Thinking of You by Jill Mansell Read Free Book Online

in, “it means you can give me a piggyback.”
    â€œIn your dreams.” Grinning, Davy dodged out of the way before she could grab his shoulders and jump up. “Should’ve worn trainers like any normal barmaid.”
    â€œBut look at them! How could I leave them at home? They’re so beautiful!” Jem’s pointy pink cowboy boots were the new love of her life. “You’re just jealous because you don’t have a pair.”
    Together they bickered their way along Guthrie Road, shivering as a cold drizzle began to fall. On impulse, Jem said, “Kerry and Dan are having a party tonight. D’you fancy coming along?”
    Davy reluctantly shook his head. “Thanks, but I have to get home.”
    Every Saturday after walking her to her door, he caught the bus back to Henbury. Feeling sorry for him, Jem urged, “Just this once. Come on, it’ll be fun. Everyone’s going. And you’re welcome to crash at our place afterward.” What with Davy’s continuing crush on Lucy, if this wasn’t an incentive, she didn’t know what was.
    He stuffed his hands into his coat pockets. “I really can’t. Mum’ll be waiting up for me.”
    â€œDavy, you’re eighteen!”
    Davy looked away. “I know, but she doesn’t like to be on her own. Please don’t start all this again. My mum isn’t like your mum, OK?”
    Jem slipped her arm through his and gave it a conciliatory squeeze. “OK, sorry. I’ll shut up.”
    He relaxed. “That’ll be a first.”
    â€œAnyway, I haven’t told you about my mother’s latest plan. I phoned her yesterday to tell her about my new boots,” said Jem. “And that’s when she told me, she’s getting a lodger!”
    â€œCrikey. Who?”
    â€œNo idea, she hasn’t found one yet. She’s just finished redecorating the spare room. Next week she’s going to put an ad in the local paper.”
    â€œWow. So how do you feel about that?”
    â€œI think it’s great. She wouldn’t get anyone I didn’t like, would she? Good for her, that’s what I say.” Jem was proud of her mother. “She’s getting on with her own life, doing something positive. Now that I’m not there anymore she could probably do with the company. You know, you should suggest it to your mum. Then you could move out without feeling guilty about leaving her on her own.”
    Davy rolled his eyes. “You’re doing it again.”
    â€œSorry, sorry, it just seems such a shame that—”
    â€œAnd again!” They’d reached Jem’s flat; Davy checked his watch. “I’d better make a move if I’m going to catch my bus. You enjoy your party.”
    â€œI will. And thanks for walking me home. See you on Monday.” Jem waved as he headed off in the direction of Whiteladies Road, a lone figure in an oversized coat from Oxfam, on his way home to share cocoa and biscuits with his mother. No wonder other people made fun of him.
    Poor Davy, what kind of life did he have?
    Jem let herself into the flat expecting it to be empty. It was midnight and Rupert would be out at some trendy club somewhere. Lucy was already at Kerry and Dan’s party. All she had to do was quickly change her clothes, slap on a bit more eye shadow, and re-spritz her hair, and she would be on her way. This time in footwear that didn’t pinch like delinquent lobsters.
    But when she pushed open the door to the living room, there was Rupert lying across the sofa watching TV and with an array of Chinese food in cartons spread out over the coffee table.
    â€œCrikey, I thought you’d be out.”
    Amused, Rupert mimicked her expression of surprise. “Crikey, but I’m not. I’m here.”
    â€œWhy? Are you ill? Where’s Caro?” As she shrugged off her coat—the great thing about Rupert was he was never stingy with the