Page 9 of Just a Number

“Yeah, it’s amazing. The guy’s got talent, but he needs to do the waitering and bar work to earn some money.”

“I thought he was a drug dealer when he knocked on the door.”

Zack guffaws. “So judgey, Mum. What the hell? Just because he rides a motorcycle and has tattoos? Come on, you’ve taught me better than that. Do better yourself.”

I feel suitably chagrined. “You’re right. I shouldn’t judge on first appearances. I just couldn’t get my head around him being your friend. He looks older. And different from your other friends.”

“Mum, you’ve known a lot of my other friends for years. When we were all smaller than you!”

“True. He seems nice enough. And it was good of him to tidy up.” I give my son a knowing look.

“I know there’s more I can do around here. I’ll try. I just get distracted by other stuff.”

“All I ask is that you try. What are your plans today?”

“Work at 3 pm. Had been planning a long lay in but you were up at the crack of dawn making bacon, and luckily, I was awake. Maybe some gaming… see if anyone is online.”

“Are you seeing your father this weekend?”

“Dunno. Not heard from him this week. Must be busy with his new girlfriend.” His tone is nonchalant as he lifts a shoulder in a shrug.

“Why don’t you text him?” As much as I have no desire to see my ex-husband ever again, I try my best to remain neutral for Zack and encourage their relationship. I don’t think our split and subsequent divorce had been a surprise to our son, given the difficulties we’d been having. But I want to make sure Zack still has a father figure and extra support when he needs it.

“Last time I saw him, he was talking about taking me away to a cabin somewhere for a fishing weekend. Sounds a bit shit, to be honest. But maybe he’s already forgotten.”

My ex, John, isn’t great at following through, but I hope he’s going to pull his finger out and sort out some quality time with his son. Maybe I should send him a text with a gentle nudge? I’ll see if Zack hears from him over the next few days.

“What are your plans?”

“I might be dragging Cassidy out for a drink or several tonight. Today I want to catch up on chores around the house and get some of my Bookstagram stuff done.”

“I’ll wash up then and help you get started.”

Chapter four

Mel

I’ve convinced Cassidy to take a break from her writing cave and come out. She’s perkier than she seemed in her messages last night. She and Tom had a heart to heart this morning, and she’s in a better spot now. She’s been in a throuple for a while now with her neighbour, Jack and his friend with benefits, Tom. But Jack took a job offer in New York, leaving Cassidy uncertain about the relationship and unsure of her footing with Tom. I’m so glad that Tom came through and wants to try with her. When I asked her where she wanted to drink tonight, of course she picked Tom’s bar, The Thirst Trap.

Abby, the barmaid and Cassidy’s friend, places the cocktails down in front of us. I admire the fruity concoctions. We asked Abby to surprise us, and she certainly has.

“What even is this?” Cassidy asks with a chuckle.

“It’s an Abby special.” She gives us a sly wink, and I know it’s going to be strong before I’ve even had the first sip.

We’ve come out quite early, so there’s not a big crowd in yet; a few tables having dinner and drinkers dotted around, and it’s quiet enough that we can sit up at the bar and chat to Abby while she works.

“What did you do to the boss? He’s remarkably brighter today than yesterday,” Abby asks Cassidy, brows raised.

“I insisted he come over this morning. We had a chat and agreed to make a go of it, even with Jack gone.”

“That’s excellent news, Cass. I’m happy for you. Both of you.”

I smile as Abby leans across the bar and tries to capture Cassidy in a hug, but the bar is too wide and it just looks like she’s trying to grope her instead.

“Hey, hands off my girl,” Tom calls as he makes his way back to the bar after clearing plates from a table. He comes over and kisses the top of Cassidy’s head and she glows under his attention, gazing up at him with adoration, like a cartoon character with heart eyes.

“I’m pleased for you both and all, but none of that sappy stuff around me, thank you very much. It gives me the ick.” Abby makes a gesture like she’s going to vomit.

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