I tuned back into Cole and pushed thoughts of Finn to the back of my mind.
I couldn’t force anything.
Things would either happen or they wouldn’t.
Work on Tuesdaywas as long and boring as usual. I got up in the dark and got home in the dark. Setting off at 6:40am meant I didn’t see Finn in the morning, and by the time I got home, I was so knackered, I was shit company. He took one look at me and made me go sit on the sofa while he made dinner.
As a thank you, I fell asleep at half-past eight and he had to nudge me awake to go to bed. The rest of the week took on a similar pattern. I got in, exhausted, he had dinner waiting for me, and then we collapsed on the sofa watching TV.
I was usually in bed by 9.30, but at least I managed to clear up the kitchen most nights. Against Finn’s protests, but it was the least I could do. I wasn’t the only one who’d been at work all day. The difference was after a year doing what I wanted, I wasn’t used to having to do a ten-hour shift standing up. I probably needed better shoes, but that aside, it wasn’t Finn’s fault I was knackered all the time.
I could get used to being looked after like that though: a lovely home-cooked meal when I walked through the door and great company.
Yeah, I could get used to that far too easily.
But one thing I hadn’t done, and which I sorely needed to, was go food shopping. Finn assured me it was fine, but I’d eaten his food all week, and he’d refused to take any extra money off me.
By Friday I was determined to do my bit and get groceries on my way home. I’d snagged a couple of Finn’s recipe cards that morning and left him a note not to cook anything as I was going shopping.
Thankfully there was a huge Sainsbury’s at the edge of Finn’s estate, so I didn’t have to go out of my way. It was busy, not surprisingly for a Friday night, but I grabbed a trolley and worked my way through getting what I needed.
Feeling very accomplished and a lot better now I’d replaced a lot of what I’d eaten, I pulled up outside Finn’s house with a smile on my face.
Juggling four shopping bags, I had to knock on the door as my keys were wedged in my back pocket, too much hassle to reach. When Finn answered, I lifted the bags with a grin. “I come bearing gifts.”
He laughed. “Christ, how much have you bought?”
“Just a few bits.”
“So I see.” He stepped back to let me inside and relieved me of a couple of bags. “You’ve um... got a visitor.” He nodded towards the living room. “I’ll take these into the kitchen,” he said, reaching for the other bags which I reluctantly let him take.
“Who?” I mouthed, frowning. My mum hadn’t texted to say she was popping in.
“Your dad,” he mouthed back.
Well, fuck.
Way to ruin my evening.
I deflated like a popped balloon.
Finn nudged me gently as he took the shopping into the kitchen. It felt like a show of solidarity, and I wondered what my face must look like to warrant it.
Whatever, I’d take it.
Squaring my shoulders, I kicked off my shoes, hung up my coat, and went to face my dad.
Chapter 5
Finn
LeavingJasper to go deal with his dad felt a bit like throwing him to the wolves. The look on his face when I’d told him who was waiting wasn’t one I’d forget in a hurry. Cole had said they weren’t speaking, but Jasper’s reaction made me think it was a lot more serious than I’d assumed.
Angus followed me into the kitchen, clearly not liking the atmosphere in there any more than I did.
“Should I go join them?”I mouthed to him, fully deserving his unimpressed look.
Cole had never mentioned Jasper’s dad being violent, but...
