Page 28 of The Truth About You and Me
‘Luke was a tit, and you said yourself that he thought he was doing everything right when in fact he, as you so delicately put it, would knead your baps like Paul Hollywood on speed.’
‘True.’
I lean my head back on the sofa and tilt my head towards her. ‘Jack’s given me another book to read.’
She frowns. I catch a glimmer of the protectiveness she used to show when the girls at school would tease me. ‘What, like homework?’
‘No… he’s not like that… It’s something we do. I suggest a film; he recommends a book.’
‘Well that’s a start, isn’t it? He must want to see you again?’ She props her cheek on her hand. I’ve always admired Tess’s natural beauty. She could be on a skincare advert.
‘Yeah, we’re meeting again next Friday.’
‘You really like him, don’t you?’
I nod, my eyes hot, tears already pricking.
‘I should end it.’
‘It’s early days yet. We’ve all got shit that we don’t spill on the first few weeks of a relationship. Hot chocolate?’ she asks.
‘I’m out.’ I sniff and shake my head.
‘Oh ye of little faith. Brought supplies, didn’t I?’
She lands a quick kiss on my head as she gets up, so fleeting all I hear is:
I’m here.
15
JACK
The shop is almost empty, the last of the book club – already with their coats on – are still talking, laughing, exchanging recommendations. Despite Maggie’s words, the old sense of pride rekindles in my chest at the community Chadwick’s has created. But I soon deflate.
Because in the corner of the room, sitting on the leather armchair, is my father.
Who I’ve been avoiding.
Shit.
He unfolds himself, makes his way towards me.
I raise a hand in acknowledgement and stride behind the counter. ‘How long has he been here?’ I ask Nell out of the corner of my mouth as she stacks the cups behind the counter.
‘About an hour,’ she replies. I avoid my father’s steps and instead focus on the book cover: a yellow cover with a pair of eyes staring out. She continues talking to me under her breath. ‘I told him you were on a date.’
‘It wasn’t a date—’ She raises her eyebrows, her sharp fringe lifting with the movement.
‘We’re just friends.’
Friends. Is that all we are? I push the thought aside. Maggie is right. Things were moving too fast and?—
‘Riiiight. And that’s why you’ve changed your outfit three times today?’
Dad makes his way over. ‘Business is booming!’ He pauses, smiling at the customer. ‘Great read,’ Dad continues. He has what is often described as ‘kind’ eyes. And it’s true. He does. He’s a kind man, a good father. A talented writer. But he alsokindlyrefuses to accept that I am no longer the man I was.
‘Can we go somewhere and talk?’
