Page 55 of One Hot Summer

“I had to get away.” She shook her head. “Dad’s somehow sleeping through this noise so Mum has been nagging me and then she started shouting. I’m pretty sure Dad is faking it just for some peace.”

She looked like she’d been crying. I was starting to feel sorry for her, and was just about to offer to lend her some of my dry clothes, maybe even a conservative dressing gown, but then she leaned across and put her head on Zack’s shoulder.

“It’s so hard being here sometimes. I just need a hug.”

“You poor love,” Miranda said. “Don’t you worry, stay here tonight. The room next to Zack and Jenny is empty, so you can stay in there.”

“That would be amazing. Thank you, guys. You’re the best. Is that the room we all crashed in the other year?” She directed the question to Zack.

“Yes, it is.” He shuffled awkwardly in his seat.

They all crashed together? All who? Why didn’t Zack crash in his own room? Who else was there? Was it just the two of them?

“I’ll be back in a minute,” I said, grateful that the dim glow of the candles was hiding my burning cheeks.

“Everything okay?” Zack asked.

“Yes, I just want to check my phone. I left it on charge earlier. I won’t be long.”

I picked up the torch and found my way upstairs to the bedroom, closing the door behind me. I tried to compose myself for a few minutes, fighting the images of Zack and Chloe crashing on a bed together during previous summer vacations here.

My phone pinged from the bedside table, pulling me out of my panic. I followed the glow of the screen and picked it up to read the message.

Hey, haven’t heard from you and was getting worried… How’s it going? Call me if you need to (conversation still paused) (still love you) (you were right about Bing, he’s a knob) Xxx

I couldn’t help but laugh at the last part and wondered what on earth he had done now.

Hey, can’t call but can give a quick update… I’m so bothered by the twenty-something, she’s here now dressed like a competitor in a wet T-shirt competition, cuddling up to Zack and talking about how they all used to crash together in bed!!! ?? xxx

She’s got a nerve!!! What is she thinking?? How’s he reacting? And wet T-shirt? Xx

We’ve got a ridiculous storm going on at the moment and she was out in it… TBF he isn’t exactly encouraging her. He looked a bit awkward.

Well, it sounds innocent on his side. Are you okay? Xx

I will be, just needed a moment to myself. What has Bing done?

I moved his litter box from the kitchen to the bathroom, but he didn’t like that and when I got home from work he had pooped in the kitchen sink!! I thoroughly bleached it, but now can’t bring myself to wash up in there… I’ve got a dishwasher on order. Xx

My final message to her was just a few dozen laughing emojis. That cat’s got my back.

The storm eventually passed through the night and by morning, the blue sky I had come to know and love had returned. Although it felt chillier than usual, Alistair assured me it was forecast to be hot again by noon.

“What are you getting up to this morning while I’m out with your mum?” I asked Zack as we sat and had breakfast together out on the patio. The outdoor furniture was still too wet to sit on, so we took two of the dining chairs out.

“Not much, probably chill with my dad.” There was no mention of Chloe, which was a relief. She’d disappeared first thing before we got up. “Are you sure you’re all right? You look pale.” He leaned close and put his arm around me. “If you’re not feeling up to it, my mum won’t mind. She won’t be offended if you just want to hang out here for the day. There’s plenty of time to shop.”

“I’m fine, honestly. Don’t worry.”

He pulled my face towards his and placed a kiss on my non-responsive lips.

“You’d tell me though, right? If something was wrong, if something was bothering you?”

“Of course, it’s all good. I must just be tired from all the heat. Not used to it. I just need some retail therapy and I’ll be fine this afternoon.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure.” I smiled, possibly unconvincingly.

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