The Island Love Song by Emma Cowell

Author:Emma Cowell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd
Published: 2024-05-06T17:42:10+00:00

Chapter 24

Georgia

Georgia’s heart was pounding so loudly, she feared she would faint again. Her brain raced frantically, trying to retrace her words to recall what Phoenix could have overheard. It was like trying to wade through tar.

Phoenix remained in the doorway of the bathroom with folded arms, waiting for Georgia to speak.

‘Oh, Phoenix, I was just chatting to your dad about someone from his work…’

‘Don’t lie to me, Mum. I’m not an idiot. Auntie Ella has a baby? If you don’t tell me, then I’ll have no choice but to put the pieces together or go and ask her myself.’

‘No!’ Georgia shouted, then swiftly dialled down her volume. ‘I mean no, it’ll upset her too much. Look, come and sit down.’

She guided Phoenix to the sofa in the lounge. Taking the opportunity to scroll through her options, she knew she mustn’t allow herself to be steered towards any questions about fathers. She also knew she had no choice but to admit that Ella had had a baby. Georgia steeled herself to tell a part-truth and yet another part-lie. She’d been backed into a dead end and there was no way out of it with complete honesty. Not if she wanted to keep the remains of her family intact.

‘We don’t talk about it because it’s too painful for Ella. Yes, there was a baby, but she had it adopted when it was born.’ She took great care to ensure not to reveal the gender. ‘Your auntie was very young and at university, only a bit older than you and in a terrible state at the time. There was nothing else she could have done. I know it’s hard to understand but please don’t quiz her about it. She’ll just get upset and today is going to be difficult enough for us all.’

Phoenix frowned as she digested what she’d heard.

‘But I don’t get why you were talking about it now. Have you been fighting with her again?’

Georgia’s patience began to fray.

‘I am asking you not to say anything, Phoenix. Please, stop asking questions.’

‘Why do I get the feeling you’re lying to me?’

‘I have no idea, darling. I’ve told you the truth. My sister had a baby and it was adopted. That’s all there is to say, and you will break your auntie’s heart if you mention it.’

‘Was it with him, that guy who left her at the station?’

‘Right, you’ve used up your last question on the subject and it’s not my place to talk about it.’ Georgia deliberately softened her tone, desperately wishing Phoenix would be placated. ‘You overheard a private conversation, and some things are for grown-up ears only.’

Phoenix visibly bristled, but Georgia continued.

‘Look, I know you’re not a child, but there are reasons adults do things that are hard to understand.’

Phoenix nodded, her expression pained. She looked at her fingers and seemed to be counting.

‘I think it’s sad. If it was with that guy, then the baby must be about my age,’ she said, but Georgia couldn’t reply, her body frozen with tension.

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