It wasn't until the morning that Simon realised – mightn't Jeanette think he'd been lying? Doubtless she'd spoken to Brittany. Not about them of course, he trusted her on that, but about Alvin. And Brittany wouldn't have known anything about it. She'd probably say he was making it up. Jeanette would believe her sister and what would that mean for him? Simon scowled at his brother across the breakfast table. Alvin was utterly oblivious.
It was just typical that Alvin's bragging and thoughtlessness would upset Simon's relationship with Jeanette. Just once he wished that he could have something safe from Alvin's influence.
Should he tell Jeanette? Would she believe he hadn't known? He thought so but what if she didn't? Would she think he'd made it up just to… he balked at the thought and pushed his breakfast away uneaten.
"Simon?" Theodore looked at him in concern. "Are you OK?" He managed a slight smile.
"I'm fine Theodore." Alvin was watching.
"You better not be thinking of saying anything to anyone," he warned. Simon scowled again.
"If it were anyone but you Alvin, I'd expect them to do the decent thing and apologise."
"Apologise?" Alvin scoffed. "For what? Everyone exaggerates Simon. Except you. But then," he sneered, "You've got nothing to exaggerate about." Theodore looked confused and slightly worried.
"Are you sure you're OK, Simon?"
"Positive." He got down. "We better get going if we're going to meet the girls." He led the way out of the room.
For all his bravado in front of Alvin, he was still nervous about seeing Jeanette. Should he tell Jeanette what he'd found out about Alvin and Brittany? What if she hadn't spoken to Brittany? Shouldn't he at least give Alvin the chance to sort things out with his own girlfriend?
Alvin was now leading the way towards the girls, a charming smile smug on his face. That was, until he caught sight of Brittany's glare. She gave an audible huff before turning on her heel and striding away.
"Hey! What did I do?" He glanced at Simon but there was no way Simon could have spoken to Brittany yet. He quickly trotted after her. Simon found himself beside Jeanette. Wordlessly she took his hand as they all followed Alvin and Brittany. He smiled at her. As usual she'd made everything right.
He should have realised she was smart enough to realise Alvin's lie. That's what he loved about her. Intelligent, beautiful and calm in a crisis.
"What would I do without you?" he asked. She looked surprised but pleased.
Behind them Theodore and Eleanor watched as usual.
"Are you sure I shouldn't have told Simon Alvin was lying?" Theodore asked.
Eleanor smiled at him.
"Theodore. You're just too honest." He looked uncertain but forgot all about it when she kissed his cheek.