The House That Alice Built by Chris Penhall

Author:Chris Penhall [Penhall, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fiction, contemporary, romance, family relationships, adventure, romantic suspense, women's fiction
Publisher: Ruby Fiction
Published: 2019-08-13T16:00:00+00:00

‘Concentrate on the good stuff. Concentrate …’ Alice stood on the balcony and stretched her arms wide. Closing her eyes she breathed in the warm, fresh air and smiled.

‘Is that the sweet gentle aroma of jasmine?’ she said to herself. ‘And can I hear the gentle rustle of the trees swaying in the breeze? Yes, I believe I can.’

Aphrodite brushed around her feet, purring. This is nice, Alice thought, picking her up and stroking her ears. ‘I am an actual artist,’ she said. Aphrodite nuzzled her head into Alice’s arm. ‘I thought you’d be impressed.’ Closing the shutters, Alice put on her sandals, picked up her bag and opened the door. Although, said the voice in her head. Don’t forget Adam and his girlfriend with the moustache.

‘Focus, focus,’ muttered Alice out loud. ‘What do I have to do today? Pick up the prints. Bring them back here. Sort them out, and then deliver them.’

He could find out where you are, you know? It’s not that difficult, said the voice.

‘Think I’ll get a cab back with them. I’ll text Ignacio.’

You can’t hide forever.

‘I think I’ll get him to take me back into town afterwards, too, to deliver them. Precious cargo after all.’

And now you’ve got Antonio and those girls talking about you for some reason.

‘Wonder if Kathy is feeling better. Maybe she can meet me on the last delivery and we can celebrate.’

You’ve got to do something. It’s not going to just go away.

‘Bugger off!’ shouted Alice. And she slammed the door behind her.

How do I get rid of all that negative energy in the apartment? she thought, pressing the button for the lift. Or is it negative energy in my head? She took out her phone and called Kathy. ‘Hi. It’s the big day today. Do you want to come and help? We can celebrate afterwards … well, you do sound terrible … is it a sickness thing? … have you been to the doctor? … no, you really should go … I felt a bit wobbly but I put it down to a mixture of tea and wine! I was okay within twenty-four hours. Are you sure you’re up to it? Okay, I’ll see you there.’ She put the phone back into her bag. ‘Don’t you even dare,’ she said to the voice in her head as she walked through the foyer towards the doors. ‘I’m going to the printers to collect my photographs, so just leave me alone.’

As Alice walked down to the harbour and through the town, she could feel herself smiling. She had taken a small step towards something new, and it felt exciting. Turning the corner to the shop, she saw Luis standing in the doorway.

‘Surprise!’ he said, gathering Alice up in his arms. ‘I thought as it’s such a big day, we – that is myself and my dog – should be here outside the printers to mark it.’ Elvis barked and jumped up at Alice excitedly.

‘What a lovely idea.’ Alice smiled. ‘That’s so sweet.

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