A Not Quite Perfect Family by Claire Sandy

Author:Claire Sandy [Claire Sandy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781509831296
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Published: 2017-04-06T04:00:00+00:00

‘They sound like monsters.’ Layla wore a soft hand-knit, the neck pulled up to her chin as she listened to Fern’s dramatic recreation of the visit. ‘Poor Donna. How is she?’

‘Sad. But she’s proud, you know? She holds it all in. Bit like you.’

‘I can see you’re dying to ask. Yes, all’s well.’

‘Thank God! Are you taking it easy?’

‘Not really. I’m pregnant, not ill.’

‘Don’t be clever, miss. Luc worries. And so do I.’

‘Look, Fern, I’ve been here before. I can’t think about it too much. I can’t invest too much of myself. Otherwise it’ll tear me apart when . . .’

‘I have such a good feeling about this. I really do. This time’ll be different.’

‘Please don’t say that, Fernie. It’s reckless to hope.’

‘I’ll do the hoping for both of us.’

‘You don’t have to call every day. I’m a big girl now.’

‘I like calling. You like me calling, too.’

‘I do! You look nice, by the way. Off on a hot date?’

‘Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!’

‘Crikey, that touched a nerve. Where are you going?’

‘Nowhere. Well, only round to see Hal’s studio. To look at his work.’

‘Of course. You’ve always been so interested in pottery.’

‘Shut up! I am interested. He’s so crazy about what he does. I’m sure he’s talented.’

‘Very talented. You’re blushing! Like a Jane Austen character. Are you being careful, like we said? You’re vulnerable at the moment, Fern.’

‘And lonely. Even with all these bodies in the house. Allow me a bit of fun, Layla.’

‘Fun, yes. Heartache, no. I sound like Nora, but I’m right. Take it easy.’

‘Everything’s easy with Hal. There’s no baggage. He never takes what I say the wrong way. I don’t expect anything from him, except to be around. It’s easy and I need one part of my life to be easy.’

‘Is that Amelie I can hear?’

‘Yeah. She’s a cry-y baby. Like Ollie was. Oh. Look, we don’t have to talk babies, not until you, you know . . .’

‘I love Amelie already, even though I’ve only seen her on Skype. I want to talk about her.’

‘Sure?’

‘Sure.’

‘Do I really look all right?’

‘The make-up’s discreet. The hair is tamed. That blue jumper does great things for your colouring. Those are the jeans that work. So yes, you look more than all right. You look great.’

‘For my age.’

‘You look great full stop. Easy rider Hal’s a lucky chap.’

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