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Paige shrugged. ‘No idea. He’s a cat.’ She picked up Melanie’s coat and bag, popping the bag on the kitchen table before hanging her coat up behind the door. Melanie sank down on the bench and tried to get her brain to catch up and accept what was happening.
‘How long will he stay like that?’ Paige asked.
Not knowing what she was talking about, she turned and found Alfie stood like a statue next to the tower. It was the most still she had ever seen him. Wow. Shaking her head, Melanie turned back to the table. Right, what was the plan now? She couldn’t really impose on Paige and Connie like this. She should go back and get her car and take Alfie to her house. But then if there was an issue, she couldn’t just run back to the bar. She couldn’t leave Alfie here though either could she? Could she? They were friends, weren’t they? Were they? It was only a few minutes away. She didn’t know what to do for the best. What if the new bar manager didn’t need any help, then they would have just wasted Paige’s time for no reason. Surely Paige needed to work as well, right? It must be their busiest day of the week. She really was making problems for everyone and her brain was spinning as she tried and failed to think through all the possible solutions and inconveniences.
‘Tea?’ Paige asked as she moved around the kitchen.
Melanie shot up and followed. ‘No, I couldn’t possibly. I’m really sorry for imposing on you like this. Look, I’ll get Alfie and take him back to mine. I’m sure everything will be fine with the bar.’
Paige shrugged. ‘OK.’
Oh God she really was imposing. This was so awkward. She could wring her sister's neck. But surgeons be surgeons or something like that. She was off saving lives, as she liked to point out every time. She also liked to point out that Melanie said she would be there. That she would support them both. That Alfie wouldn’t ever feel the consequences of a parent leaving like they had when their dad left. She had said that and she had meant it. But this wasn’t right either. Was she overthinking? She should just go, but oh God what if the fresh grocery delivery didn’t turn up? She’d call Louisa and see if Louisa could help. Grabbing her phone, she checked. Nope she couldn’t call Louisa. Louisa was taking her girlfriend out for the morning for a little bit of relationship TLC.
‘Here. Do you have sugar? And it’s oat milk, right?’ Paige said pushing a brew in front of her over the kitchen island towards her.
‘One sugar please,’ Melanie said, staring at the mug, brain spinning.
Paige nodded, adding the sugar, stirring it and passing it back.
Wait how did she know about the oat milk?
‘Drink. Then call the manager. Then see what you want to do. What about him, what does he drink?’ Paige nodded over at Alfie, and Melanie smiled. Paige sounded like she did at her bar.
‘He’d love a shot of tequila but I’m a terrible Auntie and only ever give him milk.’ Melanie tried to keep her face straight.
‘Alf, you want a milk?’ Paige shouted.
‘Shh,’ he replied, refusing to move.
‘Think he’s fine. Right, sit down, drink your tea and get your head together. We’ll sort it.’ Paige didn’t even look at Melanie as she walked back towards the sofa and proceeded to hand Connie a cup too before sitting down next to her.
Right so, was she imposing . . . ?
‘Melanie, love, just relax. I can feel you thinking from over here. Alfie, what Disney films do you like?’ Connie asked.
‘I love Star Wars. Have you got Star Wars?’
‘Kid, I’ve got Disney Plus. Choose your poison,’ Paige said.
Melanie stared in fascination as Alfie ran over towards Paige, sat down next to her and looked at the screen.
‘You have lots of them.’
‘Sure do.’
‘Which one is your favourite?’
‘BB8.’
Paige nodded at that and put one of the Star Wars films on.
Well Alfie certainly looked settled, Paige even looked settled and Connie was grinning.
‘Call the bar manager,’ Paige ordered not once looking up.
‘You’re bossy,’ Alfie said.
Paige shrugged. ‘Sometimes. Shhh, it’s starting.’
