I’m okay. Just need a bit of space please
I read it twice. Three times.
Space.
I want to call her. Want to text back something that’ll fix this, make it right. But that’s the opposite of what she’s asking for.
I set the phone down carefully.
It’s fine, I tell myself.She just needs time. It’s fine.
Except it isn’t fine.
When I walk into the Grays’ living room, Da glances up from checking a spirit level.
“Hair looks much better,” he says. “More practical having it short anyway. Less likely to end up in a drill.”
“Aye.”
“Did you manage to get to the dentist? And do your other errands?”
“What?” I blink at him. “Oh. Aye, yes.”
I’m about to get stuck back in when Da hums then says, “You know I’m not one to gossip, lad, but your mum’s already told me about finding you and Ainsley together.”
I go very still.
She promised not to tell anyone. It’s been less than an hour. Less. Than. An. Hour.
“Did she now?”
“Mm-hmm.” Da’s tone is casual as you like. “Seemed quite pleased about it.”
Shaking my head, I step out into the hall, pull out my phone, and call Mum.
She answers on the second ring, voice bright and cheerful. “Hello, love! How’s your afternoon going? Pauline and I were just saying?—”
“Mum.” I cut her off. “Ainsley’s gone.”
“Gone? What do you mean, gone?”
“I mean, she drove off. Because she was upset. About you walking in on us.”
“Oh.” The cheer drains from her voice. “Oh dear. I didn’t realise she’d—I mean, we left right away, gave you both your privacy?—”
“Mum, you promised not to tell anyone.”
“What? I didn’t?—”
“You told Da.”
A pause. Then: “Well, I had to tell yourfather, Struan. He’s your father!”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Mum?—”
“I haven’t breathed a word to another soul. I promise.”
I sigh. “Okay. Well, please don’t. Ainsley’s private. She doesn’t want the whole town knowing her business.”
