‘He’s been twice,’ Pete looked at her. ‘And… er… Frank is back.’ He jerked his head at the empty chair.
Oh, brilliant, Janine thought, suddenly understanding the duplicate snacks. That’s all we need. It had been years since Tom’s imaginary friend had disappeared. She was surprised he could even remember Frank well enough to recreate him.
‘I wonder why,’ she murmured to Pete. It was a rhetorical question.
Once the kids were all sorted she collapsed on the sofa. Her neck was stiff, she was still hungry – the pizza had barely dulled her appetite – she felt gritty and grimy from the day at work and bone tired. Had she the energy to run a bath? Would a shower do the trick? Pete was gathering his things together.
‘He’s not mentioned Ann-Marie today. When you told him – what did he say?’
Janine kept her face straight. ‘Could he have his next party at Laser Quest?’
Pete laughed and she joined in. Kids.
‘Charlotte’s started the bubble thing,’ Pete demonstrated, blowing a raspberry. ‘I’d forgotten that bit.’
Janine gave a gasp.
‘What?’ Pete said.
‘She’s due at the clinic tomorrow – her check – I meant to ring today. I’ll do it first thing. Though it wouldn’t matter if we missed it, she’s coming on fine – just needs to distinguish day from night.’
‘Connie could take her.’
Janine wrinkled her nose. ‘I’d rather go myself. I’ll rearrange.’
‘I think she’s getting more like Michael.’
‘What, moody and hormonal?’
Pete grinned. ‘He spoke today. A whole sentence.’
‘Can I have some money?’
‘No,’ he paused for effect, ‘I need some new trainers.’ He raised his eyebrows. ‘I’ll sort him out,’ he added.
She began to yawn. ‘I’m ready for bed.’ She glanced up. Pete was watching her. She sensed a shift in the atmosphere before he even spoke.
‘Janine… I’ve been thinking… I seem to be here most of the time as it is… and things… I know after everything that happened…’
She felt her pulse quicken with adrenalin. Had the urge to run away – the flight or fight syndrome.
‘… well, you probably don’t, won’t… but when all’s said and done, eighteen years… and I still.’
She stood, raising her palms to stop him talking. ‘Don’t you think it’s a bit late?’ She could feel the heat in her cheeks, her mouth dry. Part of her still hurt, was still hurting. He had left her, broken their marriage, walked out on his children. How could he imagine that he could reverse all that?
He cleared his throat. ‘Since we had Charlotte – I was here for the others… the nights, everything. And it’s not just missing them… there’s you.’
