Page 124 of Our Secrets and Lies

‘For God’s sake, Frank, eat in the bloody kitchen,’ Jenny snapped.

‘Jesus, keep your hair on, Mrs Mop.’

Jenny pushed him towards the kitchen.

‘Hi, Lucy, sorry to hear of your situation.’

‘It’s just a mistake,’ Lucy said, embarrassed that he wasgetting to witness her family unravelling. ‘It’ll blow over quickly.’

Frank shook his head. ‘I doubt it. He won’t come out of there until you admit to sending that photo.’

‘I can’t admit to something I didn’t do,’ Lucy hissed.

Frank put his buttery knife down on the kitchen countertop. Jenny whipped it up and wiped away the butter marks.

‘Eh, I was going to have more butter.’

‘You’ve hadenough. Go on, get yourself ready and meet Colin for a pint. He’ll be waiting for you.’

‘Where are my clean shirts?’ Frank asked.

‘What do you mean?’

‘I put them beside the washing machine.’

‘I saw them. They’re still there.’

‘Why didn’t you wash them?’

‘They’re not mine.’

‘But I need clean shirts.’

Jenny folded her arms. ‘Well, I guess you’ll have to wash them, won’t you?’

‘Are you serious?You just left them on the floor?’

‘Yes, Frank, I did.’

‘Thanks a bloody lot. What am I supposed to wear to go out?’

‘I don’t give a shit what you wear. I amn’t your cook or your cleaner. If you want clean shirts, wash them. You’re a big boy.’

‘Jesus, Jenny.’

‘Jesus what? You’re a smelly, lazy, untidy git. I will never wash your clothes or cook your meals. If you don’t like it, the front dooris there. Feel free to leave.’

‘Don’t push me, Jenny. I just might.’

‘Please do. You’re driving me insane.’

Frank slammed down his plate and stormed into the bedroom. He came out a minute later wearing trousers and a crumpled T-shirt. ‘I’ll have to go out looking like this now, thank you very much.’ He cursed as he slammed the front door behind him.

‘I see the honeymoon period has worn off,’Lucy noted.

‘It lasted about five minutes. I’m making it as unpleasant for him as possible so he moves out soon. I haven’t even had sex with him since the first night. I bought these disgusting fleece pyjamas and I wear them every night.’

‘I thought he seemed very frustrated and angry.’

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