The Trouble with Love by Cathy Cole Read Free Book Online

ideas, Dad. It drives me crazy, the things people get rid of. Beautiful clothes that just need a little love to turn them around and put them out in the world again.”
    Her father pointed a triumphant finger at her. “That is a great slogan. ‘Turned around with love’.”
    Polly’s mind was filled to bursting with ideas about what she might make for her dad to sell. Buttons were easy, and they transformed the plainest of outfits. She should do a special line of natural buttons – shells, driftwood, seed heads. . . She could picture the store already: an old barn in the California hills, scented with freshly sawn wood and filled with unique products. And they would definitely need a website. She could help design that too.
    Her dad reached across the table and took her arm, pulling her out of her dreams.
    â€œI have something I want to ask you,” he said.
    Polly wondered why her father looked so serious. “Ask me whatever you want, Dad,” she said warmly.
    He ran a hand through his thick sun-bleached hair. He looked nervous.
    â€œWould you consider moving back to California?” he blurted. “To live with me again?”
    Polly stared at him.
    â€œYou don’t have to decide right away,” her dad went on quickly. “It’s a big decision. Leaving all your friends, and your school, and your mother. But we could do so much together back home, Polly. You could help me with the farm, and with setting up the store. And I’ve missed so much of you growing up. I’d like to be there for whatever’s left.”
    Polly didn’t know what to think. She would see California again! But there was a big difference between visiting and staying there for good. Could she uproot everything and go back to the States? Maybe it was the answer. She had loved her life in San Francisco, and she missed her father terribly. And it wasn’t as if things were all that great here. There were her confusing feelings for Ollie, and the way her heart was breaking over Sam. Her mother wasn’t easy to live with, and sometimes, when they argued, Polly could understand why her dad had left. What was keeping her in Heartside Bay?
    â€œAre you serious?” she asked weakly.
    â€œI’ve never been more serious about anything in my life,” said her father. He signalled for the bill. “Will you think about it?”
    Polly nodded. “Definitely.”
    His face blazed with delight. “Really? It would mean so much. We could make a really great life together out there. We make a good team, don’t we?”
    He lifted his fist to bump knuckles, which Polly returned. There was no denying it. She and her dad did make a good team.
    As her dad paid the bill, Polly imagined how her life could be back in California. There would be colour and sunshine, creativity and cute high-school boys to take her mind off the ones she would leave behind. On the face of it, it was a no-brainer. She should definitely go.
    Her phone started buzzing. Her head still full of California sunshine and organic fashion, Polly lifted her phone from her bag and looked at the screen.
    Â 
    Mum
    Â 
    Her blood turned to ice, congealing in her veins. She sat there, frozen, until the phone stopped buzzing. Then she noticed she had a text from Lila.
    Â 
    Came over to see u but u werent there.
    Think I landed u in it with ur mum.
    Really sorry.xx
    Â 
    Polly felt like a trapped animal. Her mum knew she wasn’t with Lila. She was in so much trouble.
    Another text popped up on the screen.
    Â 
    I WANT YOU HOME AT ONCE.
    THIS HAD BETTER BE GOOD.
    MUM
    Â 
    â€œYou OK, Polly-Dolly?” asked her dad as he pocketed his wallet.
    Polly shook her head. “Mum knows we’re together,” she said, swallowing hard.
    Her dad looked nervous but defiant. “You’re my daughter. We can see each other if we want. You mother can’t stop us.”
    Polly groped for the