‘Come in,’ her sister said. She was dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, a flash of stomach just visible when she moved. Her hair was loose and fell in a way she’d never allow it to usually, in slight untamed waves. But it suited her.
Bella walked through the perfect living room to the kitchen where white cabinets were set against black granite, and took her seat at the breakfast bar. Kitty’s home had been a second home to her for years, even more so since Linda had appeared on the scene. She thought for a moment how she might feel about not having her sister within a stone’s throw and felt a well of something painful, but swallowed it down.
‘Coffee?’ Kitty offered, reaching for the percolator.
‘Just instant will be fine.’ Bella found she couldn’t wait another moment to break the news; the length of time it would take for Kitty to brew one of her trademark delicious coffees was just too great.
‘So,’ her sister said, moments later, sitting down opposite her, cradling her own cup. ‘What’s up?’
‘Well, obviously you know I love France?—’
‘Understatement of the century,’ Kitty grinned. ‘Yes.’
‘Well…’ Bella took a breath. ‘You know we’ve been looking at houses, but what you don’t know is that we’ve found one. And the mortgage has been approved!’
Kitty set her cup down heavily on the granite, making a sharp clicking sound. A little coffee spilled onto the counter. ‘Sorry, you’re— I mean, I knew you were having a look at things. But you’re actually going to do it?’
‘Well, yeah.’
‘Oh God, Bella.’ She reached out a hand. ‘I didn’t think— I never thought. Are you sure?’
‘I’m not a baby, you know. I’m twenty-six.’
‘I know. But—’ Kitty’s head had dropped slightly to the side. ‘Bella, this is huge.’
‘It’s exciting!’
‘Well, yes. And I’m happy for you. But?—’
‘But what?’
‘I know you’re twenty-six, you’re engaged. You’re all grown up. But Bella, you’re still so young. You don’t realise?—’
‘Don’t do that.’
‘Do what?’
‘Mother me.’
The word silenced them both for a second.
Kitty eyed her, as if trying to work out her next move. ‘Just hear me out, OK? You’re young, you— I realise you haven’t had much fun in your career so far. But what you’re doing is— It’s a huge thing, Bella.’
‘I am aware.’
‘And Pete’s on board? He’s up for quitting his job? Really?’
‘He’s excited too.’
‘Right.’
Bella looked at Kitty. ‘What?’
‘What do you mean, “what”?’
‘Why say that about Pete?’
Kitty sighed. ‘I’m just worried, that’s all. You know me.’
