Gracie was overcome at this thoughtfulness. ‘They’re beautiful, thanks so much.’ She put them in the kitchen sink and ran in some water. ‘How did it go with your barrister?’
‘OK, I guess. I’m just worried about what the bouncer from the club might say.’ Ed grimaced.
‘He’ll be on oath, Ed. He has to tell the truth.’ Gracie remained upbeat.
‘I guess so. What you doing for lunch? Have you got time to have a sandwich with me in the café?’
Gracie groaned. ‘I’d love to, but I’ve got the mother of the birthday girl arriving soon, so I’d better not.’
‘No worries. You around later?’
She had agreed to see Leo later. She felt that she owed it to him to say goodbye, after falling asleep on him the other night. ‘I’m not, I’m sorry. I’m out.’
‘Out? Is that it, just out? It sounds slightly cryptic.’
‘Not at all.’ Gracie reddened. ‘I’m just meeting an old school friend for dinner.’ Gracie wasn’t very adept at lying.
‘OK. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow, then, I’m sure, sexy.’
‘OK. And thanks so much for the flowers, Ed.’
Gracie rearranged the roses so that all of the stems were covered in water. Flowers for being good in bed, now that was a first. Maybe that’s all it would be with Ed, a sexual fling. It was so difficult, as she didn’t feel now like they were in a committed relationship, but if it was him saying he was going out and not telling her who with, she would no doubt be furious.
Before she had time to reflect on her double standards any further, Cecilia Beauchamp-Coil appeared carrying a Selfridges bag full of expensive gifts for little Amelia’s party.
The next three hours passed in a whir of party games, sticky food, an appearance from Snow White and an ice-cream van, blaring ‘Happy Birthday’ from its speakers. Gracie was astonished at how much families spent on their kids’ birthdays. She wondered if it was about how much they cared about their little ones’ enjoyment, or really how far they could go to outdo the other yummy mummies.
She was just sorting out paying the caterers when Kate appeared.
‘How did it go, Gracie?’
‘I’m knackered, to be honest.’ Gracie pushed her hands through her hair.
‘Bless you. I’ll make sure I sort some childcare for the next one and help you.’
Gracie took a sip from her water bottle. ‘Don’t worry. I can’t expect you to be here all the time. I enjoy it.’
‘I had to see you, anyway.’ Kate sounded like an excited child herself. ‘I’ve just done a pregnancy test and you’ll never guess what!’
‘Oh my God, Kate, that’s just so amazing.’ Gracie gave her a huge hug.
‘I know. It must have been that one time we did it on holiday. Bingo! Mr Johnson’s sperm must have got its skates on.’
‘So when are you due?’
‘March.’ As much as Kate couldn’t contain her grin, Gracie couldn’t stop herself from bursting into tears.
‘Oh, Gracie, what is it? I’m sorry. I had to tell you.’
‘Of course you had to tell me. I’m just being silly. I’m truly happy for you, Kate. It’s just still so hard, sometimes.’
‘That’s understandable. Let me get us some decent coffees from the café. You stay there, we haven’t had a chat for ages.’
Kate was soon back.
‘I’ve got about thirty minutes before I need to get ready for Miscarriage Matters. I need to get my head straight.’ Gracie picked up her coffee. Kate had got her a flapjack, too.
‘So come on. How are you?’ Kate took her hand across the table.
