When we finally got to bed, Oliver was pretty overwhelmed by the whole day.
‘How the hell is she starting school next month? She was only born the other week.’
I laughed and pulled the covers over me. ‘I know. I’ve been wondering the same all day. I think she had a good birthday, though. She loved the Pokémon stuff Megan sent her.’
Everything was silent for a moment until Oliver said softly, ‘We made a good one. She’s amazing.’
I nodded sleepily and turned off the light.
August
Thursday August 3rd
‘So have you thought any more about coming to London at the end of the month?’
I’m really not sure which one of the NO responses I’ve given Frank so far is confusing him. I sat across the desk from him and sighed. ‘I have no interest, Frank. Truly. Why are you persisting with this?’
Now he was sighing. ‘Look, any of you could do the job, it’s not remotely taxing. I’d just be happier bringing you to London. You’re far more . . . well, fun.’
It didn’t make sense. I do nothing but argue with the man. Kelly or Brian would be far more respectful and grateful for the opportunity. I suddenly had a creeping suspicion that Frank’s idea of fun involved both us being drunk in his hotel room. I bet that fucker hasn’t been laid since his divorce; well, not unless Lord Wilson has dropped her drawbridge for him.
‘I have no interest in beingfunanymore, Frank,’ I said coolly. ‘I hope that clears the matter up. Please ask someone else.’
Damn . . . the look on his face. He looked almost hurt.
Sunday August 6th
The stage showWickedis touring so I’ve told Molly I’ll take her to see it, despite her protests that she doesn’t even like the Wizard of Oz and witches are annoying. How is that possible? I’m starting to think she’s adopted.
Mum has emailed dates she’ll be here in October – three days here with us and then they’re off to Arran for the rest of the week. I think the only reason I look forward to seeing my parents is because it doesn’t happen very often. I feel terrible saying that but it’s true. They’ve always preferred to live independently from me and the feeling is mutual.
I’ve also been thinking about Frank’s reaction to me refusing the London trip. I think he’s lonely and I’m sure that Lord Wilson is in the same position. Perhaps those two getting together would result in them getting the hell away from me . . .
Monday August 7th
‘Did you hear, Phoebe?’ Kelly shouted across the office as I walked in. ‘Frank’s asked me to go to London to discuss being assistant manager.’
The look on her face was a mixture of smugness, pride and bloodthirst. It was quite startling. Brian was just quietly shaking his head in disbelief.
‘I hadn’t heard,’ I replied. ‘Good for you! You must be very happy!’
She nodded. ‘The substantial increase in salary will come in very handy and yes, it’ll be nice to finally get some respect around here.’
‘Does that mean I’ll have to talk shit about you behind your back, instead of to your face?’ Brian asked. ‘Cos that’ll be a bummer to be honest. I’d prefer if my dislike for you wasn’t hidden away.’
‘When I’m assistant manager, I will rise above your pettiness,’ she replied haughtily, peering into the small mirror on her desk. ‘But until then, EFF OFF, you little rat-faced nuisance.’
He clutched his heart like she’d wounded him and I laughed. I don’t particularly want their dynamic to change. I’ll be sad when she reports him to HR and they are finally forced do something about it.
Monday August 14th
Molly is beyond excited about starting school on Wednesday. She’s already had a little taster session with her old nursery – they all went for a morning, met her teacher, sampled the school dinners and generally got a feel for the place to make it less daunting on their first day. She’s got a new everything – pencil case, crayons, lunchbox, water bottle, gym shoes and hair bobbles with cats on – but she isn’t too impressed with the uniform. I made her try everything on earlier, to ensure it fit properly.
‘This shirt and tie is stupid,’ she said, pulling at the collar with her finger. ‘Why do they want to put everything tight around my neck? This is not comfy at all.’
It’s a valid point. I’ll teach her how to undo the top button and hide it with her tie later. She only has to deal with it for the next twelve years.
Despite having my mind on Molly all day, I still managed to find time to occasionally think about Oliver kissing Bethany. This is ridiculous. I can go for weeks and then BAM! the scenario starts to play out in my head – the look they shared before they kissed. The point where they both knew it was going to happen. Ugh, why am I torturing myself? It was a kiss – he didn’t run off into the sunset with her.
