Read Online Never Close Your Eyes by Emma Burstall - Free Book Online Page B

throughout the year, because he spent so much time out of doors.
    Often he had a wide, amused smile that made the creases round his eyes deepen. But when he was serious, as now, he tended to go very still and quiet and concentrated. Evie felt like one of his students at a university tutorial. She fiddled with the silver chain around her neck.
    â€˜That must be difficult for you,’ he said at last. She was staring at her tea but she was aware that he was still scrutinising her. She felt tears pricking and starting to trickle down her cheeks. She couldn’t help herself. She reached for a piece of kitchen roll.
    â€˜I know it’s silly,’ she spluttered. She wished that she didn’t sound so girlish. ‘I mean, of course we’re separated and everything but I feel, well, gutted. I suppose it just makes everything so final.’
    To her surprise, Bill moved his chair closer to hers and put an arm, slightly awkwardly, around her shoulder. She felt her body relax a little.
    â€˜You’ve had a shock,’ he said. His voice was low and sympathetic, which made her want to cry even more. ‘Of course you’re upset.’
    â€˜I’m so sorry.’ She blew her nose. ‘I bet you wish you’d never called.’
    Eventually she calmed down. He took his arm away gently and moved his chair back to its original position. ‘Please don’t apologise. A trouble shared and all that.’ He shot her an understanding smile. ‘I’ve got broad shoulders.’
    He leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms and rested a foot on his knee. ‘Have you spoken to anyone else about this? Your parents, perhaps?’
    She made a face. ‘I couldn’t talk to them. ’
    He scratched his head. ‘Why not?’
    â€˜I must have told you about them?’
    â€˜I don’t think so.’
    â€˜But you know I’m adopted?’
    He nodded.
    â€˜They’re small business people,’ she went on, ‘they own several furniture shops. All they care about is money and making sure I screw as much as I can out of Neil. They’re furious with him. They think I should take the dosh and cut him out of my life completely. They don’t seem to understand that he was my husband for all those years and I still have feelings for him. I can’t just switch them off like a tap. Plus, I still want him to be a father to the kids. They’ll hate him even more when they find out about the baby,’ she added grimly.
    Bill knitted his brows. He seemed to be pondering something. ‘Would you like to come to the Orange Tree Theatre with me?’ he said at last. ‘There’s a play on called Chains of Dew , by an American writer I hadn’t heard of. It’s had great reviews. It might take your mind off things.’
    Evie smiled gratefully. ‘It’s kind of you but I don’t think I’m up to doing anything right now. I’d be terrible company.’
    Bill shook his head. ‘Don’t worry about that. You don’t even need to say anything if you don’t want. Go on, it might do you good.’
    She laughed. ‘Is that your idea of the perfect date: a totally silent woman?’
    He looked wounded. ‘Not at all. I just thought—’
    She put a hand on his arm. ‘I was joking. Of course I’ll come. Thank you for asking. I can do virtually any evening. Just let me know when you can get tickets.’
    â€˜You’re on.’ He rose. ‘You know you can call on me anytime, don’t you?’
    â€˜You’re so kind,’ Evie replied.
    â€˜Sure you’ll be all right?’
    She nodded. ‘Thanks again, Bill.’
    â€˜Don’t mention it,’ he said, taking his Barbour jacket off the back of the chair and heading towards the door. ‘Pleased to be of service.’

Chapter Eight

    Tears poured down Freya’s cheeks as she reread Lucy’s words.
    S orry , Lucy wrote.