“In a minute, honeypot,” Rachel didn’t even look at Belle but kept talking to Jack, “See, her car –”
“Mom!” Belle snapped.
“What about her car?” Dad asked and then he looked at Belle. “Isn’t it safe?”
“It’s safe, Dad,” Belle assured her father and looked at her mother. “And Mom, shut up.”
“What’s this about?” Jack asked, his eyes narrowed.
“Rachel wants you to buy Belle a Jag. British racing green.” Yasmin explained helpfully and Belle’s heart squeezed.
Belle clutched Jack’s hand which still held hers and said urgently, “Jack, you don’t have to buy me –”
But Jack was looking at Olive, “See to it.”
Belle’s mouth dropped open.
“Yee ha!” Rachel shouted.
Olive nodded and said firmly, “Done.”
Lila grinned at Belle.
So did Joy.
“And Rachel and I want to be car twins,” Yasmin added, pressing the advantage. Belle heard the blood rushing to her ears and wondered if you could fight back a stroke.
“What kind of car do you drive?” Dad asked.
“Audi TT coupe,” Yasmin answered.
“Sah… weet.” Dad smiled.
“Lease an Audi for Rachel,” Jack said to Olive and Belle’s hand jerked in his but he ignored it and turned to Lila. “Is there anything you want?”
“Oh my goodness gracious,” Belle whispered.
“Nope,” Lila grinned at him. “I’ll just borrow the Jag or the Audi whenever I need to take a joyride.”
“I’m thinking Corvette,” Dad threw in.
Belle had had enough and therefore announced, “If you buy or lease my father a Corvette, Jack, I swear I’m going to jump into the Channel and not stop swimming until I hit France.”
“Bellerina!” Dad shouted.
Jack studied Belle, his eyes lit with amusement and he looked at Dad. “Sorry, Jensen. The Abbot luck just ran out.”
“Always the f**kin’ way,” Dad muttered.
Belle decided to ignore it all and announced, “I need to go to work.”
“You need to eat breakfast,” Jack reminded her.
She looked down at her empty plate and mumbled, “Oh yeah, right.”
“I’ll find Elaine,” Joy said, bustling out of the room.
Jack looked at Angus and Cassandra and stated firmly, “And you two need to go to work.”