An (Un) Romantic Comedy by Phoebe MacLeod

An (Un) Romantic Comedy by Phoebe MacLeod

Author:Phoebe MacLeod [MacLeod, Phoebe]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 2023-03-13T16:00:00+00:00


17

‘That was delicious, Poppy, thank you,’ Steve says as we finish eating.

‘It was only a few things from the fridge and a salad,’ I reply. ‘Not exactly Cordon Bleu.’

‘I’ve never been much of a cook, but I’m pretty good at washing-up. Why don’t you go and relax, and I’ll bring you a coffee in a bit?’

‘There isn’t much to clear up. I’ll give you a hand.’ I’m thinking we could have a bit of a chat while we wash up, and then I’ll have something besides Charlie Pottle to report back to Rose.

‘I’d feel more comfortable if you were out by the pool keeping an eye on these two.’ Steve indicates his daughters. ‘I don’t want them swimming without adult supervision.’

‘I’m sure Sarah wouldn’t mind watching them. You’re not going to go in the pool, are you, girls?’

Both of them shake their heads solemnly.

‘See? It’s all fine,’ I tell him. ‘Sarah, Freddie, take the girls and keep a close eye on them. Nobody is to go in the pool, OK?’

‘Yeah, yeah, we get it,’ Freddie drawls. ‘Come on, you lot.’

As they troop out after him, Steve and I start to clear the table. Now’s my chance.

‘So, Steve,’ I begin, ‘how are things? Rose says you’ve been a bit preoccupied lately. Is everything OK?’

Instantly, I can tell I’ve said the wrong thing. Steve’s whole demeanour changes in an instant. He’s suddenly oozing tension from every pore and, when he looks at me, his face is blank.

‘I’m fine,’ he says tightly. ‘I don’t know what Rose is talking about.’

‘If you don’t mind me saying, you don’t look fine. I know it’s none of my business, but—’

‘You’re right,’ he snaps. ‘It’s none of your business. Look, Poppy, thank you for making lunch and everything, but I’d honestly be much happier clearing up on my own.’

‘OK. Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.’

He sighs. ‘No, I’m sorry for biting your head off. The truth is that I have got a lot on my mind at the moment, but it’s nothing you can help with. Thanks for asking, though.’

‘I’ll leave you to it,’ I tell him, and head out to join the others. I’ve never seen him like that before, and I’m glad I didn’t bring up the conversation I had with Olivia; he’s obviously in no fit state to deal with his daughter’s issues as well as his own. At least I can tell Rose that I tried now.

The girls have been as good as their word, and are currently watching something in the TV room with Freddie. Sarah has taken up position on her sun lounger again, and her earbuds are in place, so I turn my attention to my upcoming stay with Sam. It was a bit impetuous of me to suggest it, and now I’ve either got to be up front about where I’m going to spend the night, with all the accompanying recriminations, or I’ll have to sneak out after dinner and hope I’m back early enough in the morning that nobody realises I’ve been out all night.



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