‘Not interested. You can keep your riches,’ Zach says, shaking his head. ‘I told you. Only a special few are let into the secret.’
I can tell there’s a bit of Jacob that really wants to believe this is true.
‘I’vegotto know what this trick is,’ I say.
‘Sorry,’ Zach says regretfully. ‘You’re not on my list.’
Jacob laughs.
‘That’s enough of that, you,’ I say, glancing at the clock. ‘Right, you’ve now got half an hour before your grandma arrivesto take you to the theatre. So go and get yourself changed and smartened up, okay?’
As he disappears to head upstairs, I turn to Zach with an apologetic look on my face.
‘So . . . my mum is about to arrive,’ I say.
‘Cool,’ he says.
I scrunch up my face and the penny drops. ‘Oh, I see. I should probably go before she gets here.’
‘Might be easier,’ I squirm, uncomfortably.
‘Sure. No. I understand.’
He stands up, looking suddenly slightly awkward.
‘Um . . . I’ll show you out.’
We are halfway across the hall when the bell rings. Until the moment I open the door, I am convinced it will be Amazon, or something I’ve ordered from an Instagram link. The fact I can’t actuallyrecallordering anything from there lately doesn’t mean anything. I’m forever receiving things I have no recollection of buying – as yesterday’s delivery of a fermented rice water shampoo bar proves beyond doubt.
I have the door open halfway when I realise my error.
‘Mum!’ I push it semi-closed again. ‘Why are you so early?’
‘I told you we were going for a milkshake first. Don’t tell me he’s not ready. . .’
‘No, he is. I’ll just get him. Wait there. JACOB!’
‘I’m just going to spend a penny before we go,’ she says, stepping forward.
‘It’s blocked,’ I say, shoving my foot against the door.
‘Oh, not again. What are youfeedingthose boys? There is such a thing as too much fibre you know.’
‘JACOB!’
‘I’m here,’ he says, plodding down the stairs.
‘Okay good,’ I say, kissing him on the cheek, before ushering him out into the porch. ‘Bye, sweetie. Have a great time both of you! Thanks, Mum!’
I go to close the door when it flings open again.
‘I forgot my Pokémon cards,’ Jacob says, galloping up the stairs. Mum is now standing on the step looking directly at Zach. She blinks.
‘Hello, ma’am,’ he says, pleasantly. ‘I’m Zach, pleased to meet you.’
‘Oh . . . hello,’ she says, studying him with a look that suggests she wishes she’d brought her reading glasses.
‘Got them, Grandma!’ Jacob gallops down the stairs and pushes past us all.
