Sarah's Secret by Catherine George Read Free Book Online

that you’ll be picking Polly up next week as well.’
    ‘I don’t mind in the least. But I’ll have that cookie. They’re delicious.’
    ‘With the life you lead I don’t suppose you get much time for baking,’ said Alison with sympathy.
    Sarah shook her head, laughing. ‘Actually, I do. Since Davy started boarding I have a lot more time to myself, socially and otherwise. But no baking. I’m hopeless at it. Lucky for us, my grandmother’s an expert. She also makes Sunday lunch for the three of us.’ Sarah smiled. ‘But during the week I fend for myself, or go out. Something I do a lot more than I used to now Davy’s in school. Beforehand I hated the thought of parting with her, even on a weekly basis, but now she’s settled in I confess I’m rather enjoying my new freedom.’
    When she was finally able to tear Davy away Sarah drove home to find a message on her machine, but she sent Davy off to find Margaret before she allowed herself to listen to it.
    ‘Jake, Sarah,’ said familiar tones. ‘Just reminding you about Sunday.’
    As if she needed reminding! But she played the message again twice, just to listen to his voice. Like a schoolgirl with a first crush, she thought sheepishly.
    Margaret came down with Davy to announce that she was going out shortly, and had taken the liberty of making the sauce for their pasta supper.
    Davy’s eyes lit up. ‘With lots of tomato in it? Goody.’
    ‘Thank you, Grandma,’ said Sarah shortly. ‘But I could have managed.’
    ‘Out of a jar, no doubt,’ said Margaret, after Davy rushed off to change. ‘By the way,’ she added coldly, ‘more flowers came for you today. I put them in water in the kitchen.’
    ‘Who are they from?’ said Sarah, surprised.
    ‘I’ve no idea. The card was addressed to you.’
    Sarah hurried to the kitchen to take a card from the envelope propped beside an enormous bunch of brilliantly coloured zinnias. ‘They’re from Jake Hogan,’ she told her grandmother, who had followed behind to find out.
    ‘Again,’ commented Margaret. ‘He obviously enjoyed the evening with you.’
    ‘We both did. I asked him in when he drove me home.’
    ‘You’ve never done that before,’ said Margaret accusingly.
    ‘Don’t worry. He didn’t stay long.’
    ‘I know. I heard him leave.’
    ‘Then you know exactly how long he stayed,’ said Sarah evenly.
    Margaret’s mouth tightened. ‘I don’t mean to be hard on you, Sarah, but you’re obviously attracted to this man, so do please be careful. Try to look at things from my point of view.’
    ‘Oh, I do. All the time.’ Their eyes clashed for a moment. ‘But sometimes, Grandma, try to remember that I have a point of view too.’
     
    Davy talked non-stop through supper in the kitchen with Sarah, giving her a blow by blow account of every minute at school during the week. ‘It’s nice to be home, though,’ she said, with a heartfelt sigh.
    Sarah gave her a searching look. ‘I thought you were liking school better these days.’
    Davy nodded vigorously. ‘I am. But I still like being home with you best.’
    Sarah gave her a hug. ‘You do your stuff in front ofthe TV while I clear up, then we’ll watch a video. Father Goose , if you like.’
    The film was one of Davy’s favourites. And, because there was no such thing as too much Cary Grant for Sarah, they both enjoyed their evening together, as usual. But Davy sighed mutinously when Sarah rewound the video tape.
    ‘I suppose you’ve got work to do now.’
    ‘Afraid so. But it’s time you were asleep anyway. It’s way past school bedtime.’
    ‘Which is why I prefer it at home!’
    Next day Davy was up early, eager to make the most of every minute as usual, and after breakfast Sarah took her into town for the usual programme of a swim at the leisure centre pool, followed by shopping for new jeans before Davy’s invariable choice of a pizza lunch.
    ‘What would you like to do now?’ asked Sarah, as they left the restaurant.