He ran a hand over her loose hair that was falling down in waves over her face. “If you change your mind, you'll always have a home with us.”
“Ditto,” she replied as Lizzie and Pippa returned with Philip.
It was Philip who seemed to announce, “I was thinking we could hit the beach this afternoon, if you fancy it?” Tasha stared at him disbelievingly. He quickly clarified, “Not you, Tash! Jeez, the old man would cut me off for the invitation alone, so, Juan? The girls and Dan are up for it.” He grinned before bending down to whisper in her ear, “And then we can all leave you in peace before Dad loses it completely.”
“Cool, but no ice-cream,” said Juan before kissing Tasha and heading out past a relieved and grateful looking Jim.
Philip and the girls kissed her before following Juan and she was then joined by Dan who sat down briefly and admitted, “This whole thing has freaked me a little, but I am seriously pleased to see you, sis.” He hugged her tightly and kissed her until Pippa called for him to hurry up.
Sandra appeared with a cup of tea and a sympathetic smile as Celia sat next to Tasha leaving her flanked by her grandparents. She looked around for Jim and smiled as he returned and chatted with Sandra as she tidied around the kitchen.
Tasha let out a loud and exaggerated yawn that was greeted by her grandmother suggesting, “Maybe you should consider a lie down, Tasha. You look exhausted, darling.”
Tasha nodded and was pleased to see Jim standing in front of her waiting to help her up and escort her upstairs where he stayed with her while she slept.
****
Tasha woke in an empty bed the following morning and carefully made her way downstairs where she found Bobby arriving.
“Hey, Tasha,” he cried, hugging her gently. “All things considered you look seriously hot.”
She laughed. “Thanks, but I think I've looked better,” she said as Jim took her hand and escorted her through to the back of the house where Sandra immediately sprang into life making tea.
“What time is Masterson due?” asked Bobby, accepting the coffee Sandra offered him.
“Half past nine,” replied Jim.
“Masterson? The policeman?” Tasha was confused, she had no idea the police were due.
“Yes, I can't put him off any longer it would seem.” Jim was seriously disgruntled at the idea.
“Is that why you're here?” Tasha addressed Bobby.
“Yes, in my capacity as an attorney.”
“But you're a criminal attorney,” said Tasha.
“Yes, and the detective is investigating a criminal case, so Bobby will be here for any interviews with Masterson,” said Jim with a flatness she didn’t quite buy into.
“Where are my grandparents?” Tasha was happy to change the subject.
“Mike has taken them to pick up some things before they go home,” replied Jim.
“They're going home?” Tasha wondered if there had been another argument between Jim and Paul.
“Not until the weekend. It seems they have some business stuff to deal with back home and I think your granddad wants to try and stop your mother selling any more ridiculous stories, and now that you're home they feel happy to do that.”
“What about Dan and Pippa?”
“They're going too, unless you want me to see if I can get them to stay a little longer,” offered Jim.
“No. I’m looking forward to getting back to normal,” admitted Tasha as a call came through from the security guards that, for the time being were a fixture at the entrance to their home, announcing the arrival of Detective Masterson and his colleague.
Jim sighed, but authorised the guards to let them through the gates and went to the front door to greet them leaving Tasha alone with Bobby.
“Tasha, don't look so worried. Masterson just needs to check details and I’m only here because you're going to be my sister-in-law and my brother is obsessed with taking care of you.” Bobby continued to smile at her nervous expression.
“Taking care of me or controlling my life?”
