Believe In Me by Susan Lewis

Author:Susan Lewis [Lewis, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House
Published: 2018-01-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

The following afternoon Leanne went to take over from Klaudia at Glory Days, while Wilkie piloted Daniel and Abby about town to search for the things they’d discovered Daniel needed. This ranged from pyjamas that fitted, a dressing gown and toothbrush, a new comb, shampoo and shower gel right through to a decent pair of trainers and a warm, waterproof coat. Though Leanne had promised her mother that she’d cover the cost, she knew already that Wilkie would refuse; however, when it came to a new laptop and smartphone Leanne had insisted that she’d already been provided with funds to cover the essentials.

‘I don’t think social services would class those things as essential, would they?’ Wilkie had commented doubtfully. ‘Maybe they do. Things are very different now.’

All Leanne knew was that a sum of money had been paid into her account, presumably for Daniel’s food and clothing, but she was keen for him to be as much like the other kids as possible. So, in her book, a smartphone and laptop were essential.

‘We’ll go to the mall and get them after school on Monday,’ she’d told Abby before the shoppers had set out on their mission that morning. ‘And don’t worry, you can be there to help do the choosing, but try to remember, it’s for Daniel, not you.’

It was surprising, and touching, to see how involved Abby wanted to be in organising Daniel’s new life; all that concerned Leanne was how long it would last. For the moment the boy was a novelty, the brother she’d never had, and, being Wilkie’s granddaughter, a cause for her to claim as hers. She just hoped Abby’s attitude wouldn’t change towards him once she got bored and wanted to spend more time with her friends.

Looking up from the dismal accounts Klaudia had left for her to peruse, she checked to see who was calling her mobile and felt a jolt of surprise when she saw the name. For a moment she felt tempted not to answer, but that was absurd.

Just as absurd was the crisp way she said, ‘Hi, Leanne Delaney speaking.’ She didn’t want him to think she was pleased to hear from him, or had in any way been waiting for his call, or had his number programmed into her phone, because … Well, because …

‘Hi, Tom Franklyn here,’ he said, drily matching her formality. ‘How are you?’

Feeling herself smile, she said, ‘Yes, I’m fine, thanks. How are you?’

‘A little jet-lagged, but I’ll get over it.’

He must be back. Cue butterflies and brain drain.

‘So,’ he went on, ‘how are things going with the new member of your family?’

Sliding happily into that, she told him, ‘He’s still finding his feet, but Abby has him in hand, poor thing.’

There was a smile in his voice as he said, ‘I guess he’s not with you at the moment?’

‘No, I’m at Glory Days. My mother’s taken him shopping.’ Would it come across as polite to ask where he’d been for the past two

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