Page 117 of Our Secrets and Lies

Frank laughed. ‘I’m not a rabbit.’

‘That’s all I have,’ Jenny said.

Frank went over to the fridgeand opened it. It contained one carton of low-fat milk, two low-fat yoghurts, three bananas and a punnet of strawberries that had gone mouldy.

He looked around at Jenny. ‘Seriously?’

‘I don’t cook. I travel a lot at short notice and I eat out a lot.’

‘Right, I’ll order take-out. Ladies, what can I get you?’

‘We’re fine, thanks. We’re not staying. We’ll leave you to it.’ Sarah knocked backher wine and stood up.

‘We all met your wife when she caused a major scene at my dad’s birthday party.’ Lucy looked Frank in the eye.

‘Oh, yeah, Jenny told me. Sorry about that, she’s a bit mad.’

‘Is she? Or is she just humiliated and heartbroken by your affairs?’

‘Lucy!’ Jenny snapped.

Frank’s smile faded slightly. ‘Barbara is very good at playing the martyr. She’s no angel. She’s been shaggingthe golf pro at our club for the past three years.’

‘Charming. Why are you still together if you’re both unfaithful?’ Lucy asked.

‘Cheaper and a lot less hassle than a messy divorce.’

‘I see.’ Lucy tapped the countertop with her fingers. ‘I presume you know how lucky you are that my sister is seeing you?’

Frank kissed Jenny. ‘I certainly do.’

‘Good. Well, just remember that and treat herproperly.’

‘Lucy, I’m not one of your kids.’ Jenny squirmed.

Frank laughed. ‘I haven’t had a speech like that since I took Rosie Johnston to my debs and her dad said the same thing to me.’

‘We’ll head off now.’ Sarah pulled Lucy down from her stool.

‘Where’s the best take-out around here? I need food.’

‘We could go out?’ Jenny suggested.

‘Nah, I’m wrecked after my flight. Besides, Man Uare playing at eight and I don’t want to miss it. I’d love a glass of wine though, babe.’ Frank kicked off his shoes and threw himself onto the couch, flinging Jenny’s perfectly positioned cushions onto the floor. He picked up the TV remote control and began flicking channels.

Jenny walked Sarah and Lucy out.

‘Good luck with your new flatmate,’ Sarah said, grinning at her.

‘He seems very athome already,’ Lucy added.

‘He’ll be a great housemate,’ Sarah said.

‘You won’t even notice he’s here.’ Lucy began to laugh.

‘I’d say he’s a whiz with a hoover and a mop,’ Sarah said, and she and Lucy creased over with laughter.

‘Stop it!’ Jenny hissed. ‘I don’t want him living with me. That was never the plan. What the hell am I going to do?’

‘Goodluuuuuuuuck.’ Lucy and Sarah closed thefront door behind them and laughed all the way down in the lift.

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