Holding On (Memories)

her steak and raises her eyebrows. “Did you or did you not follow me to London from Lilac Bay when I left for university, Simon?”
    “I did.”
    “And why was that?”
    “Because I didn't wanna be without you,” Dad replies tentatively.
    “And did Alec follow Lexy to London?” Mum continues.
    “He did...”
    “And why was that?”
    Dad looks at me helplessly, and puts his cutlery on the table. “Because he didn't want to be without her, darling.”
    “Precisely,” Mum says triumphantly. “We're not talking London to Essex here, Si, we're talking London to Devon. It's not just an hour or two away. It's a good few hours. We all know Jen's penchant for holding a grudge, so Carl is going to have to make it up to her. I'm guessing he's not a flower type of guy?”
    Bing puts his fork down loudly and looks at Mum. “Do we have to discuss Jen's relationship? Really?”
    Mum blinks in shock. “Well no-”
    “Then don't!” He grabs his fork and starts cutting his steak with vigour. I look at him, them Mum, then Dad. Mum is staring at him in shock, and Dad is grinning. I look back at Bing.
    “What?” my brother snaps.
    “Nothing,” I reply, turning to my dinner.
    “You're lying.”
    “Why would I be lying?”
    “What is it?”
    “It was just a kind of random outburst, even for you, Bing.”
    “Excuse me if I don't want to hear about Jen over dinner. Is that illegal?”
    “No. Just kind of random, like I said.”
    He sighs and clenches his jaw. “Mum, can I take my dinner upstairs?”
    “I suppose,” she replies warily.
    “Thank you.” He grabs his plate and storms upstairs.
    Mum watches him and turns back to us. “What was that all about?”
    “That, my favourite girls...” Dad pauses to cut his steak. “...Was Samuel experiencing a thing called jealousy.”
    My lips curve upwards. “Jealousy?”
    “Indeed, darling daughter.”
    “Jealousy? Why would he be jealous?” Mum asks, looking between us.
    “Lexy.” Dad points at me with his fork.
    “Because Bing has a serious crush on Jen.” I smile.
    Mum's eyes widen and she looks at the doorway and back at me. “Are you sure?”
    I smile wider. “Oh, yes. I'm very sure.”
    “But, does she fancy him?” She leans across the table, and I feel like I'm back at school, trying to gossip quietly.
    “I think she does.”
    “Oh,” she says, surprised, and sits back up. “Oh. Well. That certainly changes things, doesn't it?”
    “It certainly does,” Dad answers for me. “It also makes things more interesting.”
    I look at Dad and laugh slightly. “Dad, are you secretly a teenage girl under your middle-aged skin?”
    “Why do you say that?” He laughs.
    “Because you seem more interested in the Bing-Jen-Carl thing than even Mum and I are.”
    “She has a point, darling,” Mum agrees, patting his hand.
    Dad shakes his head at both of us. “Can I take my dinner upstairs?”
    “No, you cannot.” Mum frowns at him.
    Dad sticks his bottom lip out. “You let Samuel.”
    “I didn't want to hurt his little heart if he fancies our Jen.”
    I roll my eyes and Dad snorts. “He's a grown man, Emily, let him deal with his own issues of the heart. If Sam and Jen and meant to be, then it'll happen, remember that.” He looks at me sternly. “And don't you go interfering, Alexis.”
    “Me?” I put a hand to my chest, putting on my best innocent face. “I'd never dream of interfering.”
    “Mhmm.”

Chapter Five

ALEXIS

    I follow Jen around Cowling & Wilcox art supply store, pulling a full basket of art supplies. When she called and said she'd missed a few things and asked me to go to the shop with her, I didn't think a few things translated to two baskets full.
    “Are we done yet?” I whine.
    “You sound like Alec and Bing when we went to Laura Ashley.” She puts two boxes of pastels in her basket.
    I look around at the stacked shelves. “I can't even draw a stick man right, Jen, so although I can shop for England, art shopping isn't really my kinda thing.”
    She mutters something under her breath before sighing. “Fine, let’s go. I think I have everything.”
    “I think you have several of everything,” I muse.
    She glances at me, unamused, and turns to the counter. I shrug to myself, pick up the basket, and set it on the counter. I tap my foot as the guy behind the counter rings it through.
    A loud bang makes me jump, and I turn with my hand pressed against my chest.
    “Holy macaroni with extra cheese!” Jen