‘So have you.’
‘Yes, but mine’s probably been easier.’
As Alex bustled around the kitchen, whistling in sporadic, joyful bursts, Zoe was reminded of what she needed to tell him. When she would do that was another matter, but now certainly didn’t seem like the right time. How could she kill this wonderfulmood he was in? Today was a big day for him and she wasn’t going to be the one who ruined it, but at the same time, when she did get round to it, would he be angry that she hadn’t shared her results with him as soon as she knew them? Then again, he didn’t have to know that, as long as she didn’t leave it too long.
‘How are you feeling?’ he asked as he returned to the table.
‘Fine.’
‘That’s good. So your funny turn must have been a one-off after all. Fingers crossed, eh?’
‘Yeah, fingers crossed. So what are the guests celebrating? Did they tell you? It’s one family, isn’t it?’
‘Yep, the oldest brother is fifty, so they’re all away together instead of having a party. Apparently, he’s not a fan of parties. Lucky for us, right?’ Alex gave a broad smile. ‘They’ve got these twin lads; I think he said they were four. God, they were so cute – you’ll have to go over and meet them; you’d fall in love as soon as you clapped eyes on them. And smart too. They already know how to count and everything – they were loving showing me. It’s a shame Louisa isn’t older; I could have taken her over to play with them.’
‘I wonder if Billie might have had something to say about that.’
Alex chuckled. ‘Probably. You know’ – his smile grew – ‘I really think we’ve turned a corner. In life, I mean…me and Billie. I think it started when we met you, but now…well, it feels as if everything is coming up roses. I probably shouldn’t say that – I’m tempting fate to give me a reality check, but…things are good, and they keep getting better. If I can make this business work, we could have a good life. I mean, we could have agreatlife, the dream life. It could be perfect…don’t you reckon?’
‘Nothing is perfect.’
Alex’s smile slipped, but he soon rallied again. ‘It’s not like you to be negative.’
‘I wasn’t trying to be. I’m sorry…I’m tired, that’s all. Like you said, it’s been a tough day at work.’
‘Everything’s all right, though?’
‘Of course. I only meant nothing is perfect because it can’t be, but you’re right, life could be great. It could be idyllic.’
He left his seat to call up the stairs to Billie. Zoe heard a muffled reply, something along the lines of telling her dad to be patient and that she’d be down shortly.
‘I’ll put the pie in to warm then!’ he shouted back. Billie began to say something else, but he’d stopped listening. Instead, he went to the oven to do as he’d promised and then went to the freezer. ‘Peas…’ he mumbled with his head still in there. ‘Peas will do, won’t they?’
‘I’m sure they’ll be fine.’ Zoe watched him, suddenly feeling stifled, her heart beating in her ears. She was beginning to recognise this now – a sort of burning, irrational attack of anxiety that came from nowhere, but she couldn’t let Alex see it. ‘I’m going to…’ She got up and went to open the window, and when he turned to face her, peas in hand, he frowned.
‘What’s wrong?’
‘Nothing… a bit hot.’
‘You do look flushed.’
‘It’s warm in here…probably the oven.’
‘Right…’
Alex looked as if he might delve further, and Zoe tried to form some sort of response to his questions, but her muddled thoughts wouldn’t cooperate. All she knew was that her senses were heightened, like she was on red alert for some threat that was nowhere to be seen, and she felt as if she could melt into a puddle.
But she was saved from any interrogation by a tentative knock at the door. Grizzle went mad, racing around and barking,until Alex managed to get him into the living room and then went to the outside door.
On the step was one of the men from the camping field. With him, he had two identical little boys.
‘I’m sorry to bother you…’ the man said, a boy holding each of his hands. ‘We were wondering if you had a spare foot pump we could borrow until we get to town tomorrow. Ours seems to have packed up the minute we need it – bought it new as well.’
‘Of course!’ Alex stepped back. ‘Come in for a minute…Zoe…this is…sorry, mate, I forgot your name.’
‘Gavin.’
‘Right, yeah.’ Alex grinned at the boys. ‘But I haven’t forgotten your names. I just have to get them the right way around.’ He pointed at one of them. ‘Herbie?’
