“I need a new plan,” Imogen said, waving as Robbie climbed out of Georgia’s car. “Okay, gotta go, Gran.”
“Have a lovely day. And Imogen?”
“Yeah?”
“Maybe it’s time to let them find their own way?”
“Gran, don’t be a spoilsport.” Imogen grinned. “They just need a push.”
“Alright, on your head be it.”
Imogen cut the call and ran to her best friend, hugging her quickly before making sure the call had ended and slipping the phone into her bag.
“So, last night they both admitted they loved each other.”
“What?” Robbie said. “Billy and your mum?”
Imogen nodded. “Yes, although I’m calling her Ma now and not Billy, so if I slip, remind me.”
“Right, Ma not Billy. Why?”
Imogen shrugged. “I guess it makes more sense and I think Billy—Ma—just wants to feel more like my actual parent, which she totally is so I get it, and I’m good with it…just takes some remembering.”
“Okay, cool. So, how and why did they say they loved each other?”
“It just came up in conversations with them.”
“They just said, ‘I love your other mother?’”
Imogen linked arms with Robbie and they walked the path together towards the main building. “No, I asked each of them if they still loved the other and they both said they did.”
Robbie was quiet for a moment.
“So, since the holiday, they’ve been hanging out more. Having lunch together. Talking.”
“Yeah. Trying to be more like a family for me.”
“Hm hm…or they’re seeing each other,” Robbie said, giving Imogen a playful nudge.
Imogen stopped walking and grabbed Robbie’s arm, eyes wide. “No, I’d know.”
“What if they don’t want you to know?”
“They wouldn’t be able to hide something like that.” Imogen shook her head, not believing she’d missed some sign or clue.
“I guess.” Robbie shrugged. They’d reached the building. “I have English, then French. Wanna hang for lunch?”
“Always.” Imogen smiled. “We can do that TikTok video with Janka. I’ll find her and bring her along.”
“Alright, cool. See you then.”
Imogen watched Robbie go, waving when her friend turned back to pull a face at her. She laughed but then frowned. A prickle of doubt crept in. Could they be seeing each other? She hadn’t thought of that. No, she was sure she would have noticed…wouldn’t she?
Chapter sixty-four
Rosa’s phone beeped—a text from Billy.
Billy: I’ve got two hours free. Wanna hang out and…??
