‘She’s always been a bit of an introvert…’ Alex gave a vague shrug. ‘I don’t know. Although I can see she’s not as…what’s the word I’m looking for…?’
‘Particular? She likes things to be right and proper.’
‘Yeah, I suppose that’s it. I know she’d never go a day without a shower ordinarily, but I put that down to being knackered looking after Louisa.’
‘It might be that, but I’d hate to think we’d missed something that needs addressing. I hope you don’t mind, but I asked Emilia about coming to see her to assess her – under the radar because when I’ve tried to ask Billie, she insists everything is all right.’
‘It’s what she says to me too.’
‘So you have been worried enough to ask?’
‘I don’t know about that exactly. I ask in case she needs something because she’s got her hands full.’
‘I see what you mean. So if you’re in agreement, I was thinking we’d get Emilia to come up with Georgia and William. Because Georgia and Billie sort of bonded at Christmas, so she wouldn’t think it odd for her to come up with her baby to visit, would she?’
‘I don’t think so. That’s a good idea. When?’
‘Emilia said they could do tomorrow. I hadn’t said definitely to come because I wasn’t sure, but given what you’ve told meabout Maisie,I think I will ask them to come. Assuming they’re still free, that is.’
‘We’ll have to fit in a visit to your dad this week too.’
‘I suppose we will.’
He looked down at her. ‘You’re not entirely sold on the idea of him living across the way, are you?’
‘No. I’m getting used to it. It’s just that I wasn’t expecting it.’
‘We could pop by now. We’re walking Griz anyway; it’s not so hard to go in that direction and knock on the door to say hello.’
‘I’d rather not be out too long because of Billie. If she wakes up and needs something and neither of us are in…’
‘You’re probably right, though she does keep telling me not to interfere.’
‘She’s told me a few times too. Last week especially; I think she was glad to see me go back to work. This living together…it’s not as easy as we’d first thought.’
‘I like it, though. You’re still happy, right?’ His eyes were suddenly full of doubt.
‘God, yes! I only mean we’ve got a few more complications than the average couple who decide to move in together.’
‘You’re right about that. It’s worth it, though.’
‘I’m glad you think so. I think so too. We’ll fix up something more formal with Dad and go to see him properly. Maybe Billie will want to come. Chantal would love to see her and Louisa, I know that. She’ll need to make connections with other new mums if she’s going to stay.’
‘It might do Billie some good too.’
‘Not if her fobbing Maisie off is anything to go by. But we can try, right? Poor Maisie. I wonder why she didn’t phone me about it.’
‘Perhaps she didn’t want to bother you.’
‘I suppose. I might give her a call tomorrow to see how she’s doing. She’s not due a clinic appointment for a while, but…’
By now, Grizzle was miles away. At least it seemed like he must have travelled at the speed of sound because he was way further than Zoe could have thought possible. It was then she noticed a figure with another dog. This dog was stocky and short-haired, and it was making a beeline for Grizzle, the man booming commands for it to return that were being ignored.
‘I don’t like the look of that—’ Alex began but was cut short by a growl and a yelp, and then Grizzle was haring back to them with the other dog in pursuit.
Alex began to run towards the commotion. Zoe raced after him, though she had no clue what she’d do when she got there.
‘Griz…here, Griz!’ Alex shouted.
