My mobile rang. Who was this? I wondered. Not many people called me. I was a bit of a loner these days. It was my step brother John. “Hi” I said. “Long time no see”

“Yes” he answered. We chit chatted about this and that before he said “Look David, I have a problem. Gemma (his daughter) has us running ragged. Her mother will have a breakdown if this continues. I wondered if she could come and stay with you for a few days. On her own she is OK”

“I haven’t seen her for ages and I don’t really want a fourteen year old teenager here on my own.” I really didn’t need this.

“She’s not fourteen anymore. She’s nineteen now. College is finished till September and she’s home all day”

“Doesn’t she have friends?"

“Yes she does” John said “But they are all away on vacation. We’ve just not been able to afford anything this year. Please, just for a few days” Few days!! This was going to be a nightmare, I knew it. But I couldn’t say No, I had no excuse.

So I agreed and it was arranged for Gemma to travel down by train. I hadn’t even told John I was on my boat so I had to hot foot it back home. I would meet her at the station. The only problem was my apartment was tiny. I didn’t think it was suitable. Oh Hell I thought. I’ve got the money. Why don’t I treat her to a proper break? The Fiat is big enough for two. We’ll go down and take Taboo out. We can stay in a hotel. If there is a problem she can sulk in her own room. I didn’t tell John my plans.

I met the train and watched all the passengers as they came through the barrier. Nothing! Had she missed the train? Changed her mind? A tap on my shoulder “David? Uncle David?” I spun around and there was this gorgeous girl. No wonder I had missed her. Five years since I had seen her. She was a peach.

© 2020 Abigail Andrews (Audiobook): 9781094228617

Release date

Audiobook: 11 March 2020