‘Of course. I’m just being neurotic. Ignore me.’ I roll my eyes in despair at myself.
‘It’s perfectly normal.’ She gives me a reassuring smile. ‘Your body’s undergoing lots of changes. It’s a huge event in your life. It’s bound to be a bit overawing.’
She’s right. I know it is, but still, I can’t help worrying. Waiting for the worst to happen, I suppose.
‘Are you shopping or just browsing?’ she enquires.
‘Browsing. As you say, it’s early days, but Jack persuaded me.’
‘Your husband?’ she asks.
‘Partner,’ I remind her. ‘He’s just gone to top up the parking fee so we can stay in town and have some lunch.’
‘Ah, yes. How’s he doing now?’
‘He’s okay,’ I reply. ‘Still carrying a lot of guilt over what happened to his poor wife. He blames himself. I tell him he shouldn’t, but…’
‘It’s part of the grieving process,’ she says sympathetically.
‘Survivor’s guilt. I know all about that.’ I nod sadly.
She answers with a small smile, but seems a little distracted. ‘I think he’s looking for you,’ she says.
I follow her gaze to see Jack wandering around the department. ‘Perfect timing,’ I say, pleased. ‘You can finally say hello to him.’
‘I’d love to. Unfortunately, I’m running horribly late for an appointment.’ Her face seems very pale as she quickly checks her watch. ‘Take care. I’ll see you soon.’
I gaze after her, perplexed, as she hurries off. I can’t help wondering how she knew it was Jack.
TEN
Evie’s been impossible lately. Since Jack and I came back from our shopping trip last week and she noticed the baby things I was storing carefully in the spare room, soon to be our nursery, she’s barely acknowledged me. I really need to try to have a proper talk to her, but she’s always either out or has Imogen superglued to her side. Noting the clothes she’s wearing as she crosses the kitchen – a tiny burgundy skirt with a tight black sweater, revealing a bare midriff in between – I guess she’s going out this evening and wonder how to diplomatically ask her where. I watch as she grabs a Coke from the fridge, her closed body language warding me off, and decide on a subtle approach.
‘You look nice,’ I compliment her, keeping my tone light.
I’m not sure what to expect; a half-heartedThanks, possibly. What I get is blanked.
‘Evie, hold on.’ I go after her as she spins away from me, heading for the door where Imogen waits, dressed in a figure-hugging black lace dress that reveals more flesh than it covers, and meticulously applied Instagram-perfect make-up that makes her look much older than she is.
‘Nice earrings,’ I comment as she catches me looking.
‘Thanks,’ she says, fingering one of the bumblebee and moonstone earrings she wears along with several others in each ear.
‘Unusual.’ I give her a smile and look away. I can’t quite warm to Imogen. I’m not sure why, possibly because she seems a little too mature for a sixteen-year-old and I’m imagining her to be a bad influence on Evie. Unfairly, probably. The girl smiles affably enough whenever I see her, but there’s something behind her eyes. It’s there now, a smugness, almost, as Evie strides towards her and the two disappear into the hall.
‘Evie, I know my having a baby has probably come as a bit of a shock,’ I say, hurrying to catch up with her. ‘If you’d like to have a chat, we could?—’
‘Back later,’ she mutters over me, clearly in no mood for conversation. Unhooking her leather jacket from the hall peg, she tugs the front door open and walks out, Imogen close behind her.
Burying my frustration, I follow them. ‘What time will you be home?’ I call.
‘Later,’ she repeats without looking back, and I can’t help but feel hurt. I understand why she would be angry, feeling the decision to have another child has been made without her, but how can I reassure her if she refuses to talk to me? I’m about to remind her of her weekday curfew when I see Jack’s Land Rover approaching on the lane and I breathe out a sigh of relief.
Evie walks on as he pulls up in front of the house. Clearly perturbed, he pushes his door open and climbs out. ‘Hey, Evie, doesn’t your old man get a hug any more?’ he asks. ‘Or are you too grown-up for all that stuff now?’
His tone is amused but I sense his relief when Evie walks back and threads her arms around him. Jack and Evie are so close. He would be devastated if he thought he’d done anything to upset her.
As he eases away, he gives Imogen a smile. I note the way she looks coquettishly at him from under her eyelashes as she smiles back, and I wonder if he realises she has a crush on him. With his natural charm and swarthy good looks, I imagine he would fulfil many a young girl’s fantasy. Evie clearly does realise. I note the sharp look she shoots her friend.
