I slid my eye mask up on to my forehead. ‘Huh?’
‘Cal is here,’ she said, nodding to the door. ‘He’s waiting for you in the living room.’
‘Why?’ I asked, rubbing my eyes.
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. ‘He said that you’ve got a date.’
I groaned and sat up as she waited, perched neatly on my bed.
‘So?’ she prompted, as I reached for the clock. ‘What does he mean, a date? Are you guys . . .?seeingeach other or something?’
‘EW, MUM!’ I threw my pillow at her. ‘He just said that to annoy me!’
‘All right, all right.’ She laughed, standing and holding up her hands. ‘I was just asking.’
‘Well, don’t ask in the future,’ I huffed. Then I saw the clock. ‘What the – You have GOT to be joking! Is that really the time?’
I reached for my duvet and lay back down, pulling it over my head, but Mum just pulled it straight back off again.
‘It’s rude to keep guests waiting. Come on, up you get.’
‘I don’t believe this,’ I grumbled, pulling on my dressing gown and stomping out into the living room where Cal was sitting comfortably on the sofa, typing on his laptop. Mum left us to it and went to the kitchen to put the kettle on, followed by a lively Fritz, excited for his breakfast.
‘Morning, sunshine.’ He glanced up and then returned to his typing with a small smile. ‘Your hair looks pretty.’
I felt the back of my head where it was all sticking up and narrowed my eyes at him.
‘Well then?’ I said, tapping my foot.
‘Well then, what?’ he said, without looking up.
‘What are you doing here? It’s 7 a.m.!’
‘I told you, we’re helping Chef in the kitchen today.’
Mum came through from the kitchen holding a tray of mugs. ‘You’re doing what?’
‘Helping Chef in the kitchen.’ Cal smiled, gratefully taking a cup of coffee from her. ‘Flick is keen to learn his routine. And to improve her cooking.’
Mum stared at me in disbelief. ‘Really??’
‘It’s 7 in the morning!’ I repeated, ignoring my mum’s questioning looks.
‘Yeah, so you better hurry up or you’re going to miss breakfast prep. We’re already later than planned. Chef?’s been there ages.’ He took a satisfied sip of his coffee. ‘This is delicious, Christine. Just what we need before our day of fun in the kitchen.’
‘Why, thank you, Callum.’ She smiled. ‘How wonderful that you’re spending the day with Chef.’ She passed me a coffee. ‘I’m really impressed.’
Cal looked very pleased with himself as Mum went back into her study.
‘You’re welcome,’ he whispered.
‘Can you PLEASE stop telling people we are dating?’ I hissed back. ‘First the entire school, and now my mum. Are you purposefully trying to bug me?’
A wide smile spread across his face. ‘Is that a trick question?’
I stuck my tongue out at him and then locked myself in the bathroom to shower and get ready. Just as I was pulling my trainers on in the living room, a text came through from Sky.
What are you up to today? I have the day off and want a break from your country’s persistent reporters. Spa day?
