‘What did you think?’ asked Darla.
‘I think it’s nice to find someone who comes across as more standoffish and grumpier than me. He makes me look sociable.’
‘You’re not grumpy,’ protested Darla. Ros tipped her head on one side as if questioning her. ‘Okay, maybe a little bit, but you’re lovely underneath. I bet Elliott’s the same.’
‘Are you planning on investigating his underneath?’ asked Ros.
It was Darla’s turn to tilt her head.
‘Okay, that came out wrong but you know what I mean,’ said Ros. ‘Are you liking the look of him?’
‘Goodness, no! I am sworn off men thanks to The Wanker. And you’ve seen how Elliott is. If I can get him to the point of talking to me without frowning, I will consider that a great success.’
Darla made the drinks and they settled down at the kitchen table. ‘How are you feeling about the work do with Cameron?’
‘I’m still not sure that he should come,’ said Ros, lining her mug handle up with the corner of her coaster.
‘Why not? It’s got to be better than going on your own.’
‘You would not believe the inappropriate comments I’ve had this week because I said I was bringing a plus-one to the barbecue. They’re like children. Only worse,’ said Ros, gripping her mug unnecessarily hard.
‘I think it’s really nice that he’s coming with you.’
‘I wish I wasn’t going at all. Although I am interested to see the reactions when I turn up with Cameron. But I find it quite stressful when we’re at Dad’s together. Cameron is far more natural and relaxed. I tense up every time he comes near me.’
‘Are you usually like that with men or is it just Cameron?’ Darla blew on her tea to cool it down.
‘I think I’m out of practice and I’m not naturally a touchy-feely person.’ Ros shuddered as she spoke.
‘Really? I’d not noticed,’ said Darla with a grin. ‘My mum and dad are very cuddly people. We used to snuggle on the sofa together on a Saturday night and watch game shows. Sometimes we’d all be under the same blanket. I kind of miss that. I miss them. I wonder if perhaps saying I was going to be away for a whole year was too long. I could do with a week back home with them just to top up my snuggle meter.’
‘You’re weird,’ said Ros, with a dry smile.
‘I think we’re all perfect in our own way. We all like and loathe different things and that’s how it should be. But you are definitely missing out on cuddles and affection. A hug is the best thing if you’re having a bad day, and I am not ashamed to admit I have had some nice hugs from Cameron when I’ve been feeling a bit down. I can’t believe you don’t like his cuddles.’
‘I can’t help it,’ said Ros. ‘I’m not making an excuse but it might be because Mum wasn’t good at showing affection. Dad gave me plenty of cuddles growing up and we always greet each other with a hug, but I’m not like that with anyone else. I never have been. Perhaps I needed someone more like me to be in a pretend relationship with,’ mused Ros.
‘Yeah, because someone like you would have been well up for it,’ said Darla.
‘Your sarcasm levels are very high today,’ said Ros.
‘Sorry. Hurry up and drink your tea. I need to show you the animals.’
‘You don’t have to,’ said Ros, looking quite alarmed at the thought. ‘Anyway, moving that sofa is the number-one priority because it looks like there’s a more than average chance of rain.’
Chapter Sixteen
As arranged Cameron came to hers so that they could go to the barbecue together. Arriving separately would look weird. ‘Hiya,’ he said, giving her the now expected kiss on the cheek. ‘You look...’ He was scanning her up and down.
‘What? Out with it. Remember we’re not actually in a relationship so I’ll not be offended.’
He wobbled his head. ‘You look smart. But you look like you’re going to work.’
‘I am,’ said Ros.
‘No, you’re not. This is a social engagement with colleagues. That’s different.’
‘Only in that I’m not being paid. It will still feel the same. I’ll have to behave the same.’
