The Adulterer's Daughter: A Novel Read online

  Ava: I’m sorry. There aren’t any other good-looking boys in my year

  Unknown number: Oh, FFS! It’s Drew

  Ava: Drew who?

  Drew: There’s only one Drew. Me!

  Ava: Andrew Millwood?

  Drew: Doesn’t everyone call him Andy? I’m Drew Daniels

  Ava: Drew Daniels? I’m sorry, that isn’t ringing any bells

  Drew: I sit next to you in Chemistry

  Ava: Sally Taylor sits next to me in Chemistry

  Drew: I’m in your Chemistry class

  Ava: Describe yourself

  Drew: I already did. I’m VERY HANDSOME!

  Ava: Go on

  Drew: Brown hair, brown eyes, about six feet tall, cute arse

  Ava: Drew Daniels is five foot eight at the most!

  Drew: Ha! So you DO know who I am!

  Ava: Hi, Drew. Are you ready for the test tomorrow?

  Drew: What test?

  Ava: Funny. How did you get my number?

  Drew: Lucky guess. I’ve been sending text messages to random numbers for weeks, hoping to find you

  Ava: Really?

  Drew: Nah. I got it from one of your friends

  Ava: Becky?

  Drew: I can’t remember

  Ava: So, what can I do for you, Drew?

  Drew: I want a photo of you

  Ava: Huh?

  Drew: I like you, Ava

  Ava gasped. Wow! Is this really happening? she thought.

  Ava: My phone doesn’t have a camera

  Drew: Do you have a Polaroid camera?

  Ava: Yes

  Drew: Use that. You can give me the photo at school

  Ava: What will you do with it?

  Drew: Put it under my pillow at night so I can dream about you! x

  Ava: Aww! That’s so sweet

  Drew: Take it now and let me have it tomorrow

  Ava: Now? But I look such a mess and I’m in my PJs!

  Drew: Take them off!

  Ava: Drew!!! You’re naughty!

  Drew: Please. Just a headshot and a bit of cleavage! x

  Ava: I can’t!

  Drew: Forget it then

  Ava: I’m sorry, Drew. It just doesn’t feel right

  Drew didn’t reply.

  Ava climbed out of bed and located her Polaroid camera. She removed her pyjama top and stood in front of the mirror. “What does he see in you?” she whispered to herself. Hastily she brushed her hair – two-tone now the roots were showing – and applied some make-up to her eyes. “That’s as good as it’s going to get.” Then she pointed the camera at the mirror and took three shots at different angles.

  The first one was a dud: her entire breasts were clearly visible. She tore it into a million pieces and sprinkled them into the bin.

  The third one was okay, although there was no sign of the cleavage Drew was so keen on.

  But the second one was the best: a symmetrical smile, a twinkle in her eyes, and a generous glimpse of pert breasts.

  Ava: Still there?

  Drew: Yep

  Ava: I’ve taken a photo. You have to swear you will NEVER show anyone!

  Drew: I promise

  Ava: Thanks. I’ll give it to you after Chemistry tomorrow

  Drew: No. Someone might see. Leave it in my locker

  Ava: Where is your locker?

  Drew: Long corridor. Number 173

  Ava: Okay. Can I text you tomorrow night?

  Drew: No. Better not. My dad gets mad when I spend too much time on my phone. I’ll text you in a few days

  Ava: I’ll look forward to it. Good luck in the test

  Drew: Thanks. You too

  Ava: Goodnight x

  Drew: Goodnight xxx

  Ava, a huge grin plastered on her face, popped the photo into an envelope, sealed it and buried it amongst the books in her school bag.

  Chapter 63

  Tuesday 9 December, 2003

  Public footpath, 8:10 p.m.

  “What’s up with those two?”

  “Who?”

  “Ollie and Serena.”

  “What do you mean, old chap?”

  “They haven’t rutted for weeks. They’re just walking and talking like regular people.”

  “Could it be the weather putting them off? It’s pretty chilly.”

