Imogen forced a smile. ‘No, just lost track of time, that’s all.’
It was a moment before Dylan nodded. ‘Want to come outside and help build the bug hotel?’
‘Might just take a shower first.’
‘OK.’
She smiled and then turned and went upstairs, feeling his eyes watching her. Her heart was racing but she thought she’d got away with it. It had been a mistake to snap. She had to remember to keep her cool.
EIGHTY-SEVEN
Saturday 6 March
The kids had started to ask Lorna why they hadn’t seen Grandma recently. It wasn’t fair to keep them from their grandmother, so Lorna had invited Carol and James over for lunch.
It had been a little strained. Forced politeness between herself and Carol. Every now and then Lorna would think of her mum lying on the deck of the floating palace of a cruise ship and get incredibly wound up. She shook the image of coconut cocktails from her head and reminded herself she had a plan B.
James was picking at his food and had hardly said a word. Lorna felt another frisson of annoyance. She’d always had the vague sensation that he only tolerated her company because of his wife. Except recently Carol had hinted that their relationship was on the rocks. Was that why he was letting his guard down? She gave him a sidelong glance.Washe having an affair? Who on earth with?
‘Everyone going to the Straw Bear Festival this year?’ asked Simon.
‘James isn’t,’ said Carol.
‘I’ve done the last three,’ said James. ‘And as much as I love it, I’ve got quite a bit going on at the school. The call from Ofsted could come any day and I have preparation to do.’
‘Costumes going OK, Mum?’ asked Lorna.
‘Nearly done,’ said Carol. ‘You still want me to take the children on the night?’
‘Yes please.’ In fact, it was essential. She was going to be helping Simon collect the donations.
‘We’ll have fun, won’t we, children?’ said Carol.
They chorused back their agreement.
Simon started to clear the empty dishes and Pepper slipped from the table, got her toy dog from the box in the corner of the room.
‘Look, Grandma,’ she said, pressing the buttons on its plastic lead. ‘It poops!’
‘Oh wow. All over the nice wooden floors,’ said Carol, smiling.
‘It’s notreal,’ said Pepper, shaking her head.
‘Thanks for getting it for her, Carol,’ said Simon. ‘She plays with nothing else.’
Carol looked confused. ‘Getting it?’
‘Yes, you bought it as a gift.’ Simon looked from Lorna to Carol. ‘Didn’t you?’
Lorna was holding her breath. Jesus, why hadn’t she put the toy dog away in Pepper’s room? She gave a tight smile, desperately tried to think of a way out of what was about to come crashing down around her ears.
‘You’re right, I did,’ said Carol brightly. ‘I’d forgotten. I’m very pleased that she likes it so much.’
What had her mother just said? Lorna glanced at Carol, but she’d stood up.
‘Right, kids, who wants to kick a ball around the garden?’
She led them out amid loud cheers.
