But he did worry. He had no wish to awaken any false hopes in Jodie’s mind, so over the next few days he took absolute care to keep everything low-key. Professional but friendly. He kept the conversation to work-related topics—which wasn’t hard, as Sarah was more than happy to discuss her workdays.
Soon enough a calm routine was established, so when he arrived home on Thursday and entered the kitchen to a decidedly heated atmosphere he halted on the threshold.
‘But why can’t I go?’ Jodie demanded, and if she didn’t actually stamp her foot Ben would swear she wanted to.
This looked like distinctly rocky territory and Ben backed out. ‘Sorry. I’ll leave you to it.’
‘No,’ Jodie said. ‘I think you should stay. For a second opinion.’
Ben swallowed the grin that came to his lips. ‘Well, I’m happy to oblige, but please remember my opinion is just that. I have no influence or any vote in whatever’s going down.’
Sarah huffed out a sigh and then shrugged.
‘Gemma has asked Jodie to a sleepover tomorrow night and she wants to go.’
‘Is that the same Gemma who has such decided views on red hair?’
Yes,’ Jodie said. ‘But we’re friends now. She says she likes people with red hair. And she says her mum and dad say we can have a nine o’clock midnight feast. Please, Mum. You can talk to Gemma’s mum when you drop me off tomorrow, and you do already know her a bit.’
‘That’s half the problem...’ Sarah muttered.
‘Please, Mum. It will be fun.’
‘But, darling, I didn’t think you and Gemma were friends.’
‘We are now,’ Jodie said sunnily as she turned to Ben. ‘What do you think?’
‘I think it’s not up to me.’
Jodie’s face fell. ‘Mu-u-m... Please. Just think about it.’
‘Maybe. Now, why don’t you do your homework and then you can watch a film?’
‘OK...’ It was an exaggerated sigh, but she did as she was told.
Once she’d left, Ben turned to Sarah. ‘This is nothing to do with me, but I’m wondering why you’re so anti the idea?’
‘Because I’m pretty sure Jodie has been telling everyone about you and living here and that’s why Gemma suddenly sees her as a cool kid.’
‘And that’s a problem because...?’
‘Because it’s not right. And I don’t want Jodie to get her hopes up and then have Gemma drop her the moment we move back home.’
‘But maybe this sleepover will actually cement a real friendship—surely that’s worth a try, rather than assuming it will all go wrong?’
Sarah sighed. ‘I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you’re right. And Jodie was right. Sometimes it is good to get a second opinion. I’ll go and tell her now.’
Minutes later Jodie swirled into the kitchen, ran straight at Ben and threw her arms round his legs. ‘Thank you!’
Ben froze. A funny whirl of emotion almost dizzied him as he tried to figure out what to do. Gingerly he put his hands on her shoulders to return the hug, and a strange warmth trickled over his chest like warm liquid honey.
‘You’re very welcome—but, remember, your mum made the decision.’
‘I know, but thank you. Woo-hoo!’ Jodie released him and with a sunny smile exited the room.
Ben stared after her and told himself that it was OK to feel a little strange. After all, it wasn’t usual for him to have a six-year-old in his life.
Before he could compose himself, Sarah returned. ‘That is one very happy girl. And in other news my dad has found a place, so Jodie and I will be moving home next week.’