Page 103 of The Village Midwife
Zoe gave a strained smile. ‘Now that I think back, I probably put up with more of it than I realised. I know one thing: I was so glad to see you and Grizzle.’
‘He was going mad for his walk. I nearly didn’t take him; thought Dad could do it later. Luckily, he was a pain in the arse and I got fed up of his whining by the door.’
‘Lucky for me.’
‘Was your ex bothering you? Do you think you ought to phone the police or something?’
‘He’ll go home and cool off and realise he was out of order. Ritchie’s harmless, all bark and no bite.’
‘Like Griz.’
‘Like Griz.’ Zoe’s smile was brighter now. ‘Griz has a decent growl on him though. That might be the answer: I should get a dog.’
Billie folded her arms, as if she was looking for an escape from their conversation. And though she didn’t want to be annoyingly insistent, especially after the way Ritchie had been with her, Zoe did wonder if this would be her best opportunity to talk to Billie about the adoption.
‘Your dad told me about your plans for the baby.’
‘He was pissed at you.’
‘Yes, I got that. Both barrels, as it happens.’
‘Sorry.’
Zoe had to wonder if Billie had been more calculating than she was letting on. Had Alex told her about his date with Zoe and she’d somehow sought to put a spanner in the works? She decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. ‘You’ve made up your mind? You don’t want to talk it over?’
‘You told me I could do it if I wanted to.’
‘I did, and you can. I also said it was one of many choices.’
‘Like what?’
‘Do you want to come to Kestrel Cottage for a drink and a chat?’
‘Not really. I have to take Griz for his walk.’
‘He could wait half an hour? I’d make a fuss of him at my place, and I’m sure he’d be fine for a bit. I’d really appreciate the company, if I’m being honest. And if you’re there, Ritchie won’t be tempted to come back.’
Billie seemed torn, but then she nodded. ‘Only for a bit. I think you should do something about him,’ she continued as they started in the direction of Kestrel Cottage.
‘I think you’re right. It’s my fault he’s like this, really. I think I let him believe we might at some point get back together. I don’t know why he’d want to, but…’
‘So you’re not going out with my dad?’
‘No,’ Zoe said, which pained her to admit. She wondered whether the news was welcome to Billie or not.
‘Only he asked you.’
‘He told you about that?’
‘Of course.’
‘You didn’t mind?’
‘It’s none of my business.’
Zoe didn’t think that was true at all, and there was a lot in Billie’s manner that suggested she didn’t believe what she’d said either.
‘It was only a date, to see how things went.’
