‘You’ll get the pizzas.’
‘You don’t want to go out?’
‘Do you want to go out?’
‘Not really.’
‘It’s sorted, then.’ George smiles and knocks their bottles together. ‘I’ve sorted something else while I was handing out business cards. My spare room is yours. I’m giving you the “oldest friend” discount on rent.’
Charles smiles back but looks down.
‘That’s ninety percent. Ninety-five if you agree to reorganise my dressing room the same way you organised your wardrobes. You said they’ll be out of town tomorrow, right? So Hannah will hackthe security system, you’ll pack everything you don’t want them to burn in a fit of rage and—’
‘I won’t move in with you, George.’
The idea burrowed its way into Charland when he was in the cab, but he didn’t mull it over. It’s not a healthy solution.
‘Care to elaborate before I lose my cool at your masochistic-self?’
‘I don’t want to escape. I want to tell them when, where and what I’m leaving for, and I want them to let me.’
‘I’ll become a diving Olympic champion before that happens, and you don’t need their permission! Let alone their endorsement!’
‘But I need a clean break. What kind of freedom would that be if I still lived in fear of my father? What’s the plan here? To hide in your neighbourhood? To avoid places and people I love to make sure he doesn’t find me? And a few months down the line, you’ll get me a fake passport and— No, we won’t do that either.’ Charles points a severe finger at George, whose eyes have opened wide in fever pitch. ‘Do you think I could handle the stress of being on the run?’
‘Maybe. New identity, new you.’
‘I’d rather make peace with current-me. And talking about identity, the Ledwell name will always be a shortcut in life, and I deserve to exploit the one useful gift they gave me. But it’d be hypocritical if I broke off all ties with them, I’d be—’
‘Nooo! I was about to applaud this self-serving reasoning, don’t ruin it!’
Charles shrugs. He agrees with Alice on one thing. He can’t let his feelings towards his father change who he is.
‘So what’s your plan, Chiminy Cricket?’
‘I’ll exploit my mother’s fear or… whatever emotion is driving her. Until I figure out when and where and what I’ll leave for.’
‘How long will that prevent you from having to sit across from Miltonat dinner?’
‘It won’t. But if I power through one meal a week, he should tolerate my absences considering she’ll justify them.’
‘And by powering through, you mean clutching your cutlery so tight your knuckles snap?’
‘It’ll be fine if I camp out at yours, at Elsy’s or in Loris’ flat. Six carefree nights to recover from one ghastly evening. Good ratio.’
George nods. ‘Mostly at Loris’ place.’
‘No, I can’t smother him.’
‘I meant that he’s got ways to help you recover that none of us can match.’
‘It’s different.’ Charles cracks a smile at his friend’s raised eyebrow. ‘What?’
‘I’m giving you an opportunity to stray away from your home nightmare. Take it.’
‘What do you want me to tell you?’
‘How did the week go? Are you still enjoying the surfing? Is he treating you well?’
