Page 80 of Rafferty's Rules
‘I’m sure they’re lovely. Besides, isn’t that exactly what you’ve been keeping me around for?’ When she says it like that, I sound like a complete arsehole.
‘Yeah, but it was only supposed to be for one day, a weekend max.’
‘I don’t mind.’ And she looks like really doesn’t. ‘It’d be great to see more of Australia while I’m here, and I’d love to meet your family.’
‘They’re nosy fuckers, but they won’t give you any trouble. It’ll be me they heap shit on.’
‘Why?’ she asks eagerly.
‘Because I haven’t been home for a while.’
‘Oh, how long?’
‘A good few months. Maybe two years, give or take.’
‘Wow, that’s a long time. Was there anything that kept you away?’
My own stupidity for starters, quickly followed by shame. ‘I’ve been too busy,’ I answer with a light shrug because she doesn’t need to hear the truth in all its ugly glory.
‘I can’t imagine not seeing my parents for that length of time. Sure, they drive me insane sometimes, but I guess we’re all different.’
‘Just because I haven’t been home doesn’t mean I haven’t spent time with them. Flynn and his family live in London, and Mum flies out regularly to make sure Flynn isn’t making her youngest grandson grow up dumb. Not sure she’ll be able to prevent it.’
‘So you’re saying all four Phillips brothers have the same kind of relationship with each other.’
‘Pretty much.’ We’ll leave it at that. No need to explain the differences or the way I’ve screwed things.
‘Oh, but what about my case? I literally have three of the most basic outfits.’
‘That’s two more than I’ll be packing.’
‘You liar!’ The admonishment is accompanied by a push to the shoulder. ‘I can’t meet your family wearing shorts!’
‘I was gonna offer you the loan ofmyshorts, but if you’re gonna be a diva all of a sudden, all high maintenance, I reckon I won’t.’
‘What? No offer of a T-shirt?’ The hand she places on her hip matches her haughty expression.
‘You complained last time,’ I protest, laughing.
‘Because I was fed vegan chocolate cake!’
‘Could’ve been worse. Someone could’ve tried to feed you two dicks instead.’
‘Don’t even joke about that. The looks I got while wearing it, Rafferty. It’s not funny!’
‘Then why are you laughing?’
‘Because you expect me to meet your family while wearing an offensive T-shirt.’
‘That’s okay. I’ve bought them all one!’ I hold up my hands as she begins to hit me with the pillow. ‘When your suitcase arrives, we’ll just get it delivered to Byron’s place.’
‘Isn’t it too far away?’
‘This is Australia, love. Everything’s too far away, including you.’ With that, I lunge for her, bringing her onto my lap.
‘What are you doing?’ Her giggles dissipate as I trace my hands over the bow of her hips.
‘Marking a trail of intention.’
