‘Can I?’ Ros hadn’t really understood the concept but if this was it she could see the appeal.
‘Apart from the lack of sex,’ added Cameron. ‘But I think I like this better. AddedDoctor Whoand no pressure to perform.’ He got to his feet and kissed Ros gently on the cheek. She paused, unsure how to react, or more importantly in a quandary over how her body wanted her to respond. ‘Night, Ros.’
She pulled away. ‘Good night, Cameron.’ She went to bed alone but feeling very much part of something special.
On Sunday morning Ros was woken by a tapping sound. It took a few blinks to realise someone was knocking at her bedroom door. She quickly wiped sleep from her eyes and checked her hair wasn’t sticking up like a pineapple top before answering. ‘What is it?’
The door opened and Cameron peeped in. ‘Sorry, did I wake you? I did, didn’t I?’
‘Kind of but it’s fine.’
‘Sorry. I went for an early run and I got you a coffee on the way back.’ He came in and deposited the cup on the bedside cabinet.
‘Thanks, that’s really kind. I usually head over to Dad’s about half ten. Does that work for you?’
Cameron pulled a face. ‘Yeah, about that. A friend of mine messaged to say they’re in Southampton just for the day today and I’d really like to have a catch-up. But it means I’ll miss Sunday roast at your dad’s. Is that okay?’
Ros tried hard not to look as disappointed as she felt. ‘Sure. Not a problem. It’s not like couples are joined at the hip.’
‘Exactly. Thanks for understanding.’
‘I’ll tell Dad the truth that you’re catching up with a mate,’ she said, feeling that was what Cameron would want her to say.
‘Cool. I’d better get showered and get my swank on. Well, my best jeans anyway.’
‘Ooh best jeans,’ said Ros, having a sip of coffee. ‘Where are you off to then?’
‘I’m going to give Gina a mini tour of the sights of Southampton,’ he said with his trademark grin and Ros felt something unpleasant burble in her gut, but before she could ask questions he was heading out the door. Who exactly was Gina? Although the name did ring a bell and she had a feeling Cameron had mentioned her, she couldn’t recall any details. ‘Give Barry my best,’ said Cameron. ‘And tell him I’ll thrash him at Scrabble next week. Don’t wait up – it’ll probably be a late one. See ya.’
‘Will do, bye. Have a lovely time. With um... Gina.’ But she didn’t mean it one bit.
On her way to her father’s, Ros decided that she needed to have a firm word with herself. There was nothing in the contract about Cameron seeing other people. Not that he’d said he was seeing Gina but the mention of another female had kicked Ros’s risk brain into overdrive. There was a risk that Cameron could be seen out with Gina by someone who would report back to her dad. Although she wasn’t sure who might do this. Mrs Pemberly next door was a possible but then as long as Cameron didn’t show any obvious signs of affection with Gina, like kissing, then they were fine. If questioned he was out with a friend. The fact that friend was female was irrelevant. Although it didn’t feel irrelevant to Ros. This was a level of risk she was considerably unhappy about.
She was mulling over other possible lines of enquiry her father may take if Cameron was spotted out with another woman, when she walked up the steps to his house and pulled her key out. However, there was no need to let herself in today because the door was already being opened. Ros smiled in anticipation of her dad’s greeting only to be met by someone altogether unexpected.
‘Mother? What on earth are you doing here?’
Chapter Twenty-One
‘I’m visiting,’ said Amanda, Ros’s mum. ‘Are you coming in?’
Ros was fixed to the top step. The sight of her mother after five years was more than a shock. A shock was when the lift at work suddenly stopped working. This was on more of a lift plummeting at high speed to certain death level.
‘Good morning, Cabbage,’ called out her father and she finally stepped inside.
Ros lowered her voice. ‘Why are you here?’
‘I presume you’re aware of your father’s condition?’
‘Please keep your voice down.’ Ros feared she may spontaneously combust from outrage. ‘Obviously I’m aware as it was me who took him the day he found out and—’
‘Excellent. That short-circuits the discussion somewhat.’ Her mother’s lips went taut and Ros wasn’t sure if she was trying to smile or not. ‘He will need additional support and—’
‘No, I won’t,’ called Barry from the living room.
‘I told you to keep your voice down,’ whispered Ros to her mother.
‘I can hear you too, Ros,’ called Barry. ‘Come in here both of you.’
