Page 121 of Playing the Game
Tuva scowled. “By taking her away from everything she knows? This is a very important year for her.”
“I agree. I’d rather she was studying than smoking weed with boys. If she’s allowed to come and stay with me for a while, she has something to work towards.”
Tuva tutted. “Getting her qualifications should be enough.”
They both knew that wasn’t the case. Anna had grown up in wealth. Whether she got her exams or not, she would be fine.
“Tell me something first.”
It was a tiny chink of light.
“Go on.”
“You could have done this over the phone. Why the grand visit?”
Jonas nodded. “I needed to get away.”
Instantly, Tuva smelt weakness. “Why? What is wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“There is something.”
“There isn’t.”
She studied him hard.
“I get it,” she declared. “I wondered who this Adam was who Anna has been babbling on about ever since she got back. You’ve had another one of your affairs and it’s gone badly. Now you’ve shown up to take my daughter from me.”
Jonas fought to keep a lid on his rage. How typical of Tuva to find it inconceivable that people did things for other reasons than selfishness.
“That’s not true,” he replied. “My sister needs me and I’m not going to desert her. She will be sixteen next summer. It’s time that she learnt something about the world other than the view from a sun lounger.”
“And you think she’ll do that in some godforsaken town in the north of England?”
“Yes,” Jonas said. “Yes, I do. She can travel to away games and we’ll have lots of trips.”
Tuva brushed an imaginary piece of fluff from her jumper.
“Forget it. My daughter stays with me and you should probably catch your flight home.”
How he wanted to tell her what he thought of her. Instead he stood, which she followed suit.
“You are losing your power, Tuva,” he said, quietly. “This isn’t over.”
“Oh yes it is. Now please leave.”
Jonas swept out of the room. He resisted the urge to slam the door behind him. After all, he still wanted to come across as having the moral high ground.
He went up to Anna’s room where he found Heidi consoling her.
“What did she say?” Anna asked.
Jonas shook his head. This only made Anna sob more.
He cleared the room and took her in his arms.
“I’ve got one more card to play,” he said, kissing the top of her head.
