The Neighbour by Gemma Rogers

Author:Gemma Rogers [Rogers, Gemma]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

31

‘I thought she had a boyfriend,’ I blurted, coming back to the conversation as I remembered Mark mentioning Steve, the man from the photo.

‘No idea,’ Becky chipped in, pouring herself another glass of Pimm’s before topping up Niamh’s. Mine was still half full, as was Amber’s, who had finished Lauren’s French plait and was feeding her another cookie, her face now a picture of contentment. ‘Didn’t Remy take her out once?’ Becky added, looking towards Niamh.

I nearly choked on my drink but managed to style it out.

‘I don’t know!’ she replied, in a tone that suggested she wouldn’t have had a clue. My ears pricked. Remy had taken her out. Like he’d taken me out?

An awkward silence followed, and I was concerned I’d ruined the afternoon by mentioning Danielle.

‘I think that old woman scared her off,’ Lauren blurted, her mouth full of cookie crumbs. I froze as everyone stared at her, my throat closing, but a couple of seconds later, initiated by Niamh, the three of them laughed, Becky sounding like a hyena.

‘Valerie?’ she spluttered.

‘That woman is the bane of my life,’ Niamh said, the posh lilt slipping ever so slightly, before taking a long swig from her Pimm’s. Eyebrows raised I opened my mouth to speak but no words came.

‘Would you like to see my paintings?’ Amber asked Lauren, cutting through the silence, standing to take her by the hand. Niamh’s comment about Valerie glossed over.

‘I’d love to see them too, actually,’ I lied, feeling ridiculous about wanting to keep Lauren close to me. I was sure she’d be perfectly safe with Amber who’d treated her like the guest of honour since we’d arrived, but however irrational, I wanted to make sure she was in sight.

All of us headed upstairs admiring the artwork that filled the stark white walls. Everywhere was a canvas for Amber to colour and she did so spectacularly. Her studio, converted from the middle bedroom, had a view over the back garden and beyond to the adjoining street. It was messy, floors and walls covered in paint-splattered sheets. A large easel with a partly painted canvas was by the window. Primary colours dominated the piece and I stared, trying to understand it. I didn’t, although I appreciated how pretty it was.

‘Wow, could you do one for my bedroom?’ Lauren asked, her eyes wide with glee.

‘Oh I’d love to,’ Amber said. ‘What’s your favourite colour?’

‘Yellow,’ she replied, matching Amber’s grin. I had a feeling I’d hear Amber’s name on loop for the next few days.

‘Only if you’re sure,’ I said, tapping Amber on her arm. I had no idea how much she’d charge me.

‘Absolutely.’ Amber awarded me a genuine smile which tugged at my heart strings. I’d been quick to judge the housewives of Beech Close and I regretted being so harsh. They’d been nothing but nice to us since we’d arrived.

Lauren and I managed to escape after I’d agreed to a second glass of Pimm’s, although I knew the women would remain in the garden until the shade fell or their husbands came home.

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