Page 113 of Merrily Ever After
Cole gave an anguished moan. ‘Oh, thank God.’
‘Is he home? Is he OK?’ Lydia demanded in the background.
‘Come back to Holly Cottage, Cole,’ I said. ‘Your boy is safe.’
I could already hear the car screeching to a halt before we ended the call.
I set the phone on the bench and wrapped my arms around Harley again. Despite Lydia’s worries, he was wrapped up in a thick down gilet over the top of his hoodie. I’d take him inside soon, but instinct told me he needed to talk before being bombarded with questions from his worried-sick relatives.
‘Your grandad is in the house, pacing up and down imagining the worst, you know.’
Harley hung his head. ‘I didn’t think anyone would even notice I’d gone. Mum was too busy flirting with Ady.’
‘Of course she noticed. You’re precious to her.’
‘You mean her boyfriend is,’ he grunted darkly.
‘Give him a chance,’ I said, although I felt for Harley too; there had been so much upheaval in his life, as if being a teenager wasn’t tough enough. ‘It’s scary meetingsomeone’s kids. I’ve been in his shoes. You know that you need to pass the “kid test” if you’ve got any chance of ever being invited back. I was petrified when I first met you and Freya.’
He frowned. ‘You didn’t act scared. You were happy and smiley.’
I snorted. ‘Maybe, but I’d been to the loo about ten times before your dad brought you to our hotel.’
It had been Easter time. Cole and I had flown out to Canada for a few days so we could all get to know each other. I lost about half a stone that week with nerves. I hadn’t eaten much then either, I remembered, thinking back to the loose fit of my wedding dress.
‘I didn’t mind him at first,’ Harley muttered. ‘But after dinner I went into the kitchen to get a drink and they were all over each other, kissing. He had his hands on her … Ugh, gross.’ He pulled a face and shuddered. ‘I don’t even want to think about it.’
I suppressed a smile, knowing he wouldn’t appreciate me finding it funny. ‘Adults do kiss sometimes, you know. And I bet they were embarrassed when you caught them.’
He shook his head slowly. ‘They didn’t even notice me.’
‘Ah.’ I winced. They must have been quite caught up with each other to have not noticed Harley glaring at them.
‘I wanted to come to the party tonight, but Mum said no. I could have done the music or been the barman. I’d even have looked after the little kids.’
I blinked at him. ‘I’d have loved you to come, you’re always welcome, but it’s your mum’s weekend to have you.’
‘Mum didn’t care whether I was there or not,’ he said, his face defiant and angry. ‘It’s Mum’s turn, it’s Dad’s turn … When is it ever my turn? It’s like being part of a game where everyone else gets a turn except me.I’m sick of being ignored and not listened to. No one is interested in me.’
‘Oh Harley.’ I pushed my hand into his thick hair and brushed it off his face. ‘I hear what you’re saying and I’m sorry you feel that way. I know my opinion probably doesn’t count for much, but I’m very interested in everything you do. You impress me a bit more every time I see you. The way you look out for Freya, the mature way you handle your problems.’
‘Like running off, you mean.’ He gave a bark of harsh laughter. ‘Very mature.’
‘I’ll let you into a secret,’ I said, leaning closer to his ear. ‘Ask your dad and Auntie Hester about running away when they were your age.’
His eyes lit up with mischief. ‘Seriously?’
‘And I really do think you’re mature, I was even thinking of offering you a Saturday job at Merry and Bright, just a few hours. But I’d have to clear it with your parents first.’
His brown eyes, so like his father’s, widened. ‘So then, I’d probably see Dad every Saturday. And you’d pay me?’
‘If they agree,’ I said. ‘And I also need your help with something else. Your dad and I aren’t supposed to be doing Christmas presents this year, but there’s something I really want to get him, but I’m running out of time. Will you help? I’d have to give you my credit card.’
Harley looked sceptical. ‘You trust me with your card?’
‘Of course.’ I scrolled on my phone until I found a picture. ‘Something like this.’
A bubble of laughter escaped from him. ‘No way.’
