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Theo turns and looks at me. He’s grinning and there’s something genuine and kind in his eyes, as if for the first time, he really sees me and what I’m doing. “You’re amazing, Lil.”
“And you, Theo?” she asks.
“Oh, yeah… haven’t told anyone yet, have I?”
I turn, frowning. “Eh? What?”
“I’m touring around Europe, it starts at Easter. We’re doing a production ofHamlet. I’m Hamlet’s dodgy git of a father. It’s a little artsy and scaled down, but I’m sure I’ll ham it up and the Europeans will love it.”
I throw my arms around him. “I’m so happy for you, why didn’t you say?”
“I don’t know, didn’t want to brag, I suppose,” he chuckles nervously.
“That’s great news, big guy,” Adam agrees, also aware how much Theo’s struggled with work and stuff.
“I’m trying not to get my hopes up,” admits Theo, “but it’ll be good to travel a bit and get out of London. I’m giving up my bedsit and bringing some stuff home to store at Mum’s. I’ll wait until I get back to see how I feel, but I don’t reckon I’m moving back. Not for me.”
“Sorry to hear that, Theo,” Susan says gently.
“It’s been hard,” he admits. “Either not having the right look, or them not being convinced by my accent. Whatever.”
“Well, this could lead to that big break,” Adam decides, “you just never know. And anyway, getting out there and seeing more of the world will do you the world of good.”
“Cheers, I’m hoping so.”
“Right, let’s dish up,” she says, producing a huge lasagne, salad, garlic bread and a basket of French fries.
Maybe I could loan her from Adam for a bit?
On the drive back, Theo’s quiet. I must admit, I’m taking it all in, too.
“Are you alright?” I ask, the car radio on low, rain thrashing against the windows, the wipers on full.
“Yeah, I think so.”
“Really?”
“Well, she obviously wants children. They’re all set up for it with a house and all. To be honest, I realised a lot while we were there.”
“Yeah?” I chuckle light-heartedly.
“I mean, I know we joked about being each other’s back-up and all, but kids isn’t something I’ve ever really thought about. And a mortgage? As far as I’m concerned, people shouldn’t get a mortgage before they’re forty.”
I can’t help but laugh out loud. “That’s my Theo.”
“Eh, well, she’s got Adam, dependable, there, open to compromise. Me? I’d only disappoint her.”
“Yeah, and there’s the whole problem of love. She clearly loves him. Haven’t you seen the way she looks at him?”
“Well, I didn’t notice, actually.”
A guttural laugh snorts out of me. “Oh, bloody hell. Denial!”
“Or I wasn’t looking!”
I reach across and squeeze his thigh. “You know what? I think it’s gonna be alright. I really do.”
“Promise?”
