The Juggle by Emma Murray

Author:Emma Murray [Murray, Emma]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

21

It’s 10 a.m. on Saturday and I’ve managed to duck out of swimming duty with Anna even though it’s my turn. David is not happy about it, but I’ve promised him I’ll tidy up my work desk in return (which is never going to happen but he doesn’t know that yet). Instead I’m on a panic visit to Bea, who is sure to know what the hell forty-somethings are supposed to wear to a gig (and if, in fact, we’re allowed to say the word ‘gig’). Bea opens the door, make-up-less, and dressed in pink fleecy pyjamas. Harry shoots out from behind her.

‘Where’s Anna?’ he shouts, fists bunched.

‘Swimming,’ I say.

He sighs and kicks the wall.

‘Go and watch your iPad,’ Bea says, sternly.

‘Oh, fine,’ he says, in the manner of sulky student who’s just been told to study for his exams.

He slopes off upstairs and Bea beckons me to follow her into the kitchen.

‘I can’t wait to have another one of him,’ she says, wryly, patting her stomach. ‘So, what’s the big clothing emergency?’

She flicks the switch on the kettle.

I had texted her last night telling her I needed some urgent fashion advice. The only other person who might have a clue is Jen, but judging by her Instagram she is in Dubai reporting on a fashion shoot and I don’t want to bother her. Besides, I want to surprise her with my selfie with Eamonn.

I fill Bea in on Sho and the tickets to Pirana and how much I love Eamonn and how I don’t want to look a state in front of my biggest teen crush, and so on.

‘Firstly, women over forty are allowed to use the word gig,’ she says, pouring the hot water into each cup.

‘Secondly, I doubt very much that Eamonn will care what you’re wearing.’

‘But…’ I say, but she holds up her hand and I close my mouth again.

Then she brings over the cups to the table and passes me a teabag and a little spoon.

‘And, yes, I know that you will care what you’re wearing, even if Eamonn doesn’t,’ she says.

I smile. That’s exactly what I was going to say.

‘Especially if there’s going to be a selfie. So, do you have any tips?’ I say, swooshing the teabag around with the spoon.

‘I might have something that will work,’ she says, standing up.

I follow her into her bedroom, and she reaches into the wardrobe and pulls out a black leather jacket. She passes it to me and tells me to try it on. The leather is so soft that I feel like stroking my face with it, but nevertheless, I hesitate.

‘I don’t think I can get away with a leather jacket at my age,’ I say.

‘Nonsense!’ she says, folding her arms. ‘A leather jacket is a classic choice for all ages. Now try it on!’

Oh, fine.

She waves me over to the full-length mirror on the opposite wall and I put my arm into one sleeve and then the other. I risk a glance in the

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.