Page 7 of A Colourful Country Escape
‘Four! Those sausage rolls werethe best.’
‘Anyway, I just need to get my foot in the door.’
Being a social media manager was surely the one thing she was actually good at, even if … well, she would have to massage the facts a bit. What harm could a little truth-bending do?
‘So what is this job?’
‘It’s doing social media stuff for a family-run paint business. I love that idea – fresh paint, new beginnings. Like a wonderfully blank canvas.’
‘Yeah, you loved art at school. Maybe they’ll let you get creative.’
School. Lexie shuddered. Not all of it had been great. ‘I’m not sure that’s part of their plan.’ Although who knew. ‘It’s just two guys interviewing me in some hall or other. I hope it’s not too hideous. I just want to prove to myself that I’m not a disorganised, flaky loser.’ She felt her voice start to wobble.
‘Ouch. Is that what that dick from the band said to you? You’re amazing at sticking your nose in and sorting out everyone else’s business. Although … you are pretty disorganised with your own crap. Ooh, maybe you should focus on your own life admin?’
A swish of sliding boxes in the back of the camper van tried to agree.
‘Because you’re such a successful grown-up,’ Lexie countered.
‘Actually, I am growing up. I’m moving into the commune with Billy-Bob next week. It’s going to beepic.’
Lexie swerved onto the hard shoulder and screeched on her temperamental brakes. Penny bunny-hopped in protest before spluttering to a stop. Lexie cranked up the handbrake.
‘You’re doing WHAT?’
Was this the sign Lexie had to turn back? Surely she couldn’t stand by and—
‘Yeah, isn’t it wild? I’m sharing a yurt with Billy-Bob, Indigo and Renata. Just like a proper family.’
‘So they’re, what, his kids? And isn’t he about fifty? That’s more than twice your age.’
‘They’re his other mistresses, silly. B-B practises free love. All the men on the commune do; it’s totally—’
‘Perverse!’ Lexie snatched her phone from its cradle and bounced out of the van, raking her bitten nails through her sunshine blonde pixie cut with her free hand. ‘It’s just an excuse for Billy-Nob to stick his man parts in as many women as he chooses.’
‘Just three. And at least it’s out in the open – not like sneaky “I accidentally put my penis in Tabby” Drew.’
Touché.‘And you presumably stay faithful and cook the tofu?’
‘Well, yes, we are meant to be vegan.’
Lexie kicked her deflating tyre and let out another sigh in support of its rubbery pain. She should head back north and put a stop to this craziness. ‘You love sausage rolls. And you’ll give Mum and Dad a heart attack.’
‘Nuh-uh. They’re always too busy worrying about you. “Will she ever settle? She’s such a drifter.”’
Lexie knew when her sister was quoting directly from the Book of Parent.
‘Well, I guess Drew was never the one. Maybe it’s obvious in hindsight.’ She ploughed on before her sister could ask what hindsight meant. ‘I’m broke. He’s loaded. He’s from a completely different class.’
‘Oh, Lex, is that what you think?’ She heard her sister sigh. ‘I can’t believe we came from the same sperm.’
‘We didn’t. That’s not how it works.’
‘You’re the one who doesn’t understand how stuff works. Love doesn’t care about money. Love will rock up and cast its spell wherever it wants to.’
Lexie exhaled. As if life was just that easy.
‘You know, if you truly value yourself, bank balances don’t matter. His or yours. Just saying.’ Sky was probably just repeating some old rubbish from that cult. ‘I’m giving all my money to the commune, in exchange for eternal happiness. Wealth is superfluous to us.’
