Meant To Be Read Online Free PDF Page A

still in the shed. And I don’t think we should be stooping to hiding it, or ourselves. You’re allowed some privacy, Em. She’ll just have to learn that.’
    â€˜Thanks, Jake. I probably would’ve just given in to her.’ Like I usually do.
    â€˜Happy to help.’
    â€˜I feel a bit mean.’
    â€˜There is absolutely nothing wrong with saying no, Emily. You’re an adult. You’re allowed your own life. Come on, we’d better get out of here. You stay here, okay Gracie?’ Grace looked up from her cushion on the floor and flapped her tail.
    In less than fifteen minutes they were locking the glass sliding door. Emily had hesitated at the bathroom mirror, thinking that she ought to put on some make-up. But Jake had wrapped his arms around her from behind, kissed her on the cheek and said to her reflection in the mirror, ‘No need for that. You look perfect just the way you are.’
    Emily smiled and grabbed his hand. She had never been much into clothes and make-up. Throughout her twenties she’d religiously slathered stuff on her face, and carefully added colour to her eyes, lips, and cheeks. But she’d never enjoyed doing it, and didn’t like leaving the house feeling not quite herself. What was wrong with looking natural anyway? And why the hell should she put on all the ridiculous war paint for a man? Look where that had got her.
    She hoped Jake wasn’t just being nice, because she was done with all the try-hard crap – she’d leave that to younger women. Not that she was unkempt. Emily was always clean, tidy, andpresentable, and did wear make-up for evenings out and special occasions. She just couldn’t be bothered trying to look like she was ready for a magazine shoot every time she left the house.
    â€˜I like that you don’t wear make-up every day,’ Jake said over the crunch of the rubble as they walked over to the car.
    â€˜Thanks Jake,’ she said, smiling at him.
    â€˜I honestly don’t know how you women do it.’
    â€˜No, whenever I wear it I tend to spend the whole time feeling like I need a damn good scrub.’
    â€˜Well, it’s lucky I love you just the way you are then, isn’t it?’ Jake said, and pulled her to him more firmly. ‘Now, shall I drive since it’s our first proper date?’
    â€˜That would be lovely,’ Emily said, beaming. She gave him a peck on the cheek before making her way around to the passenger’s side.
    But Jake darted ahead of her and opened the door with his left hand while giving a flourish with his right. ‘My lady.’
    â€˜Why thank you, kind sir,’ Emily said, and got into the car.
    Jake went back around to his side and then climbed in. But instead of starting it up, he turned to her. ‘You know we won’t be able to hide from Enid forever, don’t you?’
    Emily frowned. ‘I’m learning to say no to her. I am. And I really do appreciate your support. Far too often it’s just easier to give in.’
    â€˜Short-term gain, long-term pain,’ he muttered. ‘Anyway, you did stand up to her. You said no. She just didn’t listen.’
    â€˜Hmm. You know, leaving John was probably the first time I’ve ever really stood up to her. And that was mostly because of my love for Grace, and need to protect her, not…’ She fiddled with the strap of her handbag in her lap.
    â€˜Yes, but it overrode your habit of just falling into line. I know she seems to be very – how shall I put it? – self-righteous? Butsurely she just wants to see you happy. I would’ve thought that was the most basic mothering instinct of all – to protect your child from pain.’
    â€˜I honestly don’t think my mother cares about my happiness,’ Emily said sadly. She hadn’t really meant to say the words aloud. ‘Or if she does, it comes a distant second to