‘I found him scary,’ Mum says. ‘He seemed to be understanding though.’ She fiddles with her teaspoon. ‘I still think all this is ridiculous. What do you think about it all?’ She’s addressing Sophie directly. ‘I think they’re making a mistake.’ I’ve rarely heard my mum be so bold with a statement.
An icy feeling drips down my spine. Why does no one ever back me?
‘Surely you don’t think this is a good idea?’ Mum continues. ‘I’ve tried to talk to Ellie. Have you spoken to Jackson?’
Sophie takes a long drink from her coffee mug as if she’s deciding how to reply. ‘I talked with Jackson, yes.’
‘It’s obviously not something they can cope with. They’re kids. I don’t even know where they think they’re going to live.’
‘With me,’ is Sophie’s simple reply and it stalls Mum. ‘I think they know what they want to do and I’ll do everything to help them.’ She squeezes my arm and then turns her smile on Mum. ‘I’m sure we both will, won’t we?’
‘But how?’ Mum stutters. ‘I can’t have them over at ours. John won’t have it.’
‘Then you can spend time with them at mine if your husband wants nothing to do with his own grandchild.’ Sophie pauses before continuing. ‘I know it was a shock for everyone, but I’ve been so impressed with how they’ve both coped with what’s happened. They’re lovely young people. This isn’t the end of their lives; it’s the beginning of a new chapter.’
‘Do you think?’ Mum’s brow is scrunched.
‘Absolutely. I don’t see why they can’t carry on, do their exams and go to uni if that’s what they want. We might have to help them that’s all.’
For the first time since Mum found the bloody pregnancy test papers in the sink, the tension etched into her face lifts a little.
‘I could definitely help. Just away from my house.’
‘That’s not a problem.’ Sophie lifts her mug to clink it against Mum’s. ‘Team E and J.’
Mum’s face breaks into a smile as she looks straight at me. ‘To our little grandbaby, then.’
And for the first time in as long as I can remember I think maybe telling Dad will be OK because Mum will be at my side.
Chapter Thirteen
It’s Monday afternoon and I’m sitting at one of my picnic tables. The local paper is spread out in front of me and I’m circling any jobs I think I could apply for. There’s nothing exciting, unless you count working in the local shoe shop, vape store or bookie’s, and none of them appeal. I circle them anyway. Beggars can’t be choosers and at least those options won’t involve me getting on a bus to the nearest town, which is an added expense I can do without.
My phone dings. It’s Reeni. Without opening the message, I can see it’s the details about the pizza night she mentioned. We haven’t spoken since that awkward afternoon and I don’t feel like answering her. I’ll open it later. I push the phone to one side and go back to studying the jobs page.
‘Hello, stranger.’ Jackson’s voice whips through me, knocking my insides all out of kilter.
I look up and he’s in front of me, all sun-kissed, wearing aneasy smile along with long navy shorts and a baby-blue T-shirt. Looking that good should come with a health warning. He’s too bloody sexy.
‘You OK?’ I ask, trying to keep my voice natural.
‘I needed a break from bloody paperwork. It’s driving me mad. Councils are a nightmare. I thought I’d get some fresh air and maybe a decent conversation.’
He leans his hip against the edge of the table. He’s so effortlessly confident, like the beach, the sunshine and even my table somehow suit him. My fingers tighten around my pen. Why does he still do this to me, when he’s actually doing nothing? Crap. Get a grip, woman.
‘What do you need the council to do?’
He waves his hand, dismissing my question. ‘Just permits. It’ll get sorted. So, what’re you up to?’
‘Job hunting.’
‘Anything interesting?’ He leans over my shoulder to look.
I cringe at the jobs I’ve circled. ‘Not really. But a job’s a job and I need the money.’
He slides onto the bench beside me, leaving just enough space between us to be polite, but close enough that I can feel his warmth. He’s quiet as he scans the paper. ‘What do you want to do?’
‘Don’t really know, but I need to pay my rent.’
