AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Bob looked at Nicholas who shrugged and said, “It’s fine by me if you want to come.”
“Great, count me in. What about you, Kate?”
“No, you’re alright. My legs are still aching from all the walking. How about I show you to your rooms before you go?”
“Sure, lead the way,” said Nicholas, getting up and indicating that Ryan should do the same.
Kate was relieved to find they were both extremely happy with the accommodation, neither noticing the crumpled bed linen, or if they did, showing no sign they cared. Twenty minutes later she was waving the unlikely trio off, praying Bob’s hostess with the mostess routine would win her a five-star review.
*
“How was it?” Kate asked Bob. They were sitting on her bed, finishing up the Indian takeaway she’d brought him as a thank you.
“It was good fun, but a little awkward.”
“Really, how?”
“Well, I got the impression Ryan only wanted me there so he wouldn’t have to be alone with his dad. I’d even go as far as saying he invited me with the express intention of pissing Nick off.”
“Oh dear. That’s pretty cruel.”
“Yeah, I felt awful for Nick. He kept trying to engage the lad but was either ignored or scoffed at. I know teenagers can be difficult, but I don’t ever remember being like that with my dad.”
“Maybe there’s more to their relationship that we know. You can never tell what goes on behind closed doors.”
“Yeah, I don’t get the impression Nick is around much. He told me he’d booked this trip as a bonding exercise. Not sure how that’s going to turn out. Don’t get me wrong, Ryan’s a great kid, but he doesn’t seem to have much respect for his father. Let’s hope the next day or so helps rectify that.”
“How old is he?”
“Fifteen.”
Kate grimaced. “That’s an evil age to be.”
“Really?” asked Bob, his voice full of surprise. “I loved being that age. How come you hated it so much?”
“I think maybe it’s different for girls. I hated the way I looked; too skinny, too short, too spotty. It didn’t help that Mum did bugger all around the house so I was constantly trying to find something clean to wear. Even once I’d figured out the washing machine, most of my clothes were ill fitting or had holes. I became pretty adept at accessorising to hide holes. I was quite handy with a needle and thread too.”
“That sounds rotten. I think that’s the best thing about aging, feeling more comfortable in your own skin.”
“I’m not sure I’ll ever get to that point.”
“Really? But I can only see one… two… three…four spots on your face these days.”
Kate leaped up and studied herself in the mirror.
“Kate, I was joking. You really have nothing to worry about. You’re so pretty.”
Both Kate and Bob flushed at the compliment. “Um, thanks,” she said. “Well maybe my thirties will be the decade I finally get some self-confidence.”
“Let’s hope so. It’s all downhill from forty so you don’t have that much time.”
Kate frowned at him, but saw he was joking and chucked the corner of her Naan bread his way. “Do you fancy watching a film or do you have to get back?”
“A film sounds good, as long as it’s not too girly.”
“Too girly?”
“Yeah, you know, romantic, full of hot guys wooing hot girls.”
