorry, and I can’t thank you enough. I can’t imagine what I’d have done without you.’
He watched in amusement as she buckled on the shoes.
‘Even if I did come dressed as a stripper.’
He broke into a soft laugh. ‘That is actually some outfit.’
‘Thanks. It didn’t get quite the outing I’d expected.’
‘Or that it deserved. I mean it, I’m taking you for dinner one Saturday. Do you think Ramona would lend you it again?’ He pulled her towards him. ‘It’s all over for tonight, we can relax.’
In spite of herself, Cassie felt her body respond to his hand sliding round her waist.
‘I can’t, not now. I’m the babysitter.’
‘They can’t hear.’
‘But I can. It’d feel inappropriate.’
There was something about Finn that didn’t quite seem to register the fuzzy things.
‘Daddy, can I have a glass of water?’ The piping little voice of Cici, who had just entered the room, caused her heart to plunge. Oh help, had she not had enough frights for one night?
‘Of course, lovie, the babysitter’s going now because Daddy’s home. I’ll bring it in to you.’
They telegraphed to each other as Cassie pulled on her coat. That was what adults did above kids’ heads, wasn’t it, but by the look on Cici’s little face, most kids seemed well able to crack the code.
Chapter 17
In the background of Josie’s sitting room, Cassie could see a pale-yellow chest of drawers sitting on a sheet of newspaper.
‘We found it in the market last Saturday for a tenner. Pal is repainting it for the baby’s room. We’re really trying to upcycle and be as sustainable as possible.’
Oh, to have a life where your main focus was on restoring light furniture and reading baby-development books. Cassie felt mean-spirited but, well, what was the point in pretending?
‘It’s beautiful. But what do you think about the situation? And please don’t tell me I shouldn’t have offered to dig him out of a hole.’
‘Hello .?.?. I was going to say that you did great, I’m really proud of you. That was a potential disaster and you turned it into a fun experience for those poor kids.’
Cassie felt her chin wobble.
‘What’s wrong?’
‘I enjoyed it. Oh Jos, it was fine. It was lovely. I suppose I’ve instinctively avoided children .?.?.’
‘Well, we know that’s connected to what happened with Maxine.’
Cassie couldn’t face going there.
‘I didn’t realise I’ve been so afraid of looking after kids alone, but I did fine. You should’ve seen me.’
‘I don’t doubt it. I believe in you. Always did.’
‘Thanks.’
