Page 185 of The Guilty Girl

‘Yes.’

‘There’s a drive-thru not far from the airport. My treat.’

The boy gave her a gleaming smile. ‘Can I, Papá?’

‘Lottie is my boss and she must be obeyed at all times.’ Boyd winked at her.

As they reached the car, Lottie’s phone rang.

‘It’s Sean,’ she said. ‘Any bets it’s about my mother?’

Boyd smiled. ‘You better answer it.’

‘Whoever said life was plain sailing didn’t have a hole in their boat.’

Sergio’s eyes lit up. ‘I didn’t know you have a boat. That’s so cool.’

She turned away with a smile and answered the call as they loaded the cases into the boot.

‘Mam, where are you? Gran is wrecking the house.’

‘What’s up with her?’

‘She insisted I call you. She’s looking for a green suit.’

‘Tell her it’s at the dry cleaner’s.’

‘She’s frantic. She’ll end up back in hospital if she doesn’t calm down. She keeps calling me Peter.’

‘That’s your dead grandad.’

Sean groaned. ‘Will you be home soon?’

‘Put your granny on.’ Lottie waved the phone at Boyd with an eye roll. He smiled and pulled Sergio close.

‘Lottie,’ Rose shouted. ‘Peter won’t look for my suit. The green—’

‘It’s fine, Mother. I’ll pick it up from the dry cleaner’s tomorrow,’ Lottie fibbed. ‘I’m bringing Boyd home.’

‘Oh, that lovely man with the big ears. He might know where you put my suit.’

‘I’ll be there in an hour.’ She cut the call. ‘Sorry.’

Boyd winked at her. ‘I’ve missed the chaos you create, Lottie Parker.’

‘Get in the car, Boyd.’

‘I’m hungry,’ Sergio said.

Lottie sat in. ‘You and me both, kiddo.’

Boyd grinned and started the engine.

Leaning back into the seat, Lottie closed her eyes, thinking that a little chaos was fine. She had never lived any other way, and she wasn’t going to change now.

‘I’m glad you’re home, Mark,’ she said. ‘I’ve missed you.’

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