‘I wasn’t trying to twist your arm,’ I point out, laughing. ‘I’ve got a load of ironing to do at home.’
‘I thought you didn’t do ironing? You said it was against your human rights.’
This is true. I iron as little as possible, so much so that when Jacob first saw one at my mother’s house when he was little, he thought it was some kind of space-age tin-opener.
‘A few things have been sitting creased in the utility room for so long that that I am going to have to bite the bullet and just do it.’
‘So I’d be doing you a favour by going to get an ice cream at the swings?’
‘If you say so. Come on then. As long as I can get one too.’
We enter the park, a pretty urban oasis filled with blossom trees and a large duck pond, and stand in line at the ice cream parlour. It’s just as busy as you’d imagine on a sunny Saturday, filled with dog walkers, strolling couples and plenty of small children playing frisbee. Jacob is past all this really, but I think there’s still a nostalgic part of both of us that want to have a go.
The queue for ice cream is huge but Jacob’s determined, so he stands in line trying to decide which flavour he wants. Bubblegum is a definite, a hideous synthetic taste that he can’t get enough of, but he’s torn about what else.
‘I can recommend the Cookies and Cream.’ I recognise the voice as Zach’s before I even turn around.
Chapter 41
Zach is here with Mila, who is standing behind him, holding his hand and looking suddenly shy.
‘Hello there!’ I say, so brightly that my voice sounds strange to my own ears. ‘How are you, Mila?’
‘I’m good,’ she says, in a small voice.
‘So . . . this is Jacob,’ I say, as he raises a hand.
‘Hey buddy,’ smiles Zach. ‘That’s one cool T-shirt you got there. You likeThe Amazing World of Gumball, huh?’
‘Yeah, it’s my favourite show,’ he says.
Zach leans in, and whispers behind his ear. ‘Don’t tell anyone but it’s one of mine too...’
We shuffle forward in what seems to be a very slow-moving queue.
‘This isn’t your neck of the woods, is it?’ I ask because, while I’ve never been to the rented apartments Zach is currently staying in, I am familiar with those long-term lets in and around Media City. They tend to be gleaming, slightly impersonal pads, with great views, but not a great deal of personality. I can’t imagine him in them somehow . . .
‘No, but Mila’s grandparents live around the corner so we come here sometimes before she goes back to her mom. Mila’s hoping to tackle that slide at some point before we go back to the US.’
‘What, the big one?’ I gasp, looking at her shy face. ‘Wow . . . you’re brave.’
‘Well, she’s hasn’t quite made it down yet. We’ve been up those steps a few times but . . . you’re still working on getting down it, aren’t you, honey?’
I am very familiar with the psychological tug of war some kids have when they’re desperate to attempt something new and exciting, but simultaneously too terrified to go through with it. Jacob was the same once over a slide in Center Parcs – he spent three days psyching himself up and only finally managed it just as it was time to go home.
‘Do you think we’ll be much longer in the queue, Mum?’ Jacob asks.
‘It looks like it. You go and play if you want. I’ll wait in the line. Why don’t you take Mila with you?’ I look up at Zach. ‘Assuming that’s all right?’
She curls into his body and clutches his hand, clearly not sure.
Jacob smiles encouragingly. ‘I’ll look after you,’ he says.
She considers the prospect for a moment before deciding the lure of the playground is just too much.
As Jacob leads her towards the roundabout, Zach looks astonished. ‘Wow. She’s usually shy around bigger kids.’
‘Well . . . my son isverycharming,’ I tell him, as Jacob helps her onto the ride, before gently starting to push it.
