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‘I had to explain why I couldn’t leave you alone. You weren’t ready to be dragged to the pub.’
‘Right. I see.’ Owen cleared his throat and dropped his fork onto the barely touched food. ‘That’s me stuffed.’ He stood up. ‘I’m going back to the house. Catch up on some reading.’
George and Millie protested.
Owen said, ‘You don’t need me here. Anyway, I think George has got something to say to you, Millie. Nice to meet you again.’
Millie edged her seat nearer to George as she watched Owen leaving.
‘Did I say something wrong?’
‘No. He’s just very touchy about his mum.’
‘You are sure I didn’t say something to offend him? He seemed angry about something. And I like Owen.’
‘I was afraid you would,’ George muttered, lifting his pint again.
Millie tilted her head, looking questioningly at George and then, realising what he meant, she squealed, ‘No!’ Her eyes widened. ‘Not like that, George.’ She gave him a playful jab on the arm. ‘Owen’s nice, just as I would expect from a friend of yours–a good friend–and yes, I guess he is stunningly handsome, if you like that sort of thing, but you can relax. I don’t fancy him.’
‘Want to borrow my specs?’
‘You don’t wear any.’
‘Just a turn of phrase.’
George cleared the last of his meal, Millie moved the plates back onto the tray and, unable to contain her curiosity, she asked, ‘Why is Owen so touchy about his mum? Did something horrible happen to her? Was she sick?’
‘No. Though, yes… I suppose she was sick, in a way. She had mental problems, so Owen said.’
‘What did he say?’
‘Not much, really. She suffered with her nerves. Couldn’t cope with everyday life. Didn’t want to go out. Was actually terrified of stepping outside the house.’
Millie said, ‘Agoraphobia.’
‘Is that what it’s called?’
She nodded.
‘Anyway, it must have all got too much for her. She killed herself. Owen found her dead body hanging in the hallway from the upstairs banister when he arrived home for Christmas.’
Millie dropped a plate with a clatter, and her hand shot to her neck.
‘That’s dreadful.’
She’d gone ghostly white.
‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.’
‘Why?’ Millie asked. ‘What drove her over the edge?’
‘I don’t know, and even if Owen knows, he’s not speaking about it.’
‘Where’s his dad?’
‘Died on active duty in Bosnia a few years back.’
‘Has he got any other family?’
