He did as he was asked, but he watched her carefully as she moved around the kitchen. Eventually, he spoke.
‘You’re upset with me.’
Zoe turned to him, her hands curled around the coffee she’d decided to drink standing at the counter. ‘Why would you think that?’
‘Sarcasm, first thing. Nice, but I’m too tired for it.’
‘So am I,’ Zoe said.
‘So why don’t you come out with what’s eating you?’
‘Nothing iseatingme. Why don’tyousay what you mean instead of using ridiculous phrases?’
‘This is about Virginia. I had to ask her to stay over – what else was I meant to do?’
‘I know, and it’s not about that.’
‘So thereissomething?’
‘Leave it. I don’t have time for this; I’m running late as it is.’
‘You’re not doing anything now. You’re drinking coffee…’
Zoe went to the table and slammed her mug down. ‘Have my coffee then because I don’t have time to drink it.’
She marched up the stairs, rage bubbling inside her. On the landing, she met Billie, coming out of her room with Louisa, looking as tired as everyone else.
‘Are you all right?’
‘Of course,’ Zoe said, trying to smooth her expression. ‘Are you? I heard Louisa wake last night earlier than normal. She’s not still feeling the after-effects of the virus, is she?’
‘I don’t think so,’ Billie said, regarding Zoe carefully. ‘Has she gone?’
‘Virginia? Yes, she went early doors – I didn’t even hear her leave.’
‘I heard her come to bed, though,’ Billie said.
‘Hmmm…’ Zoe replied as neutrally as she could. ‘Me too. I suppose the house is older and creakier than you realise, especially at night.’
‘I thought I might go and see Maisie today.’
‘That’s nice – she’ll be happy to see you.’
‘I also thought…Never mind.’
Zoe frowned. ‘I don’t have much time to spare this morning, but if you needed to get something off your chest?—’
‘It’s OK; it’s nothing really. Nothing that won’t wait.’
‘You don’t seem sure…’ Zoe tried to offer a reassuring smile, but it was hard-won. ‘I can make time for you always – you must know that.’
Billie hesitated. ‘I…’
Louisa began to wriggle in her arms, and then Grizzle came bounding up the stairs, having been alerted to the fact that his favourite member of the family was up, and the moment for whatever Billie had been about to say was gone.
Zoe reached to fuss the dog. He tolerated her for a moment but immediately turned to sniff around Billie with far more interest.
‘I’ll see you later,’ Zoe said.
