‘I’m your wing woman,’ whispered Beth in Nancy’s ear.
Nancy put on what she hoped was a warm smile and walked over to where Imogen was surrounded by Erin and several other friends. The conversation died as she approached.
‘Lara says she’s been invited to Rosie’s party.’
‘Yes,’ said Imogen.
‘She thought it was tomorrow?’ prompted Nancy.
‘That’s right. Heron Water. Two o’clock at the activity centre.’
‘OK, great.’ Nancy looked at Rosie, saw her red eyes. Felt she should say something. ‘Sorry it didn’t work out, Rosie.’
‘It was a close call,’ said Imogen. ‘Only one vote in it.’
‘Oh right,’ said Nancy, taken aback at her quietly aggressive tone.
‘Rosie’s friend Bella was off today. Wasn’t really fair to go ahead without all the kids having a say.’
‘Can’t really wait though, can you?’ said Beth. ‘Always someone off sick.’
‘Maybe she should have been allowed a proxy vote. You know, like proper politics,’ said Imogen.
‘It’s important school reflects real life,’ said Erin. ‘Teaches the kids about the world.’
‘Maybe Bella wouldn’t have voted for Rosie anyway,’ said Beth breezily. She looked down at the aggrieved girl. ‘No offence, Rosie.’
Nancy’s stomach tightened at the collective sharp intake of breath from the gathered mums.
‘Right, well, we’d better get home,’ she said and, with a quick nod to the others, guided Beth away.
‘Thanks, Beth,’ she hissed with affectionate exasperation, as they walked out of the playground.
‘Sorry, but the woman’s clearly some sort of tinpotdictator. It’s only a kids’ school vote. She needs to get some perspective.’
‘That’s as may be but we’re trying to fit in here.’
‘It’ll all blow over by tomorrow, just you see,’ said Beth. She stepped forward and took Lara’s hand. ‘Now come on, your mum and I have got a little surprise for you.’
‘Ferdinand, Harriet, Henry and the one with the black neck is called Bow-tie,’ said Lara.
‘You like them?’ asked Nancy.
‘I love them! Can I give them some food?’
Nancy nodded and as Lara began chucking corn in their run, a champagne cork popped. Nancy turned to see Beth step out of the bi-fold doors with a bottle and two glasses. She set them on the patio table and poured them both a drink.
‘Congratulations,’ said Beth, raising a toast. ‘You have the most amazing new home. Although I have to say that the drowned buildings are a little spooky.’
‘I’m telling myself it’s just atmosphere,’ said Nancy. ‘Anyway, they’ll be covered up again in a few weeks. Once the weather turns.’
The two women settled themselves at the table and watched Lara as she played with the chickens.
‘I can’t believe she’s in her last year of primary,’ said Beth. ‘I remember when she was born. And now look: running her own chicken farm!’
‘She’s always adored animals,’ said Nancy. ‘Ever since she was little, but we’ve never been able to have any before.’
They hadn’t had the room, the money or the time, even though Nancy was acutely conscious that her daughter was obsessed with them. Lara had yearned for a pet but had to make do with the woodlice she’d collected outside and brought in the flat, keeping them in a shoebox under her bed.
