Free Romance: Duplicity (Duplicity New Adult Romance Book 1) by K.T. Knight Page B

comforting, the one constant in my life. Stuck in a time-warp, the décor hasn't changed since I was a child. It's late when we get there, and mum fills a hot water bottle for each of us. "Go on up to bed," Mum instructs, “we'll talk properly in the morning. It's way past my usual bedtime, love."  
    Dad is his usual self, a man of few words. I know he is worried by my sudden unannounced appearance in the land that time forgot, but he's delighted to see me nonetheless. "You look tired, dear. Will I bring you up a cup of tea? No? Alright then. In the morning I'll show you the greenhouse."
    Regressing to childhood and tucked up in my old bed, a wave of tiredness overcomes me. For the first time in days my heart is calm, my mind at peace. I feel safe and loved, and know that everything will be all right.
    In the morning I stand in the kitchen with my backside against the Aga, drinking tea, as Mum and I catch up. I give her the abridged account of the last few weeks, more than I've told her on the phone, but omitting the graphic details.
    When I've finished, she shakes her head and sighs. "Oh Holly love, I think Nick sounds like a cad. He's used you for his own ends. It's just as well for Adam. He’s such a lovely young man." Mum has met Adam a few times, and thinks he’s the bee’s knees.
    "Then why do I feel so sad, Mum? I feel really bad about Adam, but I just don't know if he's right for me."
    "Just tell Adam the truth, Holly, that's what he deserves," says Mum, stirring the cake mix for her weekly baking. "Hold your head high at work, and damn Van Hooden."
    I stifle a giggle. "Mum, it's Van Hoogen."
    "Van Tootin, Shootin, Poopin. Whatever his name is, you're too good for him."
    She hands me the wooden spoon, and I lick the cake batter, just like when I was a kid. I know she's right.
    I find Dad in the greenhouse at the bottom of the garden, tending his beloved plants. He puffs up with pride as I enter his little kingdom.
    "Hi Dad, can I help you with anything?"
    "No, no, just you sit here, love, and we'll have a chat." He dusts off the faded cushion on a white plastic seat, and motions me to sit. The Archers is playing on the radio in the background. Dad produces a flask and plastic cups, and reaches behind a bag of compost where he's hidden an old round tin. Opening the tin, his face lights up as he passes it to me with a conspiratorial smile.
    "Don't tell your mother. She thinks I've given up."
    We tuck into the chocolate biscuits and Jelly Babies, and I transgress back to childhood once more.
    "So, what's this boy trouble all about then?" Dad asks. "Anything I can help with?" Judging by the look on his face, I can tell he doesn't want to have this personal conversation with his twenty-three year old daughter, but bless him for asking.
    I hesitate, then smile, putting him at ease. "It's fine, Dad. Just a wobbly about a guy in work. Nothing I can't handle."
    "That's my girl." He squeezes my hand. "These lads today, they don't know how to treat a lady. Just you come back here and stay here with us and never get married, eh?"
    "Don't worry. I don't have a boyfriend, and I've definitely no plans to get married. I do need to get back to work in a few days, though."
    "Good girl. I know you do, but don't rush yourself. That place won't fall down without you. Now you're here you may as well stay a while. It's great to see you, Holly. We do miss you, you know."
    My eyes well up at my dad's simple declaration of love. We potter for hours, until Mum calls us in.
    The next few days pass too quickly, a blur of home cooking, walking on the moors, and peaceful sleep.
    It's Thursday when I decide it's time to go back and face the music.

CHAPTER TWENTY

    It's raining on the way back to London, and the bleak weather matches my mood as I say goodbye and board the train. I find a seat with a table to rest my coffee and magazines. My phone, switched off since I arrived, is staring at me like the enemy, but I know I have to turn it on