Page 133 of The Reboot
‘How’s Loretta?’
‘That’s the thing. I haven’t been able to reach her. You know he was supposed to be coming tonight?’
‘Yes. She … told me.’
‘Well, obviously that won’t be happening. She’s not answering her phone, so I’m going to head over there.’
‘Good.’
‘And I was wondering…’ He cleared his throat. ‘Um … would you come with me? I mean, if you’re not doing anything. I know it’s Friday night—’
‘Of course,’ she said without hesitation. ‘If you want me to. I’ll leave now.’
‘Where are you?’
‘I’m … in town. At the karaoke bar.’
‘Look, I don’t want to mess up your evening—’
‘No, I’m leaving now,’ she said firmly. He could hear that she was moving as she spoke. ‘I’ll jump in a cab and meet you there?’
‘Okay. Thanks, Ella.’ He hung up feeling a little calmer for speaking to her.
Ella saw Roly just turning into his mum’s street as her cab pulled up and she jumped out.
‘Thanks for coming,’ he said. ‘I really appreciate it.’
‘It’s no problem.’
‘God, poor Mum!’ he burst out, seeming on the verge of tears. ‘She’s going to be gutted.’
‘I know.’ She reached out tentatively and touched his arm.
He took a deep breath. ‘Well, let’s go.’ He took his key from his pocket.
Ella’s heart was hammering as he opened the door, scared of what they were going to find.
‘Mum?’ Roly called softly as they walked quietly down the hall.
Ella realised she was holding her breath. They found Loretta in the dining room, slumped in a chair pulled out from the table. Ella’s heart twisted in sympathy as she took in her tear-streaked face. The table was set for an intimate dinner for two, with flowers and candles, and a bottle of red wine sitting on a silver coaster. A small gift-wrapped parcel sat in front of one of the plates. Loretta was wearing a silver wrap dress and high heels, obviously dressed for a romantic eveningà deux. It was heartbreaking.
‘Mum.’ Roly sank to his knees in front of her, and she looked up, her face a picture of dejection.
She turned to him as if in a daze. ‘He should have been here by now,’ she said forlornly. ‘I checked the website and the flight he was meant to be on landed ages ago. He’s not coming, is he?’
Roly shook his head slowly. ‘No, he’s not,’ he said, his voice gentle.
Oh, Ella, pet.’ She looked at Ella as if she’d only just noticed she was there. ‘It’s lovely to see you.’ It broke Ella’s heart that she made the effort to dredge up a smile for her. ‘Have a seat.’
Ella sank onto one of the chairs.
‘He’s stopped texting. I’ve been ringing him all day, but he’s not answering his phone. You don’t suppose something’s happened to him, do you?’ Her voice was almost hopeful.
‘No. He’s just a con artist, Mum. He was never coming.’
She nodded. ‘It wasn’t real, was it? Any of it?’ Her voice was hollow. ‘He was just stringing me along to get money out of me.’
‘Yeah. Sorry, Mum.’
