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‘That would be great,’ I reply. ‘I clearly need all the help I can get.’
‘So, you take your ball, you stand like this, pull your arm back and…’
Rocco releases the ball. We both watch it travel down the lane. It reaches the pins, veers left, and takes two pins down with it.
‘And that’s how it’s done,’ he says with a playful proudness. I have a feeling he knew that was going to go down like that and it’s completely charming.
We head back over to the seats together.
‘I think our lane might be wonky,’ Rocco jokes. ‘It’s pulling all our balls to the left.’
‘Let me show you both how it’s done,’ Leila insists.
She struts over to select a ball. I do watch her, until Tobias asks me a question.
‘How old are you, Billie?’ he asks.
‘You’re not supposed to ask a woman her age, are you?’ Rocco says with a smile.
‘It’s just a number, nothing to be ashamed of. I’ll be twenty-nine on Christmas Eve,’ he replies. ‘I’m all for equality. How old are you, Rocco?’
‘I’m thirty-six,’ he replies.
‘Wow, you’re a proper grown-up,’ I blurt.
Rocco laughs.
‘Are you not?’ he asks.
‘I’m thirty-two,’ I tell him.
‘I hate to break it to you, kid, but thirty-two is a grown-up too,’ he replies.
I sigh.
‘Don’t make me existential so close to Christmas,’ I say with a laugh.
‘Didn’t you see?’ Leila asks angrily. ‘I got a half strike!’
‘I can beat that,’ Tobias says as he springs to his feet.
Leila sits down opposite us.
‘Tell us about you then, Billie,’ she says. ‘What’s Billie all about?’
I hate being asked questions like that. Mostly just because I draw a complete blank and forget everything interesting about myself. I’m sure there must be some things but none of them are at the forefront right now.
‘I’m a teacher,’ I start.
‘What and where do you teach?’ she enquires.
‘English, at Perstead,’ I reply.
‘Is that the snooty private school?’ she asks.
‘It’s theprivateschool,’ I correct her, but in a gentle, friendly way.
‘Oh, nice,’ she replies. ‘I manage Cea and Toffee, in town. I’ve got four people under me.’
