Corey stares at Blake. “You are?”
"Yup," I answer for him. "There's always a cheap family showing at nine." I should know. I've taken Lexi to it enough times. "And then out for McDonald's and ice cream afterwards."
“Maybe not McDonald’s,” Blake says.
“Aww,” Lexi whines.
I frown. “You love it there.”
He pushes his food around his plate. “I’m not going to eat junk food anymore. It’s not good for me.”
“Since when?” I ask.
“Why?” Lexi asks in a horrified tone.
"I want to stay in shape for modelling, that’s all,” Blake says in a tone that suggests I should stop asking questions.
“Aww!” Lexi pouts.
"Blake can watch you eat burgers and ice cream,” I say, winking at my brother.
He sneers at me, which seems like a good time to make my exit.
“I’ll see you all on Sunday,” I say, kissing the top of Lexi’s head. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“That’s not a long list of things we can’t do,” Blake says.
“Funny guy.”
I wait until I’m in the doorway before flipping my finger at him again. Lexi has her back to me, so can’t see, but I earn a disapproving look from Corey.
I head out the door, whistling as I walk down the street towards the tube station and my weekend date with Hamish.
14
Hamish
I meet Archie at the door around seven thirty. He's got a bag slung over his shoulder but is dressed as he was for work. I go to kiss his cheek. It seems like the right thing to do, as this is officially a date. He turns his face so our lips collide. Not complaining, I grab him by the waist and tug him close. Through my kiss, I show him very firmly who's in charge.
“That was naughty,” I say.
“Sorry, Sir.”
I know he’s not by the smirk on his lips, which glistens with my saliva.
“I made dinner. Unless you’ve already eaten?”
"Nope, I passed up spaghetti and meatballs on the off chance we'd eat together. It looks like I made the right choice."
After putting his bag at the bottom of the stairs, we go through to the kitchen. I gesture for him to sit at the table while I serve up the casserole that’s keeping warm in the oven. It seemed like a safe option, considering I didn’t know exactly when he’d arrive.
“This smells lovely,” Archie says, sticking his nose into the fragrant steam rising from the casserole.
I’ve given us both a glass of water to keep our options open for later. Wine is nice with a meal, but I don’t ever drink and play.
“It was no bother,” I say.
“Do you enjoy cooking?”
