‘It’s going to be lovely,’ said Lorna. ‘Imagine! Swimming in your own back garden. All that clear water. No chlorine in sight.’
Carol turned to Beth. ‘Did you know Ripton much before Nancy moved here?’
‘Not really,’ said Beth. ‘I came to a restaurant in the high street once with my husband. Food was amazing but I noticed on our walk down that it’s closed now.’
‘Ah. Yes. That’s Imogen’s old place,’ said Lorna. ‘Luna’s.It was such a shame for her, she put everything into it, financed the renovations herself. Then Covid came and it lost so much money.’ Lorna held her hands out in sympathy. ‘The bank took the house. Even though Imogen did everything she could to save it.’
Lorna was vaguely aware of her mum’s discomfort at the way the conversation was going but it wasn’t as if this wasn’t public knowledge.
‘Oh right,’ said Nancy, taken aback. ‘I didn’t realize.’
‘It was quite a shock,’ said Lorna. ‘For everyone around here. She was our local success story.’
‘Do you work, Lorna?’ asked Beth.
Lorna bristled. Beth’s question felt like a test. She lifted her head. ‘No, but I’ve decided to start looking for something now that Pepper’s established in school.’
‘You have?’ asked Carol, surprised and pleased.
‘Since when?’ said Simon.
‘I’ve been thinking about it the last few days,’ said Lorna haughtily.
‘Good for you,’ said Carol. ‘And I’m here to help. With anything.’
‘Ladies, rare, medium or well done?’ Simon called over from the barbecue.
Lorna pulled the Sauvignon out of the upright wine cooler she’d placed on the patio – and as Nancy and Beth placed their burger orders, she held up the bottle.
‘Sure I can’t tempt you, Nancy?’
‘Oh, OK. A small one.’
Lorna smiled, pleased. As she poured, she was suddenlyaware the football had fallen silent. Phoenix was looking at her, the ball in his hands, a furrowed frown across his forehead.
‘Mum, is that enough now? Can I stop?’
Colour rushed into Lorna’s cheeks. ‘Of course!’ she said, with forced surprise. ‘Why are you asking me?’
‘Because you said—’
‘Why don’t you go and play on your Xbox?’
Unused to being allowed such a privilege so early on a Saturday, Phoenix’s eyes widened and then he scarpered.
Lorna took a deep breath, looked up and thought she caught the tiniest glimpse of a smile on Beth’s face.
‘I think it’s nice Imogen’s old house is being lived in again,’ said Lorna. ‘Although it must feel big with just the two of you. Even if it had been your ex-husband moving in as well it would still be a large house. Lovely and spacious.’
‘Lorna...’ said Carol.
‘Mum, there’s no shame in being divorced. Right, Nancy?’ said Lorna with a generous smile.
‘I should imagine not. But I’m not divorced. My husband died. Eleven months ago.’
‘I’m so sorry,’ said Carol.
‘How?’ asked Lorna.
