Page 33 of The Life Experiment
‘That’s just his morning meds,’ Maya added. ‘Wait until you see how many he takes before bed. With all the pills Dad has in him, he rattles when he walks.’
Maya grinned as David pretended to clutch his sides to stop them splitting with laughter, but Layla couldn’t smile. While Layla knew David’s health wasn’t in top condition, she hadn’t expected this. Biting her lip, she looked to the pillbox and tried to count how many tablets were in the PM section.
‘Don’t fret, love,’ David said when he caught her. ‘These pills keep me fighting fit, don’t they, Jayden?’
As David mimed boxing with his grandson, Jayden laughed. ‘Grandad’s silly,’ he said, his mouth half-full with pancake.
‘Jayden, manners,’ Maya said, reaching to add more syrup to her own pancakes.
‘Well, now I see where Jayden gets his sweet tooth from,’ Layla joked, trying to be present.
‘Stop getting me in trouble,’ Maya said, pulling a face at her sister.
As Layla returned the gesture, warmth filled her.This is what you’ve needed,it said.This is what you’ve missed.
The temptation to berate herself for leaving so long between visits beckoned, but for the first time in days, Layla chose not to sink into her most miserable thoughts. Instead, she chose to focus on the fact that she was here, in the moment, with her family. Better late than never.
16Angus
His father was calling to him from another room, but all Angus could focus on was the exchange on the screen before him.
I’ve had dinner and can confirm – fish and chips in the north is superior to fish and chips in the south x
By superior, do you mean greasier? x
The grease is what makes them taste so good, Angus, don’t you know anything?! x
I did not know that. Clearly my palate isn’t as sophisticated as yours… x
I’m glad you can admit it. Don’t worry, I’ll educate you x
I look forward to your tuition, Cannon. How about when you’re back from Hull, we meet for dinner and begin my education?
It would be great to see you again x
When he sent that message to Layla, Angus felt brave. Alcohol always had that effect on him and he had consumed a bottle of wineover dinner with his father. Plus, while his mother was away in the Cotswolds, Angus was free to be unfiltered.
But rereading his text as he sobered up on his parents’ sofa, Angus couldn’t believe he’d ever thought that asking Layla out via text was a good idea. The wording was juvenile, the tone blasé, and he couldn’t help worrying he looked cowardly by not asking to her face.
Angus’s concern didn’t appear to be unfounded. As soon as the message was delivered, the playful conversation Layla and Angus had enjoyed all day ended. Two hours later, Angus was still waiting for a response. Cursing himself, he reread the messages for clues about where he went wrong.
Were his jokes about the north of England offensive?
Was dinner too formal? Too casual? Too boring?
Was Layla unnerved by him reminding her that they had only actually met once?
Tipping his head back, Angus let out a pained groan.
‘Someone’s in a terrible mood,’ Peter said, stepping into the living room. No longer dressed in a sharp suit, his monogrammed robe and pyjamas made him look older, less powerful. The fact that he was clearly tipsy only made it worse.
Angus never knew how to read this version of his father. In some ways, Peter felt more approachable without his formal armour. In others, it was like interacting with someone who wasn’t his father at all.
‘I’m just tired. A little frustrated too,’ Angus admitted.
‘About what?’ Peter asked, heading to the drinks cabinet. There, he poured two whiskies before joining his son on the sofa. ‘I take it from your silence that this is a romantic frustration?’
‘I guess so,’ Angus replied, accepting the glass of amber liquid.
