Page 107 of From Notting Hill with Love…Actually
“What do you think he’ll say?”
I turned to Rose. “I have no idea. I’m not expecting a good reaction, though.”
“Will it cause trouble? Between the two of you, I mean?”
I shrugged. “Possibly—for a while. But Dad’s usually OK about most things in the end. Once he gets used to the idea, that is.”
“The idea?”
“Of me seeing you…” I paused. “I mean if we continue to see each other…in the future.”
“Would you like that, Scarlett?” Rose looked as if she might burst if she had to contain the smile any longer that was so desperate to break free and spread across her expectant face.
“I think so…yes, yes, I would.”
Don’t hug me. Don’t hug me, I silently prayed.
To my great relief she didn’t. Instead, she just allowed her smile to escape at last.
“Oh, Scarlett, I was hoping you’d say that.”
“It doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven you or anything like that. For leaving us,” I added, as if she needed reminding.
“No, that goes without saying, of course. Oh, I’m just so happy you feel this way, Scarlett. I’m glad I brought this with me now.” She held up a large shopping bag. I’d noticed she’d been carrying it earlier but I hadn’t liked to ask what was inside. “Here,” she said, handing it to me. “Don’t open it now, have a look when you get home.”
The bag was quite heavy. “What is it?” I asked, taking a quick peek. Inside was one of those large decorated boxes with a brass-cornered lid and handles, the type you put wedding mementoes in or old photos.
“It’s something I’ve kept for you over the years. No,” she insisted when I tried to lift the lid up inside the bag. “Please look at it later, when you’re back home again.”
“OK, but you’ve got me intrigued now.”
“It’s not much, honestly. Shall we get a drink?” she said, changing the subject. “There’s a little café over there that looks as if it might be open.”
We spent a further hour together in the café, chatting and drinking coffee. And I actually quite enjoyed it. Rose was good company. I think I’d have liked her even if she hadn’t been my mother. In fact, it would have been so much easier if she wasn’t.
I watched her as she sipped her cappuccino.
“What is it?” she asked, noticing my stare.
“It’s nothing, really.” I averted my eyes.
“Scarlett, if this is going to work, I think we’ve got to agree from now on to be honest about everything with each other, yes?”
I nodded reluctantly. “Yes, you’re right, of course.”
“Well then?”
I took a deep breath. “I was thinking that if you were a person I’d just met casually then this would be a lot easier, that’s all.”
“What, you mean easier to like me?”
“I guess so.”
“Then why don’t you pretend that’s what I am for now—just a friend and nothing else.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded. “And keep calling me Rose if it makes you feel more comfortable.”
