Read Online To the Moon and Back by Jill Mansell - Free Book Online Page B

just as she was falling asleep, when she hadn’t been trying at all.
    â€˜You’re not being fair.’
    Her eyes snapped open at the sound of Jamie’s voice. And there he was, sitting at the end of the bed, watching her intently.
    â€˜What?’
    â€˜You know what I’m talking about.’
    â€˜No, I don’t.’
    He gave her a meaningful look. ‘I know you know.’
    â€˜And you’re going to force me to say it? Fine, then. Todd. He sent me an email and I sent him one back. I was perfectly polite.’
    â€˜You’re not being fair,’ Jamie said again.
    â€˜Guess what? I don’t care.’
    â€˜Yes, you do.’
    â€˜What are you, my conscience?’ OK, stupid question, she might not be firing on all cylinders but even Ellie knew the answer to that one.
    â€˜You can’t blame Todd for what happened. It wasn’t his fault.’
    â€˜I’m not listening.’ She closed her eyes and rolled over onto her front, pulling the duvet over her head.
    â€˜Don’t you think he feels bad enough?’
    â€˜Shut up.’
    â€˜He was my best friend.’ Jamie’s voice was gentle.
    A hot tear leaked out of Ellie’s eye. ‘Go away,’ she mumbled. ‘I’m asleep.’
    ***
    The little blue and white café amongst the row of shops along Regents Park Road was one of Roo’s favorite places to spend an hour while she was waiting for inspiration to strike. At least, that was her excuse. The official line was that she was on the hunt for ideas for lyrics whilst also trying out possible melodies in her head. In reality she just loved the buzzy atmosphere, the people watching, the mugs of hot chocolate, and the cheese and spicy mushrooms on toast.
    Yesterday’s torrential rain had power-hosed the streets; today the sun blazed down out of a cobalt sky and it was hot enough to sit outside in a T-shirt. Roo, giving her new sunglasses their first outing, was comfortably set up at one of the steel tables along the pavement and tapping away on her laptop. Anyone watching would admire her businesslike manner and air of efficiency. They wouldn’t suspect that she was actually scrolling through photos of Richard Armitage, and reading her horoscope, and checking out all the latest scurrilous gossip on Popbitch.
    But looking efficient, which was what counted.
    â€˜â€¦So that’s that, it’s all decided. We’re moving to Albufeira!’ The dark-haired woman at the next table was proudly relaying her big news to her friend. Both in their late fifties, unshowy, and frumpily dressed by Primrose Hill standards, they were huddled together over cups of tea and plates of lemon cheesecake. ‘Roy’s going to play golf all day and I’ll be a lady of leisure!’
    â€˜Oh, how marvelous, you’ll have a wonderful time! I mean, we’ll miss you being here.’ Her gray-haired friend nodded eagerly. ‘But you’ll have a spare bedroom, won’t you, so Jim and I can come and stay with you both! We could pop over every couple of weeks!’
    â€˜Well, ye-es…’
    Roo hid a smile at the dark-haired woman’s less than enthusiastic response. Eavesdropping was one of her favorite pastimes; she just loved observing the way other people interacted.
    â€˜So have you handed in your notice at work?’
    â€˜Not yet. Zack’s up in Manchester today. I’m going to tell him tomorrow. He’ll be devastated to lose me, of course. We work so well together. Is this cheesecake a little more lemony than usual?’
    â€˜Possibly. But he won’t have any trouble finding someone else, will he? I mean, he’s Zack McLaren. He’ll be inundated with offers from girls desperate to work for him!’
    The dark-haired woman gave a snort of derision. ‘That’s not what he wants though, is it? He wants someone capable of doing the job, someone trustworthy who takes pride in