Page 11 of Teacakes & Tangos
An unapologetic Lois had a face like thunder as she opened her door wider and enquired, ‘So are we going to the supermarket or what? Because if not, I’ll get the bus.’
Rory and I exchanged a knowing look, well used to her moods.
‘Yeah, no problem,’ he called back. Then he whispered in my ear, ‘See you later, gorgeous.’
My heart was full as I smiled up at him.
Rory was everything to me and I couldn’t believe how good he was being with my sister. Nothing was too much trouble. Lois had called me in a panic late one night the previous week, just as we were going to bed at Rory’s place. One of her taps wouldn’t stop leaking and she was scared that if she went to bed, it might end up flooding the house.
I’d tried to convince her that this was unlikely and she should phone a plumber first thing in the morning. But Rory, hearing what was going on, took the phone from me and told Lois he’d come straight over and have a look at the tap.
‘It’ll just be a washer needing replaced.’ He’d shrugged, getting back into his jeans. ‘She’s obviously panicking.’
‘I know. But you really don’t need to,’ I’d protested.
‘It’ll be the work of ten minutes if it’s a washer.’ He flicked his eyes to the ceiling good-naturedly. ‘And if it means Princess Lois will sleep easier in her bed...’
I chuckled. ‘You’re brilliant, do you know that? If you manage to fix it, she’ll owe you big time!’
He grinned. ‘She can buy us all a takeaway some time.’
He was back an hour later, having fixed the tap.
‘Chinese.’ He yawned as he flopped into bed and snuggled sleepily next to me.
‘Sorry?’
‘Takeaway. I extracted a promise.’
I chuckled and changed position so that we were spooning deliciously.
Rory was asleep and snoring gently almost immediately. But I lay awake for a while, revelling in the cosy bliss of his arms wrapped around me and wondering what I ever did to deserve such happiness...
Anika
CHAPTER FIVE
It was the weekend after the whole trauma of Dad having to sell Mum’s car to pay the mortgage arrears.
And apparently, Dad was going on a date.
I still couldn’t quite believe it but after some coaxing, he’d finally admitted it. And I was really pleased for him.
Dad had been behaving a bit oddly and out of character ever since that emotional day.
I knew my dad so well and ever since Mum died, he’d become a complete home-body, rarely venturing out at night – except to pick up an occasional takeaway – and preferring to sit in and watch TV every evening.
But a few nights after the car was sold, I came home to find him getting ready to go out.
‘What’s happening?’ I asked, and he told me he was going out... meeting up with some of his old mates he hadn’t seen in a while.
‘That’s great! It’s about time you started getting out.’
He nodded vaguely as I followed him to the front door. ‘It was after our talk the other night. You’re right, love. We have to stop wallowing in the past and try to move on.’
‘Well, I hope you have a great time.’
‘Thanks, love. Better go. See you later.’ At the car, he paused and looked over, a serious expression on his face. ‘Love you,’ he called.
