‘You’re back early.’
‘Yes, I wasn’t feeling all that well.’
‘You look a bit peaky.’
‘What are you doing?’
‘This old girl’s got an oil leak. Yet another thing slowly breaking around the place. Why don’t you have a lie down?’
‘Yes, I think I will. I’ll give you a hand with some cleaning later.’
‘Wait and see how you feel. You don’t want to overdo it.’
‘I’m sure I’ll be fine. Oh, is it OK if Cass comes to stay for a couple of days?’
‘Of course it is. Liv, are you sure everything’s all right?’
Tears filled my eyes, but I blinked them away. It would have been easier to lie, but I owed Harry more than that. ‘I had a visit from my mother-in-law today while I was at the shop. Let’s just say it didn’t go well.’
‘Want to talk about it?’
‘No, if you don’t mind, I’d like to get things straight in my head first.’
‘Sure, but you know where I am if you need me.’
‘Thank you.’
I walked through the farmhouse, stopping to make a cup of tea before heading upstairs. It was a relief to know Seb had gone to Plymouth for the day to pick up a piece of machinery for the farm. I couldn’t face the thought of seeing him. What would I say?I think I’m going to have to leave you for my ex husband or risk losing my son?It wouldn’t be fair to him. He’d want to help, but there was nothing anyone could do.
As I climbed the stairs, Maggie was on her way down. ‘Did Harry tell you we’ve got some new guests arriving?’
‘No?’
‘Yes, a married couple. I’m afraid it will mean sharing your bathroom.’
‘That’s fine, I’ll have to remind Bertie not to pee all over the toilet seat, though.’
‘Yes, you do that. I’ve no idea what they’re like. Harry’s only spoken to them on the phone, so fingers crossed they fit in.’
‘I’m sure they will.’
Maggie carried on her way, and I heaved myself onwards, using the banister to support my weight. I’d always known there would be comings and goings at Lowen Farm, but now was the worst possible time to welcome new guests. I’d have to be friendly when what I really wanted to do was curl up in a corner and hide.
I must have fallen asleep as soon as I lay down on my bed, for I was still wearing my shoes when a gentle voice stirred me into consciousness.
‘Liv?’
I sat up and rubbed my swollen eyes. ‘Cass? How did you get here so quickly?’
Cass looked at her watch. ‘Not that quick. You called me at eleven and it’s now half past two.’
‘Half past two? Crap, I need to get Bertie from school.’
‘You’re not going anywhere looking like that.’
Cass pulled her phone from her pocket and held the camera up to my face. She handed me the phone and I could’ve cried again seeing my reflection. My curls had tangled into knots, the skin around my eyes was red and puffy, my eyes themselves bloodshot.
‘I’ll pick up Bertie. You have a bath and splash some cold water on your face to bring down the swelling. I’ll tell Bertie you have a headache, so you’ll have plenty of time to straighten yourself out.’
