Page 91 of The Love Letter
‘Where’s Jamie?’ asked Zoe.
‘In his room.’
‘Marcus, you’ve not let him sit on that computer all day, have you?’ Zoe frowned.
‘Sorry. I did my best, but he’s not exactly social, is he? Come on, Jo, don’t bother taking your coat off. Let’s scoot.’
Zoe kissed Joanna, then Marcus. ‘See you guys soon. And thanks for a fun day, Jo.’
‘Not at all. I’ll ring you during the week,’ she replied.
They exchanged a small, conspiratorial smile as Marcus ushered Joanna out of the door.
Zoe went upstairs to see Jamie and discover whether supper should be sausages and mash or cottage pie. Jamie went for the former and followed his mother downstairs to chat to her while she cooked.
‘You know, I don’t think Uncle Marcus likes me all that much,’ he said.
‘Jamie, of course he does! He’s just not used to children, that’s all. Did he say anything to you today when he was here, darling?’
‘No, nothing. He just drank a lot of beer. Maybe his new girlfriend will make him feel better. He said he might like to marry her.’
‘Really? That would be wonderful. Jo is lovely.’
‘Have you got a boyfriend, Mumma?’
‘I . . . there’s a man I really like, yes.’
‘Is it Simon?’
‘Lord, no!’
‘I like Simon. He seems nice. He came and played on my computer game with me for a bit last night. Is he coming down for supper?’
‘Actually, I thought you and I could have supper together and a nice chat.’
‘It’s a bit awful not to ask him, isn’t it? I mean, he is our guest.’
‘Go on then,’ Zoe said, weakening, ‘see if he wants to join us.’
Five minutes later, Simon, looking vaguely embarrassed, walked into the kitchen.
‘Are you sure it’s okay, Zoe? I can easily get a pizza.’
‘My son insists on your presence,’ said Zoe with a smile, ‘so sit yourself down.’
Throughout supper, she did her best to keep a straight face as Simon regaled Jamie with stories of the New Zealand sheep farm he lived on back home.
‘Mumma, one day, can we go and visit Simon in Auckland? It sounds cool!’
‘I should think so, yes.’
‘Simon, do you want to come and see the new computer game Mumma got me today? It’s fantastic, but much better when there’s someone else to play against.’
‘Jamie, poor Simon,’ Zoe sighed.
‘It’s fine. I’d love to play,’ Simon offered.
‘Come on then.’ Jamie stood up and indicated that Simon should do the same. With a shrug and a smile at Zoe, Simon followed Jamie out of the kitchen and upstairs.
