Just Like the Other Girls(90)

‘Please,’ begged Viola, looking up at her through her ridiculously long eyelashes. How could Katy say no? ‘You need to be on the lookout. As soon as Mother comes back, let me know. Once she’s in bed I’ll sneak Danny out through the kitchen. Okay?’

Katy felt sick at the thought but she agreed.

They hovered in the kitchen as Elspeth faffed about with her hair and makeup upstairs. When she eventually came down in a taffeta ballgown, her tightly permed blonde hair falling to her shoulders, Katy could hardly speak she was so nervous.

‘What’s up with you two tonight?’ Elspeth said, as she wafted over to them in a cloud of Chanel No. 5 so they could diligently kiss her rosy cheeks.

Viola giggled nervously. ‘Nothing.’ She snaked her arm through Katy’s. ‘We’re going to paint each other’s nails and order pizza.’

Elspeth flashed them an indulgent smile, told them she’d left some money on the side, and to ‘be good’.

‘It’s so great to see my two best girls getting on so well at last,’ she said, dabbing at the corner of her eyes. She was wearing blue mascara. ‘It would have pleased your father.’

A lump formed in Katy’s throat. Her mother trusted them and they were about to betray her. When Elspeth had left Katy turned to Viola. ‘I don’t know about this … I feel bad.’

Viola waved a hand dismissively. ‘Don’t start getting all Goody Two Shoes on me now.’

‘But –’

She put a finger to her lips. ‘Sssh. He’s here!’ She jumped up and down, then ran to the French windows, throwing them open. Danny emerged from behind the big oak tree in baggy jeans and a tight T-shirt. It was still light outside. How long had he been hiding there?

Viola grabbed Danny’s hand and dragged him into the kitchen. ‘Thanks for doing this,’ he said, throwing Katy a charming smile that melted away all her doubts. ‘We owe you big-time.’

‘Come on.’ Viola giggled, still holding Danny’s hand. ‘We don’t have long, let’s go.’ And they disappeared out of the kitchen.

Katy wondered if they were going to have sex. Is that what all this was about? Somewhere comfortable to go instead of where they usually sneaked off to.

She watched them as they ran up the winding staircase, hand in hand, excitement bouncing off them. Then she wandered into the library to read, feeling alone.

She was slumped on the sofa, unable to concentrate on her book, when her stomach rumbled. She’d forgotten to order the pizza. Elspeth had left the money specially. If she came back and saw they hadn’t bought pizza it would look suspicious. Katy jumped up and raced upstairs. She’d ask Viola what she wanted – she could share hers with Danny. They couldn’t risk buying enough for three because that would also raise questions.

Katy hovered outside Viola’s door, which was ever so slightly ajar. She should knock first, in case they were in the middle of doing it. She was about to rap her knuckles against the door when she heard her name mentioned.

‘What – so you don’t see Katy as your sister?’ This was Danny’s voice. Strong and sexy.

Her stomach turned over. Why were they talking about her?

Viola laughed. It sounded cruel. ‘No, of course not. I can’t stand the little bitch. She’s made my life hell since she arrived. Such a lick-arse. Always trying to make me look bad to my parents. I hate her.’

Katy felt as if she was going to throw up. So nothing had changed? Viola really despised her that much? After everything? All those shopping trips and sunshine-filled afternoons in the park, the confidential chats and bus excursions, the makeup sessions and advice on clothes and boys: the closeness she had felt to Viola had seemed so real. She had begun to care about her, love her even. See her as the big sister she’d always wanted.

‘Then why are you being nice to her?’ And then Danny laughs. ‘Oh, don’t tell me. So she’ll cover for you and you can see me?’

‘Of course. She’s so pathetic, she’ll do anything I ask. She …’

But Katy couldn’t bear to hear any more. She stumbled away from the door, angry, humiliated, tears stinging her eyes. How dare Viola use her like that, make her believe they really could have a close relationship? Fury flooded through her as she fled back downstairs. She couldn’t let Viola get away with this. She flung open the front door. It was only nine o’clock and still light outside. She ran all the way to the Assembly Rooms where she knew Elspeth had gone for her charity ball. She begged the doorman to let her in, that it was an emergency, and she waited, pacing the hall while someone went to summon her mother.

‘What is it? What’s happened?’ Elspeth cried, as she rushed up to her, the hem of her ballgown making swishing sounds as it trailed on the floor.

‘Viola! It’s Viola! She’s got a man in her bedroom. She made me lie for her. He’s a Traveller. I think he’s taking advantage of her. You need to come quickly!’

Elspeth turned white, her mouth pinched. Without saying another word she gathered up the hem of her skirt and fled the building, Katy close behind.

Elspeth arrived home just in time to catch the two of them in the act. Katy had never seen her so angry. She threatened to disown Viola if she ever saw Danny again. ‘And if I ever see you with my daughter again I’ll call the police,’ she raged at Danny. Katy hid in her room, waiting for the shouting and the recriminations to stop. What had she done? Viola would never forgive her.