Bernadette was sure she saw the tiniest flicker of understanding shoot between Marge and Clara, before Marge went on.
‘So I just want to say sorry.I wasn’t judging you… I think I was just trying to deal with my own guilt.’
There was a surprised silence, as they all absorbed the apologetic sentiment, before Danielle came in with words of wisdom.‘Nope, not buying it.You were totally judging us.’
And in a flurry of cackles, the moment, and Marge’s confession was gone, and Bernadette was sure her new friend’s shoulders rose several inches as the guilt lifted from them.
Bernadette was about to take her turn, when Clara got in there before her.After Marge, Clara had perhaps been the biggest surprise of the day.Bernadette had always thought that she was incredibly regal and perhaps a tad prim, and she may indeed be those things, but today she had also been unwaveringly kind, wise, candid and there was definitely a twinkle of humour in her eye too.
‘Well, before I make a toast, I’d like to make a suggestion.In May, every year, I travel to London, to meet up with the girlfriends I went to university with, on the anniversary of our graduation.It’s a central point because we are all scattered across the globe.And in September every year, I travel to Monaco to meet up with my sisters on my mother’s birthday…’
‘Clara, are you making a toast, or just showing off about your travel plans, because my last holiday was to Palma Nova and it rained every day,’ Danielle pouted.
‘Bear with me, I’m getting to the point,’ Clara insisted.‘Here, in Glasgow I have many friends…’
Annabel rolled her eyes.‘She’s showing off again.I have three friends and one of them is my mother.’
‘But,’ Clara countered pointedly, ‘none that I’ve ever been able to speak to candidly and frankly about Lester’s behaviour.I’ve known Annabel for many years, which is why I joined your table when Lester was ignoring me today.It was my own little rebellion, but it has turned into so much more than that.I can’t tell you how refreshing this has been to meet you all.I know you’re all very busy people, but I wondered if you would consider making this an annual event.A gathering every year.Perhaps even on today’s date, just to remind us of the fortuitousness of our meeting.’
Every head at the table turned to Bernadette, who was attempting to absorb the shock of the suggestion.
Today had been great.A real tonic.There was no denying that.But Clara’s idea?It was outrageous.
‘So what you’re saying is…’ Bernadette began, slowly, in disbelief, ‘that you want to meet every year on the anniversary of the funeral of my ex-husband of thirty years…’
She paused, trying to format her thoughts.Definitely a few too many of those cocktails.
‘To celebrate the fact that he was a terrible person…’
No one interrupted.
‘And to mark the fact that today was the day that – with the exception of Clara and Marge – I confirmed my suspicions that the rest of you shagged him behind my back…’
You could hear a pin drop.
‘All of which contributed to the ultimate destruction of my marriage.Do I have that right?’
‘Well…’ Clara began, obviously regretting the request, but Bernadette put her hand up to stop her.
‘I think it’s outrageous.And I think Kenneth would be utterly disgusted and appalled.’
Still tumbleweed.
‘So I abso-bloody-lutely think that’s the best possible reason for doing it.Great idea, Clara, and I’ll see you all next year, ladies.Same time.Maybe not same place, because it’s fecking extortionate here and I’m on a nurse’s wage.But let’s do it.’With that, Bernadette raised her glass, ‘Here’s to us.’
The five other members of their newly formed, exclusive club raised their glasses.
And Bernadette was absolutely positive that wherever Kenneth Manson was now, whatever halls of hell he was pacing, he would be raging just a little bit louder.
And that made her smile just a little bit wider.
10P.M.–MIDNIGHT
29
BERNADETTE
‘I was just about to bring this into Marge’s room for you, Bernie,’ Keli told her, handing over a mug of tea, with the logo ‘World’s Most Knackered Nurse’ on it.‘How are you doing?I was on the phone to Caleb on my break and he told me you all had an eventful day.’
