Love Me Till Wednesday (Sapphire Stars #1)

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‘Up for some songwriting today?’ Pete whispered in Lisa’s ear as she sat with her head in her hands at the kitchen table.

‘No way. Why did you let me drink so much?’

‘Last time I checked, you were a 54-year-old woman who was capable of making her own drinking decisions.’

‘Ed led me astray,’ she muttered.

‘And to think you were worried he and Tez would be angry with you.’

From what she could remember, the reunion had gone very well. They’d made plans to hire one of the local rehearsal rooms next weekend to start practising their old set list before tackling the new songs Lisa and Pete were writing. And then they’d start reminiscing about the good old days, and Lisa’s memory became hazy after that.

Elise bounced into the kitchen. ‘You alright, mother dearest?’

‘Yes, I’m perfectly fine.’ There was no way she was going to admit to being hungover to her daughter.

‘And you must be Pete. I’m Elise. Did Mum drink too much last night?’

‘I couldn’t possibly comment,’ Pete said, grinning at Lisa.

‘That’s good. I’m sure she didn’t because she’s well aware of how bad it is for your liver, and then there are the personal safety risks from not being aware enough of your surroundings when you’re under the influence. Did I miss anything, Mum?’

Lisa looked up at her. ‘Gloating is not a good look.’

‘Do you want me to get the ibuprofen? Oh, by the way, your phone was buzzing when I walked past your room. It looked like someone was calling you.’

‘At this time?’

‘It is nine o’clock.’

Lisa sighed. She wasn’t sure how achievable walking back up to her bedroom on the first floor was. It had been hard enough getting down the stairs ten minutes ago. ‘I better go and get it.’

‘It’s alright I’ll fetch it.’ Elise left the kitchen, leaving the door to slam behind her.

Lisa flinched. ‘I’m sure she did that on purpose.’

‘She reminds me a lot of you at that age.’ Pete walked over to the table and gently placed a fresh mug of tea in front of Lisa. ‘I moved my stuff into the front room on the top floor last night. It looked like you’d cleared it for me.’

‘Sorry, I should have said.’

‘You vaguely pointed me in that direction when we got back from the pub. And there’s something else you need to know. I slept in your room last night.’

‘What??’ She had no recollection of that.

‘Only because I was worried you might be sick. I didn’t take advantage.’

‘Is that why you’re wearing pyjamas with cute bears on them.’

‘Yes, they’re my guaranteed passion killers.’ He laughed.

‘Why did you buy those?’

‘I didn’t. Becky bought matching pyjamas for all of us one Christmas. ’

Now that her eyes were starting to focus better, Lisa could see that the bears were wearing Christmas hats.

‘And you kept them?’

‘They’re still serviceable. Why wouldn’t I use then?’

Lisa chuckled. ‘Still the same old Pete.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean? And why should I change? I’ve always been perfect.’

Elise returned, clutching a packet of painkillers and Lisa’s phone.

‘Thank you,’ Lisa said, unlocking the phone. She’d missed two calls and a text from Noah that just said

Phone me ASAP

‘Important?’ asked Pete.

‘Possibly. It’s my estate agent. He might have another viewing planned.’ She tapped Noah’s name.

‘Lisa! How are you this beautiful morning? I have excellent news.’

‘Oh yes,’ she said, holding the phone further away from her ear so he sounded less shouty.

‘Our friend Adam has accepted your price.’

‘He’s done what?’

‘You’ve sold your house.’