  “Too bloody right it is, mate. I’m looking forward to a night curled up in front of the fire, licking my balls. Hopefully without all the interruptions this time.”

  “Interruptions?”

  “Serena and Eric have been at it like rabbits at home. Last night they did it on the sofa, right in front of me. Then half an hour later they did it again on the kitchen table.”

  “God, they’re animals.”

  “Worse than animals. At least we don’t make all that racket.”

  “Racket? Ollie and Serena barely make any noise when they do it up here in the bushes.”

  “Well, you ought to hear Serena at home. She’s a screamer.”

  “Humans are weird.”

  “Fair dinkum. Are you limping, mate?”

  “Yes. Jemima is rather stressed at the moment – something to do with school – and it seems to make her feel better if she takes out her frustration on my ribcage.”

  “Ouch. Don’t let her do that. She could inflict some serious damage. You don’t want to have to go and see the vet.”

  “Heaven forbid. I hate the vet.”

  “We all do, mate. Next time she does it, you should bite her.”

  “Oh, I could never do that.”

  “Not a proper bite; just a little nip to put her in her place.”

  “I couldn’t. I don’t believe in violence, old chap.”

  “Growl at her, then. I bet you can do a great growl.”

  “I don’t know how.”

  “You’re kidding. It’s easy.”

  “What do I do?”

  “Lift up your top gum like this. A bit higher so I can see your teeth. That’s it.”

  “Now what?”

  “Pin your ears back as far as they’ll go.”

  “How’s this?”

  “Not very effective, I’m afraid. Do all Salukis have such ridiculous ears?”

  “What do you mean, ridiculous?”

  “Ears are supposed to point upwards, like mine, not hang down by your knees. You look like a bloody hippy in need of a haircut.”

  “How rude.”

  “Okay, forget the ears. They’re not that important. Can you generate some saliva? It’s quite effective if you froth at the mouth.”

  “How do I do that?”

  “Think of some delicious food. A juicy steak or a peanut butter sandwich.”

  “Now I’m hungry.”

  “But is it working?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good. Now make this noise in your throat. Grrrrrrrrrr!”

  “Grrrrrrrrrr!”

  “Not bad. Can you do it any deeper?”

  “Grrrrrrrrrr!”

  “Perfect. And finally, make your eyes go all slitty and sinister. You want to produce a look that says, ‘I’m going to bite your fucking face off and swallow it whole’.”

  “How this?”

  “I guess it will have to do. Okay, let’s put it all together.”

  “Grrrrrrrrrr!”

  “Grrrrrrrrrr!”

  “Grrrrrrrrrr!”

  “Grrrrrrrrrr!”

  “You’re doing it, mate. Try a bit louder.”

  “Grrrrrrrrrr!”

  “Grrrrrrrrrr!”

  “What’s up with those two?”

  “Who?”

  “Stumpy and Lord.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “They look like they’re about to have a fight, but they’re usually the best of friends.”

  Chapter 64

  Thursday 11 December, 2003

  O’Connor living room, 5:20 p.m.

  Steve was tapping away on his phone when Fiona returned home unexpectedly earlier than usual. Guiltily, he
thrust it in his pocket and began to run through the usual litany of questions he asked at this moment.

  “Hi, love. How was your day?”

  He didn’t listen to the response, distracted by the buzzing coming from his trousers.

  “That’s nice. And how was the traffic?”

  “Is that all you’ve got to say?”

  It gradually dawned on Steve that he’d missed something significant. “About what?”

  “About my promotion. I’ve been hoping to be made a partner at the law firm for years, and it’s finally happened.”

  “A partner? That’s wonderful news. Will you get a pay rise?”

  “I just told you that. Weren’t you listening?”

  “I’m sorry, I was miles away.”

  Now, this was something of a grey area for Steve. Of course, he wasn’t literally ‘miles away’, he was right there in the room. But it wasn’t a lie because he’d used a figure of speech meaning I was unaware of what you were saying because I was thinking about something else. In his head, Steve had been in Mandy’s creaky bed – taking her from behind – about four hundred yards northwest of his current location. So he hadn’t even been ‘miles away’ in his imagination. Clarification was required.

