‘You don’t have to impress her,’ Lucas says. ‘She’s cool.’
But impress her I want to.
‘What time is she coming? Do I need to go and collect her?’
‘Stop panicking, Molly. She’s just a friend. I said to come about seven and she’s got a car so she’ll drive herself.’
‘Oh. Right.’ Her own car. That must mean she’s older than Lucas, if she’s already driving.
I check the time. I feel that I’ll be subject to scrutiny and hope that I’ve got time for a quick run round the shower. What’s happening here? I’ve already met one stranger today and that seems like more than enough. Yet I don’t want to ask Lucas to put off Aurora as he’s never brought anyone home before and, despite his protestations, I feel she must be important to him.
‘Can you chop some veg while I have a shower?’ I plonk an onion, some mushrooms and a red pepper on the work surface. That should liven up the rice a bit.
‘Sure.’ He closes his laptop and jumps up.
Lucas is surprisingly perky tonight. That’s a good thing, right?
‘I won’t be long.’
I get a nearly-smile. ‘OK.’
Feeling more anxious than is probably necessary, I go through to the bedroom. I’m used to dealing with teenagers at work, but this new relationship with Lucas is a steep learning curve. There are times, precious ones, when we seem in tune and can relax together. Other times, I feel as if I’m constantly walking on eggshells, and being permanent referee between Lucas and Shelby is definitely challenging.
The dogs follow me through to the bedroom, jump onto the bed and curl up together. ‘You’re not allowed in here,’ I remind them. ‘Much as I love you all, your fur makes Shelby sneeze.’
They look at me dolefully and snuggle tighter.
‘Banned territory,’ I reiterate.
None of them budge. They do look quite comfortable.
‘OK,’ I say, ‘You can stay in here while I’m in the shower, but that’s all. Then you’re back in the kitchen.’ I try to sound stern. They don’t look convinced.
Stripping off, I grab a towel and go to luxuriate in my indoor shower with hot water on tap. At times like this, I’m very grateful that Shelby has supplied me with such amenities. I hope he can find time to Skype me tonight, although I know his filming schedule is manic. I linger in the shower as long as I can possibly justify.
When I go back to the bedroom, the dogs are fast asleep in a huddle and don’t even rouse as I potter round getting dressed. It seems such a shame to wake them when they look so cute together. I’ll just leave them for a bit longer and make sure that I change the cover and give the room an extra hoover before Shelby’s next visit. Though I should point out that this caravan is immaculate compared to my last one. Bev says I’m turning into Mrs Hinch. I’ve no idea what that means.
I leave my hair wet and go back to the kitchen where Lucas is still busy chopping. He’s doing it with meticulous care and I sidle up next to him. ‘Better?’
‘Yes, you don’t smell of farm.’
‘Neither do you,’ I tell him. ‘I think there might even be a hint of aftershave.’
‘Stop that now,’ he warns.
I get the frying pan and glug in some oil. Lucas tips in the chopped veg while I find some pasta. The leftover rice can go into the animal feed. People say you shouldn’t reheat rice, but it hasn’t killed me yet. Though I would be mortified if I accidentally killed Lucas’s first girlfriend, so I’ll not risk it. Teacup will wolf it down gratefully.
While I get a pan for the pasta, I venture, ‘Do you want to tell me anything more about Aurora?’
‘Nothing much to say.’ Lucas concentrates on stirring the veg. ‘She’ll be here in a bit, you can see for yourself.’
I feel honoured and terrified about that in equal measure.
Lucas’s text alert sounds and he checks his phone. ‘She’s here,’ he says. ‘I’ll get the gate.’
So I take over the stirring while Lucas slips on his boots. ‘Don’t embarrass me,’ he says over his shoulder as he bolts outside.
‘I’ll try my best,’ I shout, but he’s already gone.
I tip a tin of tomatoes into the veg and sprinkle it with herbs. I hope Aurora likes this kind of food. Then I wait with trepidation until she arrives.
Lucas is beaming widely when he opens the door. His pale skin is flushed and I can’t recall a moment when I’ve seen him look so happy. It brings a lump to my throat. There’s a trace of lipstick on his mouth – not his own.
Behind him, there’s a tall, willowy girl. She’s a real beauty with dark, glossy hair in corkscrew curls and skin the colour of wild honey. Wow. If this is Lucas’s ‘girlfriend’ he really has hit the jackpot. I’m no expert in these things, but she could be a model, I’m sure.
‘Molly, this is Aurora.’ There’s no denying the shy pride in his voice.
‘Hey,’ she says to me, all self-assured and confident. We shake hands.
‘Lovely to meet you. Welcome to our humble home.’ She’s definitely a few years older than Lucas. Nineteen, I’d say? Or maybe she’s not that old, it’s just the air that she has.
‘Let me take your coat,’ Lucas says, fussing round her.
She slips out of a fake sheepskin jacket and underneath she’s wearing a chunky cream sweater, ripped jeans – fashionable ones, not ripped from climbing over fences as mine are – and sturdy laced boots. She looks like she’s out of one of those clothing catalogues that Bev likes to browse.
‘Sit, sit,’ I say. ‘Make yourself comfortable. Dinner’s nearly ready. Can I get you a drink? Tea, coffee?’
Lucas shoots me a look to say that I’m babbling. I shut up.
‘I’m good, thanks.’ She slides into the bench seat at the table.
I’m bowled over by her poise. At her age, I was a total wimp and, as you know, I’m not all that much better now. I can’t help but admire her but – and don’t judge me for this – I can’t help wondering what she’s doing with Lucas.
There are times when Lucas is very mature – however, there are an equal number of times when he’s just a lost and lonely boy. I can’t put my finger on why, but I’m worried for him. From the outset this doesn’t seem like an equal relationship, but then some would say that’s the same for me and Shelby. I’m making snap judgements and I shouldn’t. It’s nice for Lucas to be in love, but I only hope that he doesn’t get hurt as he’s doing so well. Any small thing can upset the equilibrium and first love is always a big thing. As you can imagine, I’m not going to be the one to tell Lucas that.
I serve up my modest offering, wishing it was something infinitely more impressive. Aurora greets it as if I’m handing over something cooked by a celebrity chef.
‘Oh, wow. This looks totally delicious, Molly. Thank you.’
‘It’s no trouble at all,’ I say as I slip in beside them, feeling ever so slightly gooseberryish. ‘Glad that you’re here.’
Lucas shoots me a ‘shut up’ look again. I shut up.
Yet, even with my speaking ban, during the course of our thrown-together dinner, I find out that Aurora is at art college studying textiles, she’s been writing and performing poetry for the last two years and that she still lives with her family on the other side of town. She’s nicely spoken, polite and chatty. Lucas, I notice, hangs on her every word. He is clearly smitten and that makes me smile.