Page 41 of Stepbrothers

“Thank you.” Clarice flushed at the compliment. “How was Barbados?”

“Simply fabulous. Come through. Come through. I’ll tell you all about it while I cook the Sunday roast.” She spun and tottered on her high wedge sandals into the kitchen.

Clarice grimaced at Parker. “She’s cooking?” She downturned her mouth.

“Apparently. Why?” he asked quietly. “Problem?”

“Er, no.”

He frowned.

“Let’s just say she’s not that experienced.” Clarice shrugged. “And I’ve never known her cook a full Sunday lunch before. We used to go to my nan’s for that.”

“First time for everything,” he said. “Have faith.”

“Mm.”

He nodded at the kitchen.

Clarice wandered into the huge space. It was all shiny floor tiles, wide pale countertops, and silver appliances. The back wall had been opened up, bi-fold doors creating an outside-in space so the huge decked area seemed almost part of the kitchen. A table had been set on the decking complete with vases of fat lilac hydrangeas.

Benjamin was at the island, also wearing an apron and busy whisking batter. He smiled. “Hi, Clarice. Sorry, can’t stop beating this for even a second, apparently the Yorkshires won’t rise if I do.”

“Yorkshire puddings, my favorite.” She smiled.

On a sofa, facing a flatscreen TV mounted on the wall, was Hugh. He had one ankle crossed over his knee and was sipping on a bottle of beer. He appeared utterly engrossed in a football match.

“Bubbles?” Parker asked.

“Er, yes, please.”

“Hugh. Your new sister is here,” Benjamin called.

“What?” Hugh looked at her, back at the TV, then at her again. “I’m sorry.” He jumped up. “I didn’t realize.” He set his beer on a low table. “Hi, Clarice, nice to see you again.”

He came over to her and kissed both of her cheeks.

He was so tall and broad and he made her feel small. Not least because Parker was right next to her, too, offering her a flute of sparkling wine.

“I hope you’re hungry,” Hugh said. “The newlyweds have been prepping and cooking since ten o’clock this morning.”

“Really?” She studied her mother.

Jenny laughed. “This is the new me? I’m a cook. And why not in this beautiful kitchen.”

“It’s certainly what this kitchen needs,” Benjamin said. “A family to cook for. Why don’t you kids take a walk around the garden?”

“Good idea. It would be nice to hear about your week, Clarice,” Parker said.

She glanced at Hugh, trying to read his expression. He must have told Parker he’d been to her flat. What they’d done. That he’d booked her an appointment at the clinic.

“It’s been an uneventful week,” she said. “On the whole.”

“Still, I’d like to hear about it,” Parker said, nodding at the opening to the decking. “Bring your drink.”

Her belly tightened. She hadn’t anticipated being alone with Parker and Hugh today, but here she was, almost straight away, being sent off with them both.

Hugh swiped up his beer. Parker did the same by grabbing a half-empty one from the island.

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