  “I mean, I had something on my mind.” Please don’t ask what it was.

  “Yes, I’ll get a pay rise and a share in the profits. I’m so happy, Steve. It’s nice to feel appreciated for once.”

  I wouldn’t know, thought Steve. “I’m happy for you too, love.”

  “Well, you don’t look happy.”

  “I guess I’m just jealous. Your career is going from strength to strength, but I’m still a lowly electrician who earns less money than his wife.”

  “It’s not a competition. We’re supposed to be a team.”

  Steve slumped onto the sofa. “My life is going nowhere.”

  At that moment, Ava arrived home and slammed the front door.

  Steve went into autopilot mode. “Hi, Pumpkin. How was your day?”

  “Boys!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air.

  “What about them?” said Fiona.

  “There’s this boy at school who’s absolutely doing my head in. Does he like me? Doesn’t he like me? I haven’t got a clue.”

  “Why don’t you ask him?” said Steve.

  “Ask him? You mean like … in person?”

  “Yes.”

  “Because … actually, that’s not a bad idea. I’ll ask him tomorrow. Thanks, Dad,” she said before heading into the kitchen to spoil her appetite.

  Steve’s phone buzzed again.

  “Aren’t you going to get that?” said Fiona.

  He took it out of his pocket, glanced at the screen once, and then switched it off. “It can wait. Now, how are we going to celebrate your promotion? Pizza?”

  “You know you refuse to eat pizza because of the boxes.”

  “Do I?”

  “Yes, you’re always banging on about how they have a prominent recycling symbol on the lid, but if there’s a speck of grease on the box, they can’t be recycled. And they’re always covered in grease, so what’s the point in pretending they can be recycled in the first place?”

  Steve nodded. “That’s a fact, but this is a special occasion, and I love pizza.”

  Fiona wasn’t brave enough to ask who was responsible for Steve’s buzzing phone.

  Chapter 65

  Friday 12 December, 2003

  The school, 12:35 p.m.

  “Drew?”

  “Is it potassium permanganate, miss?”

  “Correct. Well done.”

  Ava turned around and smiled at him. Drew blushed and smiled back.

  What’s going on? Ava thought. He likes me, that much is obvious. He can’t keep his eyes off my breasts. But why does he never speak to me? He seemed so confident in his text messages.

  “Face the front, Ava.”

  “Sorry, miss.”

  After the lesson, Ava intercepted Drew in the doorway after everyone else had left.

  “Hi,” she said. It wasn’t the most prolix ice-breaker, but it was a start.

  “Oh, hi.”

  “You haven’t said if you like the photo.”

  Drew frowned. “What photo?”

  “Stop teasing. The one I put in your locker.”

  “I haven’t got a locker.”

  “Yes, you have. Number 173.”

  “I’m telling you, I haven’t got a locker, and I have no idea what photo you’re talking about.”

  “Drew, you texted me and …” Ava lowered her voice. “You asked me to put my photo in your locker.”

  “Texted you? How? I haven’t got a mobile phone.”

  “But …”

  “I’ve got to go. My mates are waiting for me.”

  With one last glance at her chest, Drew squeezed past and ran into the playground.

  ◆◆◆

  That night, after her mother’s final check that she was all right, Ava took out her phone and began to type.

  Ava: Hi x

  There was no reply.

  She waited five minutes and tried again.

  Ava: Are you there?

  Still no reply.

  Ava was about to give up and try to sleep when it came.

  Drew: I thought I said not to text me. If my dad finds out, he’ll confiscate my phone for a month!

  Ava: Sorry. I couldn’t help myself. I miss you x

  Drew: Aww. You’re sweet. How about another photo?

  Ava: I gave you one already

  Drew: I know. And I love it. I’m looking at it right now. But I want more

  Ava: What do you mean?

  Drew: I want a NAKED photo of you

  Ava: OMG!!! You are so bad!

  Drew: I can’t help it if I fancy you. Well? Are you brave enough?

