“Eh, are you okay?” Tasha asked, her voice soft and caring because it seemed obvious that Lizzie wasn’tokay.
“What if they don’t like me?” For possibly the first time since Tasha had met Lizzie she looked scared and vulnerable.
“What’s not to like?” Tasha reached over and hugged Lizzie. “They will love you, like I love you.” Her words were reassuring, but genuine.
They reached the front door and suddenly it flew open to reveal Pippa standing there, squealing in excitement.
“Tash, I’ve missed you,” she cried, threw her arms around Tasha and hugged her tightly.
Behind her Tasha could see her grandparents and Dan waiting patiently and suddenly felt very emotional and realised how much she’d missed them too. It was like she was two people living two separate lives; there was Tasha who lived in London and had a fucked up life, but a family made up of the people here and a few close friends and Tasha who lived in L.A. with Jim and his family and friends, but essentially had none of her own there. She felt tears running down her face as her grandmother managed to move Pippa over slightly so that she could greet her eldest granddaughter, greet her and comfort her.
“Tasha, darling, you look wonderful.” She hugged her tightly then stepped back to allow Dan in for a hug.
“Hi sis, you look well foxy.” He grinned at her.
Tasha looked across at her grandfather and couldn’t contain her emotions any longer as she disappeared within his embrace.
“Nat, my girl, how are you? It looks as though that American chap is taking very good care of you.” He released her slightly and looked towards Lizzie. “And you, young lady, must be Lizzie who we’ve heard so much about.”
Lizzie nodded nervously.
“It is lovely to finally meet you,” said Paul, gently hugging Lizzie. “This is my wife, Tasha’s gran, Celia, and then we have Pippa and Dan, Tasha’s sister and brother.” They all hugged her in turn before Tasha took her hand and led her through to the lounge where Banksy waited patiently.
Tasha screamed in a high pitch, excited voice as she saw him. The dog leapt up and insisted on licking her face before running off and returning with a toy for Tasha to play with.
Pippa was the first one to notice Tasha’s ring and shouted, “Bloody hell, the old guy must be seriously minted. Look at the size of that diamond. Is it real?” she asked as an afterthought making Tasha laugh, but Celia frown.
“Philippa!” her grandmother cried.
“Does she mean Daddy, the old guy?”
Pippa and Celia looked uncomfortable as Tasha nodded her head. “She does, but I have told her not to call him that, although she used to call him the old, rich guy, so I suppose this is progress and fortunately he isn’t here to hear it again.” Tasha held Lizzie’s hand again, but directed a small scowl at Pippa.
“Did you really say it in front of my dad?” Lizzie asked Pippa and sounded almost impressed.
“Yes,” admitted Pippa, “but Tash asked me to stop because it was rude and disrespectful.”
Lizzie laughed as she imagined his face. “Have you seen the bridesmaid’s dresses Tasha likes?”
Pippa shook her head. “But she has good taste so I trust her not to choose anything too hideous.”
“Thank you, I think.” Laughed Tasha.
“Tasha, can I show Pippa the dresses on my phone?” asked Lizzie.
“Sure.” Tasha felt a sudden surge of relief as the two girls wandered off together.
Dan had placed an arm around his sister’s shoulders. “Do you fancy a walk up into the woods with Banksy?”
Tasha nodded then asked her Grandma, “Is it okay to leave Lizzie here with you?”
“Of course, she can always come and find you with Pippa if she wants to. She seems a nice girl and you have taken to the role of stepmother very well, darling.” Celia smiled.
“Although you’ve mothered Dan and Pippa all their lives so it’s no surprise that you’re such a natural.” Smiled Paul.
“Thank you, Gramps. I’m not always sure I’m cut out for the job,” she admitted as Dan called to Banksy and with Tasha’s arm linked through his led her out of the house.
They were almost at the woods when Dan opened conversation, “Are you happy Tash? Really happy?”
