Page 106 of Be More Lucy

‘Yes, still water, please.’ Ella called after Sam as he headed inside. She turned to Em. ‘Even fizzy drinks make me feel sick.’

‘Do you want anything to eat?’ Em offered.

‘Oh god, no. I can’t face proper food. I’ve got a pack of custard creams in my bag if I get peckish. Where’s the loo?’

‘There’s one to the left of the back door.’

‘Sorry to abandon you, but I’m desperate.’ Ella tottered off towards the house.

Jack came out to join Em.

‘On your own again?’

‘Yes, your mum and Nancy have disappeared, and Ella’s gone to the toilet.’

‘I’ve hardly seen you today.’

‘Our first day as man and wife, and we’ve spent most of it apart.’ She shivered. Jack pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

‘Steady on you two. You’re not married yet.’

Jack and Em exchanged a glance. The deep voice came from a tall man in his seventies walking purposefully towards them down the path. Well groomed, white hair. Handsome for his age. Eyes like Jack’s.

‘Good of you to turn up, Dad,’ Jack said.

So this was Peter. There was something appealing about him. She could see where Jack got his looks from.

‘Your mother said she would make my life hell if I didn’t. And even though we live 600 miles apart, I know she doesn’t make idle threats.’

‘Good to know you came for Mother rather than me.’ Jack sounded pissed off already.

‘Don’t be so sensitive. And you must be Em. I hope so, anyway. Otherwise, Jack’s going to have some explaining to do later.’ He gave a hearty laugh. ‘Don’t start cheating on them, my boy, not until you’ve married them. That’s what my father advised me.’

Charming. Em could see why Jack hadn’t been that keen to put him on the guest list. She wished she hadn’t persuaded him now. Peter hugged her.

‘I hope you’re keeping him under control.’

‘I don’t think he’s ever out of control.’ Em felt the urge to defend Jack. Was his father always this gladiatorial?

‘Get a bottle of single malt down him, and you’ll see a different side.’

Em tried not to show her annoyance.

‘No Catherine today?’ Jack asked.

‘No. Your stepmother had to stay at home to look after the pigs.’

‘I imagine she has plenty of experience of dealing with pigs,’ said Em.

Peter ignored her.

‘How’s that television programme of yours doing, Jack? Has anyone watched it yet?’

Em could feel Jack’s body tense. Amazingly, Jack’s voice sounded calm when he answered. ‘We’ve got good enough viewing figures for them to commission a third series. So, yes, people are watching.’

‘I found the first series dreadfully dull, personally. I only managed to watch ten minutes of the first episode.’

‘We had a five-star review in The Guardian.’

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