  Ava: Can I keep my underwear on at least?

  Drew: No. Stark naked! I want to be able to see your tits, your bush and your face

  Ava: Drew!!! You’re making me blush

  Drew: Stop being such a tease. I promise I’ll never show it to anyone

  Ava: I don’t know …

  Drew: If you love me you’ll do it x

  Ava: You know I love you x

  Drew: So you’ll do it?

  “No chance, pal,” said Ava, tapping away at the keyboard.

  Ava: Okay. Shall I put it in your locker like last time?

  Drew: Yes please. You’re the best x

  Ava: Tell me again what you said to me behind the bike sheds after school earlier

  Drew: Huh?

  Ava: What you said right after you kissed me

  Drew: Something about your soft lips?

  Ava: No! You must remember

  Drew: Shit! My dad’s home. Gotta go. DON’T TEXT ME! x

  “Who the heck are you?” Ava muttered to her lifeless phone.

  Chapter 66

  Saturday 13 December, 2003

  The pub, 8:22 p.m.

  “Jesus, it’s bitter out there,” said Mia, taking off her coat and scarf. She stood in front of the roaring fire and warmed the backs of her legs. “Ron’s done a good job with the Christmas decorations this year.”

  “I suspect that was Mandy,” said Fiona.

  “Slag!” Serena spat.

  “Me or her?”

  “Her, of course. Is it my imagination or is she swaggering even more confidently than usual this evening?”

  They all stared at Mandy, who looked up at that moment and brazenly held their gaze, a smug look on her beautiful face.

  “God, I hate her,” said Serena.

  Mia fetched the drinks and sat down in her usual seat. “So, what’s new with you two?”

  Fiona pointed at herself with both thumbs. “I’ve had a promotion.”

  “Oh, Fi, that’s marvellous.” Mia beamed at her friend, genuinely happy for her.

  “Congratulations,” said Serena. “I’m sure you deserve it. You must be delighted.”

&nbs
p; “I am. I just wish Steve was happy for me. There’s something not right with him at the moment. He’s being weird.”

  “Weird, how?”

  “It’s hard to put my finger on. He’s clearly got some issue on his mind, but I’m reluctant to probe in case I make it worse. I don’t suppose you two could ask Eric and Ollie, could you? Maybe Steve has confided in them.”

  “Sure,” said Serena.

  “No problem,” said Mia.

  “Thanks. You look amazing tonight, Serena. You’re positively glowing. Should we move further away from the fire?”

  “Not on my account, I feel great. It’s probably due to all the sex I’ve been having lately.”

  Cow! thought Fiona.

  “Really? Spill the beans,” said Mia.

  Serena leaned closer to her friends and whispered, “We got the doctor to prescribe some of those little blue pills, and they’ve … ahem … done the trick, if you know what I mean.” She straightened her forefinger and angled it upwards.

  “I hope it’s bigger than that,” Mia giggled.

  “Oh, it is. And it stays up for hours.”

  “I don’t think we need all the details,” said Fiona in a mutter.

  “We certainly do. Tell us everything.”

  Serena began. “I’ve never had so much action in my life. Well, not since university. Eric’s like a new man. The first time ...”

  The fire spat and crackled in the grate, flames dancing to music only they could hear.

  “... and then twice on the kitchen table …”

  Two young businessmen entered and headed for the bar, causing Mandy to discreetly rearrange her neckline.

  “... made me dress up as a schoolgirl and call him ‘Sir’ …”

  The cider barrel ran dry and Ron went down to the basement to change it.

  “… I was quite sore after forty-five minutes of pounding …”

  The aroma of mulled wine wafted in from the kitchen, bringing with it thoughts of Christmas.

  “… and then again this morning.” Serena finished.

  Mia put a hand on her friend’s knee. “I’m so pleased. It sounds like you and Eric have found each other again.”

  “Humph!” said Fiona, standing. “My round. Same again, ladies?”

  “Actually, can I just have a glass of water? I’m not feeling a hundred percent,” said Mia.