Max and Cassie both wrapped themselves around Robbie’s legs.
“You’d think we’d been gone a month.” Rosa chuckled, putting an arm around Imogen. “We’d best go and find a taxi.”
“I can drop you off,” Billy offered.
“In your sports car?”
Billy shrugged. “It’s bigger than it looks.”
Imogen’s eyes went wide. “Can we go with her? I can squeeze into the back seats, and we’ve only got two small cases and my big one.”
Rosa looked between the two of them and smiled. “Go on then, only because I want to see the magic happen as all of this, and us, get into that tiny bucket on wheels.”
They all said their goodbyes, but then realised they were all walking towards the car parks. At the point where Janka’s and Robbie’s families split to go to the short stay, Billy, Rosa, and Imogen headed for the bus that would take them to the long-stay car park Billy had paid for.
The two small cases squeezed in on either side of Imogen, who sat in the middle of the back seat with one leg behind each of the front seats, the seat belt fastened around her middle. Her bigger case just about fit into the boot, but only after Billy took out the box of car cleaning equipment and oil cans. Those were now shoved into the footwell in front of Rosa’s seat.
“There,” Billy said, brushing her hands together triumphantly. “Told you it would fit.”
Rosa raised a brow and smirked. “We haven’t got up Merchant hill yet.”
“One problem at a time, Rosa.” Billy grinned and jumped into the driver’s seat.
It was the first time Rosa had been in the little car. It smelled of cherry…and Billy.
Luckily, there was a space right outside Rosa’s home. Billy pulled into it and yanked the handbrake up. “Here we are—all home, safe and sound.”
“Thank you,” Rosa said with a smile before opening the door and climbing out. She pulled the lever and her seat moved forward. The small case nearest to her was handed up by Imogen, who clambered out after it.
“Okay, so yeah, that’s not the best way to travel,” Imogen said, brushing off her jeans.
Billy chuckled and opened the boot. “Maybe it’s time to upgrade to a bigger model.”
“And be a grown-up?” Rosa smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. Billy blinked, caught off guard by the teasing look.
Imogen didn’t notice the playfulness between her parents, too busy pulling the case from the boot and rooting through her pocket for the key to the front door.
“This car is you, though. And it’s not like you need it to drive anyone but me around.” She shrugged. “It’s a cool car to be seen in.”
“Imogen, I’m shocked,” Rosa said. “I…” She stopped herself and glanced at Billy. “We didn’t bring you up to care what others think of you.”
“I don’t mean it like that, I’m just saying…it doesn’t hurt to be seen as one of the cool kids at school.”
Rosa moved out of the road and onto the pavement beside Billy. They both stared at Imogen.
“Are you being bullied?”
Imogen frowned. “What? No, of course not.”
“You’d tell me—”
“Mum, I’m not being bullied. You’ve met my friends. Do you really think anyone would get past Robbie?” She laughed at her mum’s absurd take on things.
Rosa considered that. “No, I don’t suppose so.”
“Anyway…this is…weird. I’m going in.” With that, Imogen dragged her case towards the gate, opened the latch, and continued. Rosa and Billy both turned to watch her go.
“Well, that was interesting,” Billy said, nudging Rosa with her hip.
