Page 115 of Je T'aime, Actually

“I didn’t really do—”

The kettle clicked off, but Poppy cut her off with a playful punch to the arm. “Don’t you dare finish that sentence. Havingyou and Chloé here, knowing the kids were okay…that meant everything—to me, and to Frank.”

Monroe smiled, shaking her head as she reached for the mugs hanging on the little tree by the counter. “Well, it’s a godparent’s duty, surely.”

Poppy snorted as she dumped teabags in and poured hot water into the mugs. “Maybe. But you went above and beyond. And you’re still here, still helping, and I can’t thank you enough—especially when I know it means being apart from Chloé.”

Squeezing the teabags, Poppy added a drop of milk and pushed one mug towards Monroe.

Monroe paused, her hands wrapping around the warm mug. “She understands. Doesn’t love it, but she understands.”

“She’s a good one.”

“She is.” Monroe smiled softly. “We both know this isn’t forever, just…what’s needed right now.”

Poppy reached for the milk, her expression full of quiet gratitude. “Well, I hope you know how much I love you for it.”

Monroe handed her a mug. “I do. And I love you too. Now go rescue Frank before Kitty tries to dress him up as a unicorn or something.”

Poppy laughed, wiping at her eyes. “I bet she’s already asked him if he fancies sparkles.”

ninety-eight

Frank lay propped up in his armchair, eyes half-lidded, jaw tight, painkillers yet to kick in properly. The television was on, but with the volume low, screen flickering through a daytime quiz show he wasn’t watching. His fingers picked at the edge of the blanket draped over his knees, restlessness in every twitch.

Monroe sat nearby at the dining table, laptop open but largely forgotten, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. The spreadsheet she’d been meaning to update sat untouched as she stole another glance at Frank.

He hadn’t said much since Poppy left for the shops over an hour ago, just a grunt when she’d asked if he wanted tea, and a vague shake of the head when she offered to change the channel.

“You alright?” she asked gently.

Frank’s mouth twitched, almost a smile but not quite. “Just peachy.”

Monroe closed the laptop softly and turned in her chair. “You’re allowed to be pissed off, you know.”

“I’m not pissed off,” he muttered, then sighed. “I’m just…tired of feeling like a bloody invalid in my own house.”

“You’re recovering from a major injury, Frank.”

“I know. Doesn’t make it less humiliating.” He shifted, wincing as he adjusted his position. “Can’t take a piss without a plan of action. Can’t get up the stairs. Can’t even get my own cup of tea.”

Monroe stood and walked over, crouching slightly so they were eye to eye. “You don’t have to be okay with it. But you’re home, and that’s a start.”

He looked at her, and for a second the frustration cracked into something softer. “This room used to feel like ours. Now it feels like a ward.”

She nodded slowly. “It’ll feel like home again. Just…not overnight.” He went to complain again, and she held her hand up, done with this ‘woe is me’ attitude. “Everyone has put their lives on hold for you. Poppy is exhausted, but she won’t complain. I’m here, while my life is in France, with Chloé, who I miss every moment of the day. Now, you can sit there and be miserable if you like, or you can start counting your lucky stars that so many people care about you and are doing their best.” She stared at him until he nodded.

“Sorry. I don’t mean to sound so…” Frank blinked, his gaze drifting towards the window. “The kids will be home soon.”

“Yes. They’ll want to tell you all about Kitty’s new sticker book and how Benji probably got into trouble for talking in assembly.”

He gave a small laugh. “Sounds about right.”

Monroe squeezed his hand lightly. “You don’t have to perform for them. They just want their dad. You don’t have to be ‘back to normal’, you just have to be here.”

Frank nodded, his jaw working as he swallowed down whatever emotion had risen. “Thanks, for everything you’ve done. Being there for the kids and Pop. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I appreciate it—I do.”

She smiled. “Anytime. Now, how about that tea?”