Sarah approached. Today she was wearing a tie-dye tunic and a Christmassy bandana. Appalling really.
‘Oh, go on, I’ll have a go,’ said Sarah and handed over ten pounds.
‘How many tickets?’ asked Imogen.
‘Whatever I get for that,’ said Sarah, pointing at the money. ‘It’s all for a good cause, isn’t it.’
Imogen gave the tombola a twist and opened the flap. ‘Pick ten,’ she said. Sarah pulled them out and one by one opened them up with excruciating slowness. And one byone they failed to produce a number with a five or a zero on the end.
‘Oh, what a shame,’ said Imogen.
‘Maybe God doesn’t reward the righteous after all,’ Erin whispered into her ear as Sarah wandered away and Imogen giggled.
‘I wonder if our girls are having more luck,’ said Imogen. ‘I’ve sent them to the raffle stall, with strict instructions to get the winning ticket for the day pass for two at the spa.’
‘Maybe we should run the raffle stall next year so we can rig it,’ said Erin.
Imogen laughed. ‘I have a feeling I’m going to be too busy to be on any PTA next year,’ she said. ‘I can only stay an hour today as it is.’
‘Oh yes. The incredibly successful restaurant.’
Imogen thought she detected the tiniest hint of envy in her friend’s voice. She looked at her.
‘I’m so pleased for you,’ added Erin quickly. Imogen nodded.
‘What’s Mr Whitman like as a business partner?’ Erin looked across the hall where the head teacher was standing talking to the local councillor, a pair of felt antlers on his head.
‘He lets me get on with it,’ said Imogen.
‘That’s good. Is he, you know, looking at investing in any other opportunities? Only I’m thinking of expanding my PR business.’
Imogen didn’t think her friend was serious, but it was best to shut this down straight away. She did not need anystrain on her own investment during these crucial first few months of her restaurant. ‘He’s fully committed.’
‘Shame,’ said Erin. ‘How did you get him and Carol to come on board anyway?’
‘His wife?’ asked Imogen.
‘Yes. Surely she had a say in it?’
Imogen shook her head. ‘It was nothing to do with Carol.’
‘What was nothing to do with my mum?’ asked Lorna as she came up to them, clutching a fabric money bag and a large white envelope. Pepper was trailing behind her.
‘Imogen’s restaurant,’ said Erin. ‘Apparently, Imogen has special persuasive tactics when it comes to our head teacher.’
‘That’s not what I said,’ snapped Imogen.
Erin looked hurt. ‘I was only joking.’
‘My mum would’ve probably vetoed it,’ said Lorna lightly. ‘She’s not one for putting her hands deep into her pockets.’
‘Mum,’ said Pepper, tugging on her skirt, ‘can we go and see Father Christmas?’
‘It’s not her money,’ said Imogen curtly. ‘This is strictly between James and myself.’
Lorna looked at the tin on the stall. ‘I’m here to clear away any surplus cash,’ she said.
Imogen opened the tin and Lorna felt a surge of pleasure as she saw it was bursting with notes.
