31
TAYLOR
‘So, youarestill alive then,’ he said, when Jack and I entered the house.
‘Obviously.’
I watched him take in my crumpled dress and messy hair and felt like a guilty teenager caught sneaking into her house after curfew. Beside me, Jack looked clean and fresh, courtesy of the two-minute shower he’d had while I’d got dressed. His hair was damp, and he was wearing a clean T-shirt and a pair of shorts. I felt like a swamp monster next to him, conscious that my body was sweaty and sticky from our night of lovemaking.
‘I called all the hospitals,’ Ray said. ‘When you didn’t come home.’
I stared at him in surprise. ‘You did?’
‘No. Of course I didn’t. I’m not an idiot. I figured you and he had… what is it you young people say? Hooked up?’
Jack snort-laughed, as my whole body cringed.
‘Can we not talk about this?’ I said. ‘I’m sorry I stayed out all night and worried you.’
‘Oh, I wasn’t worried. You’re big enough and ugly enough to look after yourself.’
‘Thanks.’
‘I was, however, hungry,’ he complained. ‘I had to make my own breakfast.’
I gasped dramatically, clutching a hand to my chest. ‘And it didn’t kill you? I’m shocked.’
‘You will be when you see the state of the kitchen,’ he replied smugly.
I turned slowly, surveying the mess he’d left. Pots and a frying pan, plates and cups. Crumbs everywhere, an open butter dish. The milk was even still sitting on the bench with the lid off.
‘It’s fine, I’ll clean it up,’ I said cheerfully.
‘Really?’ His tone was suspicious. ‘Why aren’t you telling me off?’
‘Do you want me to tell you off?’
‘I want to know why you’re being nice all of a sudden.’ Then he looked at Jack and his expression changed. ‘Never mind. I can guess what’s put you in a good mood.’
‘Lifeputs me in a good mood,’ I informed him primly. ‘So, shut up.’
He gave Jack a look. ‘Good luck to you,’ he said. ‘That’s all I can say.’
‘Er, thanks?’ Jack replied. ‘You go and shower, Taylor. I’ll clean up the kitchen.’
I smiled at him gratefully. ‘Are you sure?’
‘Of course.’ He smiled back. ‘I don’t have to be at work until later, so until then, I’m all yours.’
‘Thanks.’ I tiptoed up to kiss him on the cheek. ‘I won’t be long.’
‘Take as long as you want.’
Ray interrupted. ‘Don’t listen to him. I need you to take me to the doctor, so hurry up. I’ve made an appointment for ten.’
‘Why? What’s wrong?’
He sniffed. ‘My leg feels weird.’
