Page 52 of Take My Hand

“Didn’t know you were going out,” Dad said, moving towards the front door with his key in his hand.

“You weren’t here to tell,” I replied, raising an eyebrow. “How was the supplier?”

Dad paused for a second and then continued up the path. “Yeah, good. I’ll talk to you about it later.”

That was odd because he never spoke to me about suppliers. Maybe he’d decided to make a big business decision and wanted to run it past me.

We followed Dad into the house, through to the kitchen, my heart thudding with unease at how the unexpected meeting between him and Zak would go. Dad had seemed to like him at the café, when we’d had breakfast, and he was pretty easy going, so I shouldn’t have worried. I was his little girl, though, and Zak was a boy who clearly had an interest in me.

Dad reached for the kettle, switched it on, and then turned back around. “Brew?”

I glanced to my side where Zak was standing. He didn’t exactly look relaxed, but he certainly didn’t look scared or nervous.

“Please, Mr Newman.”

“I told you, Will is fine.” Dad flashed him a smile and then looked at me. “Maddy?”

“Tea, please.” At least he hadn’t full named me, so I wasn’t in trouble for going out without telling him. If I was, it would only be a safety thing with him. He just liked to know where I was.

“Anyone want a nugget?” Dad opened the bag and peered inside before putting his hand inside and bringing out a couple of fries.

“No, thanks.” Zak moved a little closer to me and I almost leapt as his little finger linked with mine. “I just had a burger.”

I glanced at him, aware that my face was burning, but when I looked at my dad he had turned back to the making the mugs of tea.

“Are you going to sit down?” he asked over his shoulder. “I don’t fancy eating this while you’re both standing over me.”

Letting out a breath, I moved towards the table, aware that Zak hadn’t let go of my finger. When I looked at him he was grinning, like he knew I was loving it and hating it in equalparts. Pulling my hand away and rolling my eyes, I sat down at the table, my stomach instantly flipping when Zak took the chair next to me. His thigh nudged mine just before his fingers tickled my side.

“Oi,” I hissed, trying to sound annoyed, but unable to hide a smile.

Zak raised an eyebrow and then turned to look at dad’s back. “I can make the tea for you Mr Newm—, sorry, Will. You can eat your nuggets then.”

“Dad’s very particular about his tea,” I told him.

“I am.” He reached into the brown bag and pulled out a piece of chicken, popping it whole into his mouth, chewing it as he continued making the drinks.

Zak linked our fingers again and my heart started jumping around in my chest. Everything he did made it go fast, made me feel excited inside. Made me want to smile until my cheeks ached.

Eventually, Dad turned around and placed two mugs in front of us. Then he got his own and brought it to the table along with his nuggets.

“I really appreciate this,” he said, peeling the lid off a barbeque sauce pot. “I didn’t realise that I was hungry.” He looked up. “So, what else have you two been up to tonight?”

“Not what you’re thinking,” I muttered, earning one of Dad’s looks that said I’d better not be lying to him.

“Just McDonald’s,” Zak replied. “But Maddy only had a milkshake.”

“You had the curry?”

“Yes, I had the curry. You left it for me so why wouldn’t I?” I narrowed my eyes on him. “It was very nice, by the way.”

“I know. I make a good curry.” He winked at me and then ate another piece of chicken as we watched him in silence. It wasn’t uncomfortable as such, but I didn’t like it. Who knewwhat Zak was thinking, but worse still, who knew what my dad was thinking? And if he was thinking the worst, what questions would he start asking?

Dad took another bite and then took a long sip of his tea.

“Lovely,” he finally said. “Thanks for that.” He slapped his hand on the table. “So, Zak, how are you and the family settling in? The people of Norford can be a little inclusive at times.”

“It’s great. We’re really liking it here.” He looked at me and grinned, making it obvious why he particularly liked it in Norford. At least, I hoped thatIwas the reason.

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