Page 82 of A Typical Family Summer

It took ages for him to respond and when he eventually did, he didn’t look at her. ‘I suppose,’ was all he said.

‘Are you sure? I meant it when I said I’d respect your wishes.’

Jake abruptly met her gaze with a piercing stare. ‘Do you like him?’

‘I do.’

He nodded slowly. ‘That’s OK, then, ’cause I like him too.’

‘I’m not promising anything,’ she said. ‘I haven’t asked him yet, and he mightn’t want to see us.’

Jake’s reply was confident. ‘He will. He really likes you, Mum. A lot. I could tell.’ He sniggered and made kissing noises.

Annabelle shook her head, laughter playing about her lips, as she reached for her phone…