Page 148 of The Man Upstairs

“Maybe I’ll spray that on his car next.”

“Would have matched the dick on the bonnet pretty well.”

He smirked. “Yeah.” He rubbed his eyes and took a breath. “Seriously, Rosie, I’m alright now. Just go. I’m heading over to Mum’s soon. She’s cooking dinner.”

“Is she doing her onion mashed potato special?”

“Sure is.”

“Best get to it, then.”

I knew his mum would be waiting with open arms.

I hugged him before I went, wishing I was heading over to my mum’s for dinner.

Again, maybe one day.

I almost cried when I walked past the front door, holding back the tears as I took the banister rail for the next floor, but I couldn’t do it. I had to try. I took a breath and walked back there. Pausing outside, daring to hope.Please. I was holding my breath as I waited, pulse thumping as I knocked.Please.I hoped there wouldn’t be screaming, or crying, just a chance to talk. Just one little chance.

Please.

I knocked again, listened out for her, pressing my ear to the door.

Please.

I didn’t know what I’d say, just something. Anything.

Please.

But she didn’t answer.

I knocked louder. “Mum? It’s me.”

I knew she wasn’t at work. It wasn’t her shift time yet.

“Mum! It’s me!”

Still no answer.

I put my ear back to the door and there was silence. No sound of the TV, or her talking, or anything. Just quiet. So maybe she wasn’t in. I called up a message on my phone, and saw she was online. I dared to type.

I saw Jayden. He said about Tom. I’m really happy for you. I’d love to meet him one day.

I hoped for the typing icon, but nothing. She went offline.

Fuck it.

I paused at the top of the stairs before I went back home to Julian. I didn’t want him to see me crying all over again, but it didn’t make any difference. He still saw the tear marks when I stepped inside.

“Hey, sweetheart.”

His arms were so warm.

“Mum’s got someone. A guy called Tom. He’s nice.”

“That’s good. I’m very glad for her.”

“Me too. I just wish she’d told me herself.”