Lola's House (Lola Series) by Suzie Groers Page A

as he pulls off gardening gloves and pushes them into the back pocket of his jeans.
    ‘Oh my goodness, Robert, have you done all of th is?’ I turn to take in the neat garden.
    He smiles. ‘Yes, I felt like a bit of fresh air and didn’t want to slum around the house all day.’  He raises his eyebrows cynically.
    I blush a little and bite into my lip.  ‘I’m sorry about that comment the other day, I was out of order.  What can I say, I’m an arse sometimes.’
    He doesn’t disagree with me.  ‘Forget it, you needed some help and I live here too, so it’s no problem.’
    ‘Well thanks, I really appreciate it.’  I beam a smile at him.  ‘The least I can do now is make you some dinner.  I think you’ve earned it after that.’
    ‘Already in hand.   I’ve cooked a Spaghetti Bolognese, and have knocked up some garlic bread which is ready to put in the oven.’
    My eyes widen in surprise.  ‘You really are a dark horse.  I’m surprised some woman hasn’t snapped you up already.’
    At this he just smile s and side steps my comment.  ‘Okay, so I’m all done out here.  If you’re hungry we’ll be good to go in about ten minutes.’
    I follow him and Harley into the house where the smell emanating from the kitchen is divine.  Robert pops the garlic bread into the oven and turns to face me.  ‘While I think about it, your mom called this afternoon.’
    ‘Oh great.’   That happy feeling packs its bags and exits the building.
    ‘She said she has left you three messages this week, and if you don’t call her back today she will get Malcolm to drive her over here to make sure you’re still alive.’
    A sudden panic fills me at the thought of my mom landing on the doorstep.  She will probably bring an overnight bag with her and then I’d never get rid of her.  I quickly pull my mobile phone out of my bag.  ‘I’ll call her right now.’
    He smile s and disappears into the shower room and I hear the water turn on as my mom’s phone begins to ring.  ‘Hi, mom.’
    ‘Lola, there you are.  I was beginning to think you had been murdered.’
    I sigh.  ‘No mom, I’ve just been busy at work.’
    ‘We’re all busy, Lola, but I don’t have time to keep chasing you to make sure you’re still alive.’  I roll my eyes at this and purse my lips.  ‘And don’t give me that look.’
    ‘How do you know what look I’m giving you over the phone, mom?’
    ‘I know you well enough to know, young lady, so don’t be flippant.’
    Oh God, she’s calling me young lady, n ow I know I’m in trouble.  I keep my face straight for fear of setting her off again.  ‘Sorry, mom.’
    ‘Yes, well I didn’t call just to chat about you.’
    This totally baffles me as firstly I had called her, not the other way round, and secondly she had supposedly been checking on my welfare.
    ‘I just wanted to let you know I have spoken to Alexander and he says he will call on you soon so please make sure you’re at home.’
    And there it is.  It just gets better and better.  I suppress any facial tick at the mention of Alex’s name.  ‘When is he coming?’
    ‘He’s very busy so he couldn’t say.’  Her voice is clipped.
    ‘Well I need to know if I’m going to be home when he calls.’  I g ive a little snort.  ‘Of course I could always check my crystal ball.’
    ‘You’re so rude, Lola, and very ungrateful as usual.  I can’t think why Alexander would take time out to help you.’
    I know exactly why Alex wants to help me, something to do with helping himself to my money.  ‘There’s no reason for him to come at all mom.  Everything is fine here.’
    She ignore s me and changes the subject.  ‘I did notice a strange man answered your phone this afternoon.  What is he doing there while you’re at work?’
    ‘He’s my lodger, he lives here.’
    ‘Well I’m not sure I approve of that, Lola.  You’ll never sell the house with a sitting tenant.’
    ‘I’m not selling the