Lenny nodded. “I have an out-patients clinic later, but I wanted to speak to Jim before I went in.”
Jim raised an eyebrow before Juan said, “Phil and I both have a day off.”
“Well, we were thinking of going to the beach for the day if you fancy it,” said Tasha.
“I need to change first.” Lizzie leapt up and left them.
“Yeah, cool. Can we have ice cream?” asked Philip.
“Sure,” said Tasha thinking that although they were almost the same age he was still like a little boy in so many ways.
“Shall I call Uncle Bobby and see if they want to come too?” asked Philip.
“Yeah, you do that, Philip. Lenny, did you want to speak in private?” Jim stood up and set Tasha on her feet.
Lenny nodded and followed Jim out of the dining room, while Philip pulled out his phone and called Bobby.
Tasha began to collect the things from breakfast and as Juan helped her Sara addressed her. “You do know there are staff to do that.”
Tasha nodded. “I don’t have staff and I’m used to tidying up after myself and as we made the mess why shouldn’t we tidy up after ourselves?”
“I guess so,” said Sara as Sandra appeared.
Juan and Philip left as Sara said, “Be careful, Tasha. I know you and Jim are fond of each other, but you barely know one another. Don’t do anything rash. I would hate to see you get hurt.”
Tasha frowned at her, confused but just nodded before Lenny reappeared.
“Sara, I will take you home before work.”
Sara kissed Tasha on the cheek. “Think about what I said. Are you sure you don’t mind Lizzie staying over tonight?”
Tasha wasn’t aware that Lizzie was staying over, but smiled and nodded. “No problem with Lizzie.” She was unsure now whether there was a problem with Sara though, Sara and her warnings or whatever they were.
After they left, Tasha stared at Sandra who stared back.
“What the hell was that all about?” asked Tasha.
Sandra shrugged. “I don’t know whether you were being warned or warned off.”
Tasha was unsure which it was, if either, or maybe it had been both.
“Right, Uncle Bobby is on for the beach and will meet us there. So our first mission is to get Lizzie out of here,” cried Philip as he burst back into the dining room followed by Juan.
“Tasha, tell the old man we will be back in about twenty minutes, we need to change.”
“I’ll finish helping Sandra and then I’ll round your sister up.”
“I can manage just fine,” said Sandra. “Go and get Lizzie sorted.”
“If you’re sure?” Tasha smiled as Sandra nodded.
As she headed for the stairs Tasha heard Jim in his office and as the door was open she stood in the doorway and smiled at him as he looked up. He waved her in and pulled her back onto his lap as he hung up the phone.
“I’ve missed you,” he whispered as he twirled her hair around his fingers.
“I haven’t been anywhere.” She laughed.
“You were too far away at breakfast, I couldn’t reach you, to touch you.” He ran a hand up and down her leg.
