Page 77 of The Boathouse By the Loch

David turned to Robyn. ‘I thought we could go boating on the loch, and have picnics by the shore, and—’

‘Start making preparations for the party?’ suggested Robyn.

‘Yes, yes. That would be brilliant too. And preparations for your mum coming to stay. You’re going to have to write to her as soon as we’ve set a date for the party.’

‘I guess so.’

‘You don’t sound very enthusiastic about contacting your mum,’ observed Marty.

‘I don’t think we get on, really. It’s been … I don’t know how long it’s been since I saw her last.’

Gayle said, ‘Well, this is your chance to mend bridges, and get to know each other a little better, don’t you think?’

‘Yeah.’

David said, ‘I can’t wait to get back to the boathouse and start planning that party. You could design the party invitations.’

Her face lit up. ‘Oh, yes. I’d love that.’

David had thought she would.

‘In fact, I can’t wait to go home, and make a start.’

David stared at her. Had she just called the boathousehome?

Robyn noticed him staring. ‘What?’

David grinned. ‘Oh, nothing. I can’t wait to gethomeeither.’

Marty was buttering some toast. He looked at Robyn and David.

‘I’m going to get packed right now.’

‘Good idea.’

David stopped in the doorway. ‘What about your hair?’

‘My hair? I washed it this morning – remember? Maybe I should have used the straighteners.’

‘No, I thought you wanted a cut and colour.’

‘Oh, yes, I forgot. You know what? I don’t think I need a cut and colour after all. What do you think?’

‘No, definitely not. I like you just the way you are.’ They both left the kitchen, each carrying a plateful of toast and a cup of coffee.

Marty put some more toast in the toaster and turned to Gayle. ‘What’s with them?’

‘Nothing at all. In fact, I think things might just be coming together.’

‘Well, let’s hope so. I overheard Robyn when she arrived here yesterday, hiding in the bedroom, ready to surprise David.’

‘Overheard what?’ Gayle whispered.

‘She was on the phone, saying that she had no choice but to come back last night, but as soon as she could, she’d return to London if she could do it without raising suspicions.’

Gayle frowned. ‘Suspicions about what?’

Marty shrugged. ‘How would I know?’

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