Page 119 of All the Forbidden Things

“Well, if you won’t listen to me, at least listen to him.”

“Oh, I’m listening. Everyone’s got something to say about this, and I’m definitely listening to all the expert opinions.”

“Don’t get sarcastic with me, you little shit—”

“Sorry. I’m sorry, it’s just been a poxy morning. Listen, Mum, Aaron thinks it’ll be a good idea to get Billie and the baby out of London. I’m gonna call Jay in a bit to see if Billie can go there. Will you be okay to take Layla for a few days?”

My phone vibrates with another call before Mum responds. This time, it’s Jake. I let it go to voicemail and wait for Mum’s answer.

“Of course. Can you give me an hour?”

“I’m going to send a car. I don’t want to take a chance on the press following you home.”

“Okay. Anything you want me to bring?”

I give a small laugh. I’m not quite sure what my mum could possibly think she can bring to the situation to make it any better.

“I could pop into Marks and get one of those cakes you like?”

“Mum, I don’t need a cake, but thank you.”

“Okay, sweetheart, but if you think of anything—”

“Will do. I’ll see you soon. Love ya.”

“Love you too.” I put my phone down on the worktop and only just turn my narrowed eyes to Aaron, when it starts vibrating again.

It’s Jake, again, so I answer. “Not getting into it on the phone, dude, just come over.”

“You two doing all right?”

“Nope.”

“On my way.”

When I look up, Cal’s standing with his arm around Billie on the other side of the worktop. Mel is next to Billie, Kenzie the opposite side of Cal. Everyone is staring in my direction, and it hits me that I just told my mum that Billie’s going to Jay’s before I’ve even discussed it with Billie.

“You okay with that?” I ask her. “Aaron just thought it might be a good idea to get you and Layla out of London.”

“Away from the fugly sisters, you mean?” Kenzie quips.

“That too,” I agree, not taking my eyes off Billie’s face.

“You could always just come home,” Cal offers, and again, I fight the urge to inflict violence on one of my friends. I can’t wait for Jake to arrive because if he says anything, we’re gonna have a virtual riot on our hands if I do decide to fight them all.

“So, Layla’s not coming with me? You’re not coming with?” Billie ignores Cal’s comment and asks me a question instead.

“I’ll come in a couple of days . . . if I leave now, it’ll all get crazy. I just want the press to leave us alone, I don’t want them following us. If we can get you to Jay’s today, without them knowing, Layla can go to Mum’s, then I’ll collect her on Tuesday and join you.”

Billie nods then shrugs. “Like I said before, I love it at Jay’s. You gonna be okay without Layla?”

Billie being gone will be bad enough, but Layla and Billie? I’m not actually sure I’m emotionally ready for that.

“No,” I tell her, hoping she gets that I mean her too. “I’m gonna hate it, but I’d rather that than have her under the same roof as that toxic pair, besides, it’s only for a couple of days.”

She gives a small smile, and I hope that means she understands what I’m saying because I don’t know if I’m gonna have a chance to talk to her alone before she leaves.

Billie lifts her chin, removes Cal’s arm from her shoulder, and walks into her bedroom, and it’s only then that I hear Layla’s cry. I’ve been the worst fucking dad these past few days, and I know I need to do better. I’ve had everything running like a well-oiled machine until Whitney’s unexpected, early, arrival turned our world on its head.