The Cake Shop in the Garden by Carole Matthews

Author:Carole Matthews [Matthews, Carole]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780751552157
Publisher: Sphere
Published: 2015-04-22T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Forty-two

While I’m getting ready to go out for my birthday meal, Edie Skypes me. I take the laptop into the bedroom and talk to her while I’m putting on my make-up.

‘I think things are getting better,’ she says. ‘Brandon’s talking about leaving his wife again, and he’s given me this month’s rent.’

How this is an improvement on anything, I’m not sure, but I say, ‘I’m glad for you. If that’s what you want.’

‘Of course it is,’ Edie snaps. ‘He’s my life.’

I wonder if the feeling is reciprocal though. At least today Edie seems sober and isn’t tearful, but then it is only lunchtime where she is. There’s a whole lot of day to get through yet.

‘I thought about my job situation too,’ she continues. ‘I think I’m going to try for media positions. Law is so terribly dull.’

I try to put on my eyeliner while balancing a mirror on my knee. ‘Uh-huh.’

‘I don’t think you’re even listening to me,’ Edie complains. ‘What are you getting all dolled up for, anyway?’

‘It’s my birthday,’ I remind her.

‘I know,’ she says shirtily. ‘That’s why I Skyped you. Happy birthday.’

‘Thank you.’

‘I didn’t send a card,’ she adds. ‘You know what the post is like.’

‘It doesn’t matter. I’m not sure that I want to mark birthdays any more, now I’m the wrong side of forty.’

‘Surely Anthony is taking you out?’

‘To the Manor,’ I say. ‘I’m as nervous as I’m excited. It’s very formal there. I’m always worried that I’ll use the wrong fork.’

‘That is so typical of you, Fay. You should loosen up, live a little.’

‘I am going to try,’ I admit. ‘It’s something that I’ve been thinking about.’

‘I wish I was there,’ Edie says. ‘I’d make sure you had some fun.’

I laugh at that. ‘I’m sure you would!’ Then I glance at the clock and note that time is marching on. ‘I’m sorry, Edie, but I have to finish getting ready. Anthony will be here in a few minutes and he’ll be cross if I keep him waiting. Our table’s booked for seven-thirty.’

‘I won’t keep you then.’ Edie sounds a little miffed.

‘Do you want a quick word with Mum? She’d like it.’

‘No, no. Not now,’ Edie says. ‘She’ll keep me on here for ever and I’ve got stuff to do. Important stuff.’

‘I’d better log off,’ I say. ‘I’m really glad things are working out for you.’

‘Yeah. Have a good dinner, sis. Don’t get too drunk.’

And then the screen goes blank.

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