Page 15 of The Reno
“What?”
Lydia whistled. “You grew some balls.”
“What do you mean!” I protested. “It’s fine. It’s two months, and we’re not in each other’s pockets, so I’ll be back in London soon.”
Lydia laughed. “Okay. God. This is what it feels like to be in the rebel alliance.” I ignored Lydia’s comment because I didn’t get the reference. I was too busy spiralling. Why did I think lying to my mum was a good idea?
I groaned and threw my head against my cousin’s muscly shoulder. “Please help me.”
“You just talked me through it. It seems like you have it all planned out.”
“I don’t. I will get overwhelmed and stressed and get carried away and spend too much. Everything I want to do will cost a million pounds. And maybe I could justify half of it if I was staying, but I’m selling,” I said so fast that I ran out of steam towardsthe end.
“Okay, okay. Let’s break it down,” Lydia said, patting me on the shoulder. “What first?”
“Builder quotes.”
“Oh!” A light bulb appeared over Lydia’s head, illuminating her dirty-blonde hair. She grabbed my arm. “Some family friends of ours, the Hunters, could help. They’re builders. I’ll give you Kevin’s number,” Lydia added, searching for her phone.
“Do you think they’d be available?”
“They always do favours around here, especially for locals. I bet if I twisted his arm—”
“I’m not local.”
“No, but your dad is. Was.” She flinched, then recovered. “And I am. I’ll call in my favour, don’t worry.”
She grinned, infectious; it made me smile back.
“That would be great. Thanks, Lyd.” I looked around the dusty dining room. “God, there’s so much to do. I don’t know where to start.”
“Why don’t we make a list together, now?”
A list would be helpful. It would be even more helpful to get the words out. To speak it all out loud. I forced down the instinct to say no. To insist I could do this alone. She’d already offered the Hunters. I couldn’t take up more of her time. I couldn’t be more of a burden.
“That would be great. Shall we start upstairs and work our way down?”
Lydia grinned. “I’m opening the next bottle of prosecco.”
FOUR
Kat's To-Do List
Find builder!!!Call Kevin Hunter—07000 900463
Call locksmith
Deep clean house
