God, they were insufferably in love, my parents.
‘Done,’ Ren announced two minutes later, in front of a perfectly erected tent.
‘Well, I guess travelling teaches you some things,’ I said, bitterness laced in my tone.
‘Ah—’ he scratched the back of his head.‘Well, I actually watched a load of YouTube videos last night.’
I glanced up, frowning.‘But – you did camp on your trips, didn’t you?Dad said.’ I shut my mouth, not wanting to express how much I lived for the tiny morsels of information I was given when he was away, even as I clung to my anger.‘Or did you stay in hostels?’
Ren scratched the back of his head.‘Well, about that, I didn’t really—’
Mandy’s single clap interrupted him.‘Right, well done, everyone.I promise it will get easier on the trips.Now, they don’t usually allow campfires, but I got to know the owners, and they stipulated that as long as it was just my group…’ She stepped aside, revealing a collection of logs and twigs.‘So I thought we could roast some s’mores.Very American, I know, but if they got anything right, it’s melted marshmallows.’
We all gathered around the fire, to the sound of it crackling and popping, and everyone helped themselves to a stick, a marshmallow, and a digestive.Peggy was desperate for a bite, but I had to explain that chocolate and marshmallows were bad for dogs.She didn’t look convinced, and I glanced up to find Ren smiling at us both.I glanced away quickly.
Claire lowered herself on to the makeshift logs we were using as seats.The warmth of the fire flickered across her face.
‘How are you doing, love?’ Claire ran a hand over my ponytail, and it made me ache for my mum.I felt like a shaken-up bottle of pop, just ready to explode, and I knew Mum would know what to say.‘You look a bit… strained?’
Shit!I needed to sell this better.
‘Are you joking?I’m great.’ I plastered on a grin.‘The hike was amazing today – the view was gorgeous.And I’ve got my tent all set up.’ I gestured around the campfire.‘Plus, I’m spending time with my friends.What could be better?’
My voice was high-pitched and Claire looked at me with a concerned expression.Great!Academy-Award winner I wasnot.
Claire lowered her voice.‘Maybe it’s that your ex, no, I know he’s not your ex.He’s your ex-whatever.And maybe it would be better if he wasn’t sitting opposite, shooting you those puppy-dog eyes.’
I whispered, shooting a glance to Ren, who was thankfully in conversation with Clara.‘We’re – it’s not like that.We weren’t together.Just friends who—’
‘Who fell into bed?’
My eyes snapped to Claire.I hadn’t really told her the full story, as I had to Gen and Amy.A bit of me wanted to hold back the full truth from her, because I didn’t want her to be disappointed in me.But she proved I shouldn’t have worried with the next sentence.
‘Oh, love.Don’t look so panicked.We’ve all been there.God, the list of men I wish I hadn’t gone to bed with, well.’ Claire pouted.‘When I think about it, the list isn’t that long.I should have more regrets really.’
I chuckled.‘There are apps for that, Claire.’
‘Oh,’ Claire waved a hand.‘I’m not interested in the apps.And I don’t think he is, by the way.’ She nodded at Ren.‘He’s always got an eye on you…’
I followed Claire’s eyeline, and found Ren glancing over at the same time, a tentative smile on his face.I glanced away quickly, then my face burned.
‘Really, Claire, it’s not like that.’ I scratched my arm.‘We talked, cleared the air.We can just keep out of each other’s way.’
She hummed, then a slow grin took over her face.
‘What are you thinking?’ My eyes narrowed.‘You look like you just had a very evil idea.’
‘I was just thinking that as long as he is here – he ought to earn his keep, don’t you think?’
‘Earn his keep?What, like put him to work?’ I laughed, disbelieving.‘Like a butler?’
Claire’s eyes glinted in the firelight.‘Exactly like a butler.How better to show he’s earning back your trust?’
Wow!Never underestimate the creativity of a woman scorned.Claire’s cheating ex-husband had a lot to answer for.
I laughed, shaking my head.‘I couldn’t do that.’
‘Why not?’ Claire shrugged.‘He’s invited himself on this trip.The least he could do is make himself useful.I saw him help with your tent.And he looks like he’d do anything just to get you to look at him.’ Claire bopped my nose.‘There is power in that, you know.’
