It's All About Him by Colette Caddle Read Free Book Online Page A

Lisa called to the three older children who were playing with cards on the floor, 'will you go and wash your hands before snack time, please?'
    Sam ran to the door and the other children followed. 'Please don't talk about Dee in front of the children,' Lisa murmured to Martha, aware that even though the two remaining toddlers were only three, they still had big ears.
    'I'm sorry,' Martha said again, 'I wasn't gossiping or anything, I just noticed there seem to be a lot of bills lately and Dee does seem to be very preoccupied these days.'
    'Well, with the flood and everything it can't be easy,' Lisa reasoned. She didn't want Martha talking about Dee nor did she want her needlessly worrying. 'It's not easy running a business, maintaining this place and looking after a child.'
    Martha went to tend to the babies while Lisa settled the two little girls at the table and helped them with their fruit. Martha was right, she realized as she mentally rewound the last few weeks. Dee had seemed a bit glum, but then she'd had a parade of tradesmen through her house at all hours of the day, which was enough to drive anyone mad.
    Dee had told her that Sheila was trying to organize a girls' night out and Lisa resolved to follow it up. It had been ages since they'd been out together – largely her fault, she realized guiltily. When she wasn't out with Ger, she was dolling herself up for Ger, cooking for Ger – well, microwaving – or just hanging around waiting for him to call. She smiled wryly. Love had a way of taking over your life but she shouldn't neglect her friends. She'd call Sheila this evening and set something up. Although, Ger was coming over tonight and she needed to wash her hair before he came and she wanted to stop off at the deli on the way home and pick up some of that pâté he loved. She'd call Sheila during her lunch break.
    Martha returned and was settling the babies into high chairs when the phone rang.
    'You go,' she said, 'I'll take over here.'
    Wiping her hands on a cloth, Lisa ran to the hall to get the phone, her face lighting up when she heard her boyfriend's voice. 'Ger, how's it going?'
    'Yeah, grand. Listen, I won't be able to get over tonight,' he said without preamble.
    'Oh?' Lisa tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice. 'What's up?'
    'The lads are meeting up for a pint to watch the match. I said I'd go. I just forgot it was tonight.'
    'A match?'
    'Liverpool versus Chelsea; it should be great.'
    'Right. So, do you want to come over tomorrow night instead?' Lisa knew she wasn't supposed to sound so eager.
    'I'll give you a shout, Lisa, okay? Listen, got to go, I have a meeting. Seeya.'
    'Seeya.'
    'He's cancelled again, hasn't he?' Martha said bluntly when she saw Lisa's face.
    Lisa bent to clean mouths and scoop up stray fruit. 'What?'
    'It was Ger, wasn't it?'
    'Yes, it was,' Lisa retorted, 'and no, he can't come over tonight but it's not his fault, he has to work.'
    'Right.'
    Lisa glared at her and started to clear the table. 'Why don't you get the kids ready to go outside and I'll clean up.'
    'Sorry, Lisa, I know I should mind my own business but—'
    'Yes, Martha, you should,' Lisa retorted and, picking up the tray, she marched out to the kitchen. She shouldn't have snapped at the girl, of course, but they were together so much, sometimes they just got on each other's nerves.
    For the most part, they made a good team, although they had to work quite hard. With eight children under five to look after, both of them needed to be on hand all of the time and only got a break at nap times or when Dee was able to help out. It meant a long and hard day but a better salary. Still, Lisa mused, if they hired another assistant they could take another couple of children on and make some more money. She resolved to discuss it with Dee as soon as possible and before she throttled Martha. Pasting a smile on her face, she went back into the crèche.
    'Now then, who wants to do some exercises?'
    Dee smiled as she