Julia Williams 3 Book Bundle

‘Not really,’ said Kezzie. ‘I drank too much and made a total prat of myself.’

‘Ditto,’ said Joel.

‘Why? What did you do that’s worse than snogging Troy?’ said Kezzie.

‘Bloody hell,’ said Joel, who felt quite shocked. He’d been so sure that Troy was going to make a move on Lauren. What a two-faced bastard he was. ‘How on earth did you let that happen? I didn’t think you were keen on Troy.’

‘I’m not,’ said Kezzie, ‘and I know, I know, Lauren’s my friend, and I should have definitely not gone there. I feel really bad about it. But he does have a certain seedy charm, and he was certainly more appealing through an alcoholic haze. I really am getting too old for this kind of thing. I think I may never drink again.’

‘You’re not the only one,’ said Joel with feeling. He cringed internally as he remembered the look on Lauren’s face.

‘So what did you do then?’ said Kezzie. ‘It can’t be as bad as that.’

Joel sighed. He couldn’t believe how cut up he was feeling about Lauren’s rejection of him, or what a fool he was for recognizing his feelings for her too late.

‘After I left the party I went round to Lauren’s and told her I was jealous of Troy and that I was in love with her,’ said Joel.

‘About time too,’ said Kezzie. ‘You two are made for each other.’

‘Unfortunately, Lauren doesn’t agree with you,’ said Joel, with a grimace.

‘Ah,’ said Kezzie.

‘In fact, she laughed in my face,’ said Joel, with a groan. ‘How humiliating is that?’

‘OK, you win on the humiliation front,’ said Kezzie. ‘How did you leave things?’

‘It is never to be spoken of again,’ said Joel. ‘What about you?’

‘Well, I was incredibly mature and ran out of the house,’ said Kezzie. ‘But basically I’m following the same idea as you.’

‘We’re pathetic,’ said Joel. ‘Lonely Hearts Club, eat your heart out.’

‘Oh well. At least we’re mates,’ said Kezzie. ‘And nothing can go wrong with that.’

Lauren didn’t have a hangover. But she’d had a bad night’s sleep nonetheless.

What on earth had Joel been thinking, coming on to her like that? OK it was obvious that the drink was talking, but really. She’d watched him seduce half the village. Why did he think he could get the better of her and that she’d fall for the charms that had broken hearts for miles around? Maybe it was her previous form with losers that made her seem like an easy target. If that was the case, then she was really cross. It implied Joel thought she was a pushover. And she wasn’t. Not any more.

Although … she had to admit. Despite her better judgement, Troy was beginning to win her round. He was kind and considerate whenever she worked in the pub, he had not missed a single day with the girls, who were really enjoying having him around, and she had to admit she’d been impressed by his plans for a community centre. Maybe he’d finally grown up and was preparing to settle down at last. If he was … Lauren allowed herself a brief wild daydream of them getting back together. All she’d ever wanted was the girls to have their dad, and Troy to want her again the way he’d wanted her when they first met.

The doorbell rang and Lauren immediately revised her opinion of Troy’s grown-up status.

‘You look a right mess,’ she said, surveying him with dismay. He hadn’t shaved, he was still in the clothes he was wearing the previous day, and he stank of beer and fags. She didn’t want the kids seeing him like this.

‘That’s a nice welcome,’ said Troy.

‘Well, it’s true,’ said Lauren in exasperation. ‘Have you looked in a mirror lately?’

‘Haven’t dared,’ said Troy. ‘Any chance of a cuppa?’

‘Not until you’ve had a shower,’ said Lauren, ‘you stink.’

‘But you love me really,’ said Troy, with a cheeky grin. ‘Care to join me?’

‘Don’t push your luck,’ said Lauren. She put the kettle on while Troy showered, feeling all at sea. Joel had unsettled her last night with his declaration of undying love. She was sure he didn’t mean it really, it was the booze talking, but now, holding him in the light against Troy, she felt confused. Lauren had been on the verge of letting Troy back into her life, but seeing him like this had put her off again. And while she didn’t think she wanted Joel either, there was a part of her that didn’t know what she wanted.

Troy emerged twenty minutes later looking much better, though he hadn’t shaved, and his stubble made him seem that bit more attractive.

‘Good night was it?’ Lauren kept her tone light to cover up her inner turmoil. Why did Troy make her feel like this? If only it was as straightforward as saying, he’s no good, I don’t fancy him.

‘So good, I crashed next door,’ said Troy.

‘Who’s the unlucky lady?’ said Lauren.

‘Why do you assume there has to be a lady?’ said Troy in plaintive tones.

‘Because you’re a predictable tosser,’ said Lauren. Despite herself, she felt disappointed. She’d thought Troy was on the verge of changing and becoming responsible, she’d clearly thought wrong.

‘I found a sleeping bag which seemed spare and crashed on the floor if you must know.’

‘Yeah, right,’ said Lauren. ‘I so believe that.’

‘It happens to be true.’ Troy looked quite hurt that she didn’t believe him.

‘Whatever,’ said Lauren, trying not to show her relief, ‘it’s none of my business. Where’s everyone else?’

‘They’re all back at the Memorial Gardens,’ said Troy. ‘I just thought with it being a sunny day, you and the girls might like to go for a picnic. If you get everything ready, I’ll pop home and come back and pick you up in half an hour.’

Though irritated with his assumption that she would prepare the picnic, Lauren couldn’t help being pleased that Troy had asked. It was worth it to see the girls’ faces as well.

‘OK, then,’ she said. ‘Lucky for you, I went shopping yesterday.’

‘I’ll be back soon,’ said Troy. ‘Don’t you go anywhere, now.’

‘And where would I go in Heartsease?’ said Lauren, laughing. ‘Go on, we’ll see you later.’

Chapter Twenty-Three

‘Come on, Sam,’ said Joel. ‘Here’s Nanny. We’re going to take her out for the day.’

His mother was waiting outside her flat, leaning on her stick. He always told her not to do that, but she nearly always insisted on being ready at least half an hour before he arrived, ‘just in case’. She never explained in case of what, and in vain Joel tried to persuade her it wouldn’t be much good if she tripped over, but she dismissed him with a ‘Don’t be daft, I can still get out of the house on my own, you know.’

‘Nana!’ said Sam, clapping his hands as Joel helped his mother to the car.

‘Who’s my beautiful boy?’ Joel’s mum kissed her grandson.

‘You do realize he’s actually saying banana, don’t you, Mum?’ teased Joel. ‘It’s his favourite fruit.’