55
Chris
I’m sat on the sofa with my hands wrapped around a cup of tea, under the watchful eye of Martin, who’s sitting on the coffee table in front of me.
“You’re sure you don’t want to come with us?”
“I’m tired, it’s been a really long day.”
“Maybe it’ll distract you?”
“I’d rather stay at home.”
“Do you want us to bring you back something to eat?”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Mmm…”
“Don’t start, Martin.”
“I’m worried about you. You’ve just been sat there on the sofa since I got here, listening to this depressing music. You’re even drinking tea…come on!”
“What’s weird about that?”
“You never drink that stuff. Especially not in the evenings like this. I was expecting to find you already on your second or third glass of wine.”
“I’m not an alcoholic.”
“Sometimes I seriously doubt that.”
“I’m ready!” Evan comes pounding down the stairs and appears in the living room. “Let’s go.”
Martin gets up, but not before shooting me another glance.
“You’re sure you’re okay?” he asks, serious.
“Just go! And don’t bring him back too late, he has school tomorrow.”
“Should we really be leaving her alone?” Evan asks, getting way too serious as well.
“Oh, come on! Can’t you both just leave me in peace?”
Evan raises his hands and heads towards the front door. “I’ll wait for you outside,” he says to his father, leaving us alone.
Martin comes over and sits down next to me.
“What happened?”
“Nothing, Martin. I told you, I’m just tired. Actually, I think I’m going to go to bed right now. A bit of rest will do me good.”
“So it’s nothing to do with angel face?”
I glare sharply at him.
“Okay, I get it…”
I shake my head. “You don’t get it.”
