‘Wow, hit me with the big questions, why don’t you?’ Lifting her flute, she tilted back her head and drained the prosecco. ‘I don’t know. Maybe. Although, I’ve researched adoption as a potential option and taking on an older child was appealing. Fostering could be a good way into it, like providing emergency care.’ She dropped her voice. ‘But it doesn’t matter.’
‘Why?’
‘Ariel’s against it, because she’s desperate to do more rounds of IVF. Won’t even consider adoption unless we try again.’
‘I know how difficult your journey’s been, and felt bad when you shared some of what you’ve been through. It sounds heart-breaking, but surely it shouldn’t all be on her terms? A partnership means compromise, not one person sublimating their hopes and dreams to make the other person happy.You’llend up unhappy that way.’
‘I know,’ Gilly confessed, a roller-coaster sensation in her stomach, ‘you’re right. I spend a lot of time thinking about all this.’
‘Argh, I’m sorry! You came to celebrate with me and I’m bringing us down with all this serious talk. Let’s change the subject and have another of these.’ Kirsten picked up the bottle and topped up their drinks.
‘No, it’s okay, I need to talk about this. It’s useful to have someone else’s view, and you’re a good friend.’
‘Phew. In that case, I’ll say one more thing and then we’ll talk about other stuff, like hot men and what TV series we’re watching next.’
‘As long as it’s not something scary or disturbing this time.’
‘Can’t make any promises,’ Kirsten said, eyes sparkling. ‘But what I wanted to say was, I know you feel you shoulder a lot of the grown-up responsibilities in your relationship, but they should be shared, and you should also be sharing happy times. Lasting love requires effort, but it shouldn’t be so hard it feels likework. I’m not telling you to give up on Ariel, I’m just asking you to think about yourself, and what you want. We may only have been friends for a few months, but I know you’re a good person and deserve to be happy. Just think about it, okay?’
‘I will.’ Gilly took a deep draw of her drink. ‘Now, which hot men do you want to gossip about?’
‘We can chat about hot women too. Have you seen the photos of Jenna Ortega for that fashion shoot?’
Gilly nodded. ‘Beautiful, though way too young for me.’
As Kirsten pursed her lips, considering her next suggestion, Gilly experienced a surge of gratitude to have such a warm and insightful person as a close friend. Beaubrook Manor, the village, their community and Albie’s rules for living, had given her that. It was something else worth celebrating