Page 112 of The Weekend Getaway

“If that’s the case I’m going to kick his arse,” Mel said.

“I’m sure that’s not the case.” Pulling Keira onto his lap, Noah planted a kiss on her cheek. “I bet he just doesn’t want you to go without clearing the air.”

“I hope you’re right.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

In the time before her parents arrived, Keira felt a steady build-up of nervous energy, which dissipated quickly thanks to Mel and Noah being overly enthusiastic at the arrival of fish and chips. There was no time for awkwardness as they bustled to get the food unpacked, deciding to eat from the paper wrapping on their laps in the living room.

“Did you manage to get all your things packed?” Keira’s mum asked her as they ate.

“Yes. I’m all set. I can’t quite believe I’m moving tomorrow … it’s kind of nerve-wracking. I’m excited too, though.” She flashed Noah a smile, feeling a flutter of butterflies in her stomach when he returned it.

“And you’ll still be able to do your job from there?” her dad asked sceptically. “Without ever being in the office?”

“Occasionally I might need to fly back, but most of my work can be done remotely. I can join team meetings via video calls. It’ll be less hours so there’ll be a pay cut. I’ll probably try and find another part-time job on St Mary’s but I can wait and see how things go.”

“It sounds very exciting,” her dad said, staring down at the last of the chips in his lap.

“You’ll have to come over and visit sometime.” Noah popped a chip in his mouth. “There’s plenty of room for you to stay with us.”

“I’m already planning it,” Sue said, shuffling in her seat. “I don’t know whether I’d prefer to fly over or get the ferry.”

“On a calm day, it’s a nice trip on the Scillonian,” Noah told her. “But if the sea’s rough it’s not very pleasant. Especially if you’re prone to seasickness.”

“It’s exciting thinking about having a little holiday.” Sue nudged her husband. “We’re saving up, aren’t we?”

“Yes.” He nodded sagely. “It might take a little while, but we’ll get over at some point.”

“That’ll be nice,” Keira said, not believing it would happen.

“Were you working today?” Noah asked, looking at Ron.

“No.” His eyes were cast down. “Not today.”

“Why not?” Keira asked, plucking her last chip from the wrapper. “You always work on Fridays.”

Her mum nudged her dad again before he spoke. “I don’t work at the bookies any more.”

“What do you mean?” Keira shook her head. “Did you lose your job?”

“No.” Her mum smiled brightly. “He didn’t lose it. Tell her,” she prompted, nudging Ron yet again.

“I thought a change might do me good.” He pushed the remainder of his chips around without eating any.

“He’s found something better,” Sue said excitedly.

“Hang on.” His head shot up and he glared at his wife. “Don’t big it up. It’s not really better. Just something different.”

“It’ll be better for you,” Sue argued.

“Dad!” Keira snapped. “Can you tell me?”

“Your mum made it sound as though I’ve got myself some really good job. It’s not though … it’s a bit embarrassing really.”

“Please just tell me!” Her mind went haywire wondering what job he might classify as embarrassing.

“It’s not a big deal … I’m … e r… working on the bins …”