Read Online Torn by Gilli Allan - Free Book Online Page A

stand in the way of young love.’
    It was during the drive home that Jess began to feel queasy. Perhaps it was just car-sickness; this wasn’t the way she usually travelled after all, sitting crammed up in the back, on someone’s lap, eyes closed and sneaking kisses. All would be well once she was back on terra firma. At gone two in the morning it was dark and quiet in the village of Northwell when they stumbled from the car. Not only was every joint and muscle cramped, but the earth proved less firm under her feet than she’d expected. As she weaved her way up the front path she fumbled for her key; Tubs appeared from nowhere and squeezed his way between her ankles.
    â€˜Je – ess?’ Danny’s voice lifted with a plaintive inflection.
    The front door swung open into the living room and the cat ran in. The keys slipped from her hand and clattered onto the path.
    â€˜Shit!’ As she bent down to pick them up the world wobbled. ‘Go in,’ she mumbled, but he’d stopped dead on the thresh hold.
    â€˜What’s the matter?’

Chapter Five
    Perhaps he was surprised by the quantity of gaudy decorations that festooned the small room. She’d definitely gone over the top after seeing Rory’s reaction to Sheila’s efforts at the nursery. Jess pushed him gently from behind and followed him in. But his astonishment was nothing to do with the over-loaded tree or the multi-coloured foil garlands criss-crossing the ceiling.
    â€˜What’s happened? Looks like you’ve been visited by a talcum tornado!’
    The room looked unfamiliar even to her. She clutched her head. ‘Shit, shit, shit! Oh, I’m so sorry Danny. I should have remembered! Should have warned you, but I never …’ An internal voice completed the sentence. Never thought I’d be bringing anyone home . Though her stomach was turning over sluggishly she attempted a brightness she didn’t feel. ‘Never mind. It won’t take a minute to clear up.’
    â€˜But what is it? What’s all this white dust?’
    â€˜Nothing’s happened. It’s just that I … I decided to treat the furniture and carpets with flea powder while …’ While Rory’s away, she was going to say. But did he remember she was a mother? Did she want to remind him? If the child-friendly Christmas decorations hadn’t given the game away, then the Moses basket full of toys, would – had it been in its usual corner – but she’d pushed it upstairs before …
    What on earth had she been thinking? There were sure to be modern preparations far less intrusive and off-putting. She’d found the flea powder in the lean-to. It had to be decades old. It might even be a banned substance these days. And yet, believing the advice on the rusted old drum that cat fleas could live in carpets and soft furnishings, she’d coated the room with the foul smelling chemical. Danny turned away and walked through to the little kitchen. He sat by the table, face dipped into his hands.
    The situation was laughable, only Jess wasn’t amused. She sighed, convinced she’d blown it. Pulling the throw off the sofa, she shook it violently out of the open front door. Then, still uncertain on her feet, she heaved the vacuum cleaner from its cupboard and lurched bad-temperedly around the room, cursorily running it over the carpet and soft furnishings. Pine needles rattled in the hose as they were sucked up with the powder.
    â€˜There. All done.’ She was still attempting an upbeat and cheerful tone when she entered the kitchen, as if this was a normal situation. ‘Have you put the kettle on? I need a coffee even if you don’t.’
    â€˜Jess. You’ve got a cat!’
    â€˜Yes? Well, not by choice. He’s old and fat and mangy, but he just, kind of, moved in. And I haven’t the heart to move him out. It must seem disgusting to you,