Page 54 of A Typical Family Summer

‘Of course I have. What do you think I am – stupid?’

Annabelle held her tongue. Stupid didn’t cover it. ‘Don’t you think you’d better check?’

‘There’s not one today, that’s for sure. Go on, Bella, you’ve got to let me stay here for the night, at least. I’ve come all this way just to see you, and you’re telling me to sling my hook? Heartless, that’s what you are.’

Annabelle snorted in disbelief. ‘Meheartless? I’m not the one who made our children homeless.’ She bit back any further recriminations, aware that Izzie was listening to every word. As much as she despised Troy for what he did, he was still Izzie and Jake’s father. They still loved him. They didn’t need to hear what an asshole he was.

Annabelle straightened up, her shoulders back and her chin lifted. ‘You can sleep on the couch,’ she said. ‘Just for tonight, and then I want you gone.’

Troy breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Thanks, Bella. You won’t regret it,’ he said. ‘I’ll make it up to you, you see if I don’t.’

But Annabelle stalked past him, holding Izzie tightly into her, and the only thing she could think of was that she was already regretting it. If it wasn’t for her gorgeous children, she would have regretted ever setting eyes on him.