‘Amanda needs a shower and then we’re going to head up to the hospital,’ Carole informed her wife.
‘What can I get you?’ Janet asked Amanda.
Amanda thought for a moment. ‘I can’t believe I’m saying this, but can I get a tea? I need something warm but don’t want coffee.’
‘We’ll make an Englishwoman of you yet,’ said Janet.
Amanda showered quickly and came out to the kitchen where her tea was waiting for her with a croissant.
‘Eat something,’ Carole instructed.
Amanda tore a piece of the pastry off and ate it while she sipped her tea. ‘Okay, are we going now?’ she asked Carole.
‘Finish those both,’ said Carole firmly. ‘And sit down when you eat.’
Amanda gave a little laugh and sat at the table and looked around. She had only been at the house after Simon had rescued her and for her party when it was dark, so she had never really paid much attention to the surrounds.
The inside of the cottage was a mix of country softness and modern living with some sensible IKEA pieces between the overstuffed armchairs and comfortable, modern sofa. It was entirely Janet and Carole – practical and cosy.
Amanda put down the rest of the croissant, and the sick feeling returned.
‘I have to tell you both something,’ she said. ‘Before we go.’
‘Okay,’ Janet said, her face serious and concerned.
‘Diana is my grandmother. I only found out today, I went to confront her and she was on the floor.’
Carole gasped. ‘Oh you poor thing. Three shocks in one morning – it’s too much.’
‘Three?’ asked Janet.
‘Simon’s flown the coop, and not a word as to why.’
Janet sighed. ‘I’m not surprised about you and Diana being related; none of her lottery story made sense.’
Amanda put her head in her hands. ‘I was so desperate to get out of New York I didn’t really look into it. I mean, it was real – the house and everything – and life seemed better there than it had been in New York. Maybe I was kidding myself.’
Janet stepped forward and put her hands on Amanda’s shoulders.
‘This is not the Amanda we know; you are usually always so positive and optimistic. I know Diana went to some crazy lengths to hide the truth from you but she must have a reason. She’s a principled person.’
Amanda looked at Janet and shrugged. ‘I’m just hurt she didn’t tell me. I felt so alone after my mom died. To know I had family would have helped me a lot.’
‘I know you’re hurt but I also think you’re sad about Simon, and rightly so. But let’s tackle on problem at a time, okay? First we’ll go to the hospital and see how Diana is.’
Amanda nodded, grateful to be in the care of these wonderful women.
‘Let’s go,’ she said, and she hugged them both. ‘You’re both the best, and my mom would have adored you.’
Carole and Janet smiled, clearly pleased at the compliment. ‘Then we adore her in return. Now let’s go.’
36
Simon
Simon rode away from Moongate knowing he was doing the right thing but also knowing it would be terrible for Amanda and he was letting Diana down. He had promised to stay the summer but he couldn’t be around Amanda anymore. It was too much.
He couldn’t stop thinking about her mouth on his, the curve of her waist, the way she pressed against him.
