‘Really? I thought you’d see it as morbid.’
‘Not at all. Em is still a big part of us. And we need to have somewhere for her brother or sister to get to know about her. What better way? We can take a look around some garden centres this afternoon, if you like?’
‘That would be great.’
‘As long as we can stop off at the pub for Sunday lunch.’
‘After what we’ve just eaten? Greedy guts.’
‘I’m a growing man.’ He patted his stomach, where there was not an ounce of fat. ‘Besides, I had a run this morning while you were snoring your head off.’
‘I do not snore!’
‘How would you know? One of these nights I’m going to record you.’
She stood up, moved to sit on his lap and wrapped an arm around his neck. ‘I wish it would feel as good as this forever,’ she said. ‘I almost forgot the pain for a moment there.’
‘Forever is a long time,’ Danny admonished. ‘Although I’m very tempted to agree with you.’
‘I might try and befriend Sarah a little. Would you mind?’
‘Of course not.’
Juliette smiled and looked towards next door’s house again. Perhaps she could get Sarah to come to the book club with her.
CHAPTER TEN
2015
True to his word, Richard delivered the painting at the weekend. I hung around at Martin’s flat when he was due. It wasn’t hard as I never liked being at home for any longer than to sleep and eat. I can’t remember my dad at all now. Wouldn’t know him if he walked straight past me. My mum’s a waste of space too.
I don’t know what we did to deserve such losers, but we had to put up with a lot. Mum was always getting sacked from her job because she’d turn up drunk or wouldn’t turn up at all most days. We often went without food, luckily getting free school meals to tide us over, and our house was always in need of a good clean. I never brought anyone round. Even cleaning up all the time wouldn’t have made a difference. I tried, for a long time, but then it wasn’t worth it.
Mum went to pot when she started snorting coke. I tried to get her away from it but the older she got, theworse she became. I thought it was kids who were supposed to go off the rails, but it was our mum.
So I spent a fair bit of time at Martin’s place, to escape my own. When things got too rough, I’d sleep on his sofa. He rented a small flat above a row of shops. That wasn’t much either, but it was clean and tidy, and it always felt much safer. Especially since Nigel, Mum’s latest fella, had moved in.
It took me ages to get ready. I wanted to make the very best impression the second time we met. I rooted out my favourite dress and strappy heels, spruced up my skin with fake tan, painted my nails and treated myself to a good haircut. I was gleaming from top to toe.
Richard’s smile told me all I needed to know as he pulled up outside in a pickup truck. He was everything I’d remembered and more.
‘Hi.’ I waved as he unloaded the canvas. ‘Did you find the address okay?’
‘Sure, I have satnav.’ Richard smiled as he unloaded the canvas.
I cursed inwardly. Of course he’d have satnav in his fancy pickup. I looked at it again, the registration new. I’d break my neck trying to get in and out of that.
Martin was even more pleased now the picture was with him. He handed over the money and Richard pocketed it.
‘Thanks for doing this,’ Martin said, shaking Richard’s hand. ‘My mum and dad will love it.’
‘Happy to help.’ Richard smiled at him. ‘Would you like to grab a bite to eat with me before I head back?’
‘I’ll come,’ I said, a little too excitedly.
‘Not me,’ Martin replied, failing to hide the smirk on his face. ‘Things to do.’
‘Well, if you’re sure.’
