Page 64 of King of Hearts

“I’m not sure, actually. I’ve barely heard from her since she started dating this new guy.” I scowled.

“You sound jealous.” Queeny said, stopping the first spoonful from reaching my mouth.

“I don’t think I’m jealous as such. I mean, ithasalways been just her and I, but I’ve also been a little preoccupied,” I said, inclining my head towards Andy. “But she doesn’t even answer my calls or texts anymore. Something isn’t right.” I groaned in appreciation as I tasted my first mouthful. “Nothing wrong with this dish though, Queeny. Yu-umm.”

“I agree,” Andy said. “This is good.”

“Best shepherd’s pie you’ve had?” Nan asked with absolutely no shame.

“Well, I haven’t actually had shepherd’s pie before so yes, yes, it is.”

“Good answer.” Dad said and I snorted at the pure delight on Nan’s face.

“When I tell the girls tomorrow, I will leave that part out.” Andy laughed at her honesty and she gleamed with satisfaction. It was almost embarrassing how obsessed she already was.

“I’m sure she’s fine, Bells. Marls is a big girl. She would tell you if she needed any artillery support.” Dad reassured me and I nodded introspectively.

“You know, in a deck of cards, the King of Hearts is quite impressive.” Nan said randomly as if we were all inside her head and following her train of thought. “It symbolises strength, compassion and an innate sense of emotional intelligence. As the captain you should have all these things, right?” My eyes widened as I looked towards Andy who appeared equally shocked.

“Uhhh…. I would like to think so.” He answered uncertainly, likely unsure of what she was thinking.

“I think perhaps you do.” She answered before continuing with her meal as if she hadn’t just said something surprisingly meaningful and kind.

I leant in and put my face against Andy’s shoulder speaking to him but loud enough for everyone to hear.

“I think that was a compliment, babe.”

“Of course it was a bloody compliment, Arna. All I’m saying is if he is as good at looking after you as he is at his job, we might be onto a winner here. But don’t let it get to your head. I’ve got my eye on you boy, and my frying pan is always there if you break her heart.” She pointed her knife towards him and Dad groaned.

“Can you relax, Queeny? Put the damn knife down for the love of mercy.” Andy chuckled at my plea, putting his arm around me before kissing me on top of my head. I knew coming here was going to be gruelling, but I did not expect her to both compliment and threaten him in the same sentence.

She was a one-woman circus.

“There’s no worries there. I’m not planning on doing anything to upset her.” Andy looked directly at me as he spoke and I did my best not to melt into a puddle right there at the table.

“I’m only joking, relax you lot. You scare too easily.” She stood to take her now empty plate to the sink, never one to sit for too long.

Andy and Dad fell into easy conversation which moved from the Hearts into some of the other teams in the league and eventually into various sports they both enjoyed. It was surreal watching them and the effortless way they discussed various topics. I had never brought a boyfriend home before and given Andy was my first, I was starting high in the eyes of a sports fanatic like Dad.

I helped Nan clean and serve the dessert while she commented on how “handsome” Andy was, how she would love to “spend more time getting to know him” and could “keep him entertained even if I was busy”.

The woman was relentless.

To his credit, Andy humoured her and took her borderline harassment in the manner it was intended, a relief to both Dad and I. But when she went and got her phone and asked me to take a photo of them together, I was done.

“Nan, your shepherd’s pie and pavlova are second to none, but we need to go before you really scare him away.”

“Oh, pssh. I just want a photo with him to show the girls. They won’t believe me otherwise.” When she batted her eyes at Andy and he looked towards me with a small smile, I knew she had him. I grabbed the phone from her hands and motioned for her to get in place. Nan leaned into his chest, a huge smile plastered across her face while Andy indulged her request with a happy grin and arm around her shoulder.

“You have literally threatened, complimented and just about come onto my boyfriend and it’s the first time you’ve met him. Dad, sort your mother out, would you, or he won’t want to come back.” Andy chuckled as he reached for my hand following Dad to the door.

“Don’t be shy, Bells. Your old man misses you.” Dad said as he gave me a quick farewell hug.

“I know, Dad. I won’t. Thanks for dinner guys. We will see you soon.” I pulled Andy down the driveway towards where Serg was waiting in the car before Nan could hug him for a third time. It wasn’t until we were safely inside with the door closed that I felt myself relax. I loved my family but even I knew they were a lot to take.

Turning towards Andy I went to apologise for whatever that was but when I saw the grin on his face, my hand flew to my mouth and we both erupted into laughter.

“She is something else.” I said in between my giggles, as the car pulled away from the house.

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