34
LILLY
My body temperature rises, despite the cold. Heat prickles my skin, making me itch my neck. Please no. She was meeting the doctor she’s been dating, not her ex-husband. I bend down to look through the car window to find out what’s going on.
Shane smiles at me as he winds the window down. “Everything all right, Lil?”
“What are you doing here?” I look between him and Fern. Wind whips my hair, sending a chill down my spine, but it’s nothing compared to the icy fear stabbing me in the chest at thoughts of my sister reconciling with my man.
“Long story,” Fern says. “Has the pizza arrived? I’m starving.”
“Not yet. I thought you were the delivery guy when I heard a car pull up.” I wrap my cardigan tighter around my body to block out the cold.
Harry runs up behind me. “Why aren’t you in your police car?” he asks Shane with a frown.
“I’m off duty, buddy.”
“But you’re wearing your uniform.” He points at Shane’s attire through the window.
Shane chuckles and says, “You’ll make a great detective some day, kid.”
“Want to come and see my cars?” Harry asks.
My stomach flips, wanting Shane to join us for supper like old times.
Fern gets out of the car and stands at the side of me behind Harry. “I think we’d all feel a lot safer if you were to stay for a while.”
I spin my head towards Fern. “Safer? Has something happened?”
“No.” She gives me a look and ruffles Harry’s hair. “Nothing’s wrong.”
Hairs prickle on the back of my neck, knowing something is definitely wrong. “I’ve ordered your favourite pizza, Shane,” I say, hoping he’ll come in. “Pepperoni with mushrooms.” Since he introduced me to the combo years ago, it's become my favourite pizza, too.
“Please,” Harry whines. If anyone can make him stay, it’s him.
His smile widens. “All right. Let’s see this car collection.” Shane steps out of his Shogun and follows us into the yard, closing the gate behind him. “You need to get this fixed.”
Fern huffs. “That and about a hundred other things in this house.” She throws her bag over her shoulder. “I was hoping Lilly could have got Kane to fix it, but that’s not gonna happen now. I can’t afford to pay anyone.”
“I don’t mind helping you out. I’ll bring my tools round one day next week when I’m off work,” Shane says, entering the house.
I flick my eyes to the old wooden beams on the ceiling. Great. That’s all I need, them spending more time together. She already thinks he wants to get back together with her.
Harry bounds up the stairs. “Mum, can I show Shane my room?”
Fern drops her bag on the floor next to the shoe rack. “Sure.”
Whispering, I say, “What’s going on?” I follow her into the kitchen and close the door to stop our voices from travelling up the stairs.
Fern exhales a long strangled breath as if she’s been holding it in all night. “The picture I sent you is the doctor I’ve been seeing.”
I pinch my eyebrows. “But you said his name was Ant something.”
She rubs at her temples. “I know. He’s been playing me this whole time. I should have known it was suss when he kept asking about you. I’m sorry, Lil. I should’ve shown you a picture sooner.”
Words clog in the back of my throat as I try to process. I knew he was a creep, but dating my sister to ask about me is next level.
“Shane thinks he’s the one who broke into your house.” She opens the fridge and pours herself a glass of wine, then takes a big gulp. “Want one?”
