A Famous Affair

A Famous Affair chapter 35

"Is this it, Mum?" Lottie asks.

I lower my head to look out of the car window, as she strains to look over my shoulder.

The flat is part of what once was a large Regency house. The perfect frontage in white stucco along with the tall, thin multi-sashed windows, give it the classic Georgian look. I love the plainly elegant shallow porch, and the beautifully arched doorway over a glossy navy blue door.

Inside does not disappoint either. The flat is simply stylish in an oatmeal colour throughout. It's perfectly small with contemporary furnishings. Devoid of any personal clutter, yet has everything that we need. In the lounge, there is only a comfy tanned leather suite, a glass table and chairs, a flat screen TV and a quaint focal fireplace made of oak. The two bedrooms are cosily furnished in teal and beige with bedside tables on either side of the double beds. An off-white fitted wardrobe sits on the left hand side of both rooms. The bathroom is again neutral with floor-to-ceiling biscuit coloured tiles with a stunning roll top bath and luxury power shower.

When I walk into the kitchen, although there is no window, it's deceptively bright and airy with white units and speckled grey granite worktops. Overall, it's a perfect part-time pad.

"What do you think, girls?"

"I love it, Mum." Lissy is busy familiarising herself, stroking the worktops and opening the kitchen cupboards to see them bare and empty yet beautifully clean.

I open the oven door and take a peep inside. "It's just what we need, isn't it?" I say cheerfully.

"We are so close to the town centre, too." She inquisitively opens a draw to peek inside.

"It's absolutely perfect for us, not far from your dad, my work or your school."

"Jonny has good taste, doesn't he Mum?" Lottie states matter-of-factly, she never fails to raise a smile.

"Yes, he does, darling."

"So, what are we going to do now then?" Her young, enthusiastic eyes search my face.

"Well, I think we had better get some food in for starters. Nothing which will perish though, as I won't be back here until Sunday."

"Can we come and see you on Sunday, Mum?" Lissy asks.

"Of course you can. That's the whole point of why Jonny got us this place, so we can see as much of each other as possible. Why don't you ask your dad whether you can stay here with me on Sunday night? When Lydia picks me up for work on Monday morning we can drop you back."

"I think that will be okay with Dad." Lissy replies. I stroke her silky hair, brushing it across her left shoulder.

"Good." I smile.

***

That afternoon, we shopped for food and toiletries needed in the flat. After a light lunch of pesto pasta salad, we all snuggle in front of the television and watch repeated yet uplifting Christmas films. I'm sat between the girls and they both have their youthful legs draped across my lap. I'm feeling on top of the world. I still find Jonny to be unfathomably amazing for sorting out the flat for my girls and me. He's enabled us to enjoy some quality time together just like we are now. Thinking of him, I decide to send a text.

"Lissy darling, could you pass me my bag please?" Once in my grasp, I search my bag and retrieve my mobile. I notice that I've already missed a text from Jonny.

Despite you not waking me up to say good-bye this morning, I still find myself missing you. Hoping you and the girls are happy with the flat ... love you.