“Simon called.” Libby’s voice was a croak.
“Did he tell you about his girlfriend?”
“What?” Libby looked up at her sister. “How did you know about her?”
“Mum called me earlier. Simon’s mum rang her this afternoon to tell her they were meeting Simon’s new girlfriend, as a courtesy or something.”
Libby blinked. “Mum knew Simon was seeing someone else, and she didn’t tell me?”
“Well, I imagine she wanted to let Simon tell you himself.”
“When did you find out?”
“Oh, I don’t know, sometime earlier. Why are you interrogating me? I’m not the one who left you for another woman.”
“I’m going to bed,” Libby said, standing up so quickly, she felt dizzy.
“Before you go, one quick thing.” Rebecca sat down and waited until Libby had dropped into her seat again. “I wanted to tell you some good news.”
“Good news?”
“Well, it’s not good news per se. Rosalita’s mum has apparently had some complications from her surgery, nothing critical but she’s going to be bedbound for the next eight weeks, so Rosalita won’t be back until August.”
“How is that good news?”
“Well, it means you can stay here until then. I know how stressed you must be right now, so I wanted to reassure you that you’ve got somewhere to stay for a bit longer.”
“Right.” Libby knew she should make an effort to sound vaguely grateful, but a huge wave of exhaustion had suddenly crashed over her. “Thanks, Bex. I’m going to bed.”
CHAPTER
15
Libby had arranged to meet Frank for a walk on Hampstead Heath the following morning. She considered canceling it and staying in bed, but she didn’t want to let Frank down, and besides, some fresh air would probably do her good. They’d agreed to meet at the café by the bandstand, and when Libby arrived she saw Frank sitting at one of the tables outside, drinking from a takeaway cup.
“Hi, Frank.”
He startled at the sound of his name, spilling some coffee.
“Oh, sorry to make you jump.”
Frank looked up at her, his brow furrowed. “Clara?”
“No, it’s me, Libby.”
“Libby?”
“Yes, from the bus. Remember, I’m helping you look for your girl on the 88.”
“Oh, yes, Libby.” Frank smiled, but his forehead was creased. “Sorry, forgive me. I woke up with a terrible headache this morning, so I’m a little out of sorts.”
“Would you like to cancel our walk? We can go another time if you’d prefer.”
“No, a walk is just what I need.” Frank picked up his satcheland pushed himself up from the table. He wobbled a little as he stood, and Libby stepped forward and took his arm. “I’m fine,” he said, but he didn’t shake her off.
“Which way shall we go?”
“Have you ever been up Parliament Hill?” he asked, and Libby shook her head. “In that case, let’s go this way.”
