Blame Abba Chapter 4

I moved towards him and kissed his cheek, glimpsing a sight of myself in the mirror as I stepped back. I looked awful, my makeup was a mess. I rushed out, partly in embarrassment but also to fix my face.

When I came down all three of the family were sitting quietly, very English, drinking tea. I poured myself a cup and joined them. Dad looked at me.

"OK, this is a real turn up. But we are ready to make it work, at least to have a damn good try. Yesterday we had two sons and one daughter, now it's the other way round."

I had to smile, and made a mental note to thank Jacqui later. Obviously she had done much of the talking, persuading, reassuring.

"Now, after that trip and all this, I need a drink. Jacqui says you are a barmaid now, well, any chance of staff discount? How about going to the pub? Are you up it -- er - Donna?"

Was I? Dad drove us all in his car, I strolled proudly into the pub with my family in tow.

"Eric, Hi. Three gin-and-tonics and a pint, please. Put your wallet away, Dad, these are on me."

I was so thrilled, this was almost beyond my wildest dreams. Then I saw Jeff, he had come in for a drink himself, he probably needed it after last night. He looked at me, and Mum saw him. They stared at each other for several moments. Then she turned in my direction.

"Donna, this has obviously gone much further than we thought. Is there anything you haven't told us?"

"One minute," I said, getting up to go over towards Jeff. "Hi there. How's things, did you have a good night?"

He looked at me, then turned so his back was towards Mum and Dad.

"You know I did, Donna, it was fucking sensational," he said, thankfully very quietly.

And I was just wondering whether to say something about his performance. I didn't want to embarrass him in public - not any more, I didn't need to. I looked at him, and past him. And saw Patrick come in the pub!

I have never fainted in my life but at that moment I came as close as ever. He saw me and grinned and walked over towards me.