Page 81 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt
‘Yeah, you know.’ Jack’s eyes skirted about the deck. ‘Potential boyfriend material, I guess.’
‘That’s not the reason, no.’ Ally grinned. ‘Did you really just use the phrase “potential boyfriend material”?’
This time it was Jack who put his head in his hands. ‘God. Sorry.’
Ally rubbed his back. ‘It’s okay! But whilst we’re having this conversation, can I ask what you really think of the whole situation? Feel free to be honest.’
Jack’s eyes were wide. ‘You mean Bear?’ he asked. Ally nodded. ‘Well...’ He struggled to find the right words. ‘I think it’s great! I mean, he’s great! It’s all... great.’
Ally couldn’t help but laugh at his outburst. Jack joined her. ‘Sorry about that. I’ve never been very articulate. But I mean it, Ally. I think it’s very special what’s happened with your boy. I think it’s kind of beautiful that Theo lives on. Anyway. That’s all I’ll say on the matter before I tie myself into any more knots.’ They stared at each other for a moment, until Ally leant in to gently kiss him.
‘Blimey,’ Jack said. ‘We should have had this awkward conversation weeks ago!’ He pulled Ally into his arms. He kissed her passionately this time, and felt her soften in his arms.
‘Thank you, Jack,’ Ally said.
‘What for?’
‘For being here.’
By eleven o’clock, five of the six D’Aplièse sisters had gathered on the large, comfortable sofas in the main salon. Most had brought juices and freshly baked croissants down from the breakfast table, having only just surfaced after a long night of reading.
‘I couldn’t put the diary down,’ Tiggy said.
‘Nor could I,’ agreed Maia. ‘You know the bit I found really interesting? When Pa’s in the fire. That woman in the red dress appeared to him...’
‘Yeah, amazing what a little smoke inhalation can do to the brain, huh?’ Electra scoffed, and shoved a pastry into her mouth.
‘Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure, Electra.’ Tiggy gave her a wistful smile, and tried not to be offended when her younger sister rolled her eyes.
‘I think everyone’s missing the main point.’ CeCe frowned. ‘That bastard Kreeg literally tried to burn Pa alive. I don’t know about you, but I feel such... rage.’
‘I know, CeCe,’ Star comforted. ‘The weird thing is that he failed. Kreeg never managed to kill Pa. They both died as old men. So did Kreeg give up the chase, or did they reconcile?’ The room fell silent as each sister wondered what the truth might turn out to be.
The quiet was broken as Ally walked into the salon, followed by Jack.
‘Morning, everyone,’ she said.
‘Yeah, morning, ladies.’ Jack awkwardly manoeuvred himself away from Ally, clearly unsure of whether he should be standing next to her or not.
Ally clasped her hands together. ‘From all the chatter, I assume everyone’s up to speed on Pa’s diary?’ There was a general nod of agreement. ‘Where’s Merry?’
‘She’s been up,’ Star replied. ‘I think she’s snuck off to the hot tub to mull things over. Are you okay, Ally?’ she asked tentatively. ‘It was horrid to read about your grandparents.’
Ally forced a smile and nodded. ‘I’m fine. It’s nothing I wasn’t fully aware of.’
Suddenly, Maia shrieked, ‘Oh my God!’
The eldest D’Aplièse sister was pointing at a television in the corner of the room, which was broadcasting the BBC News channel. Although it was on mute, the entire room was now all virtually face to face with Zed Eszu.
‘Oh shit, what’s that animal doing on the screen? Sorry, Maia. Someone turn it off!’ Electra hurriedly said.
‘No!’ Maia replied firmly. ‘I want to hear it. Let’s turn it up.’ CeCe grabbed the remote and hammered the volume button.
‘... and as part of ourfuturesweek, we’re joined by the CEO of Lightning Communications, Zed Eszu, to talk about his plans for the growth of fibre-based internet. You’re very welcome to the programme, Mr Eszu.’
‘Thank you so much,’ he replied, with his trademark mawkish smile. Zed was dressed in one of his awful shiny suits, though had elected not to wear a tie. In fact, his shirt was unbuttoned so far that the viewer might catch a glimpse of his large pectoral muscles. His black hair was slicked back, and he exuded oiliness, in every sense of the word.
‘Oh God, just look at him,’ cried Electra. ‘He’ll be loving every second of this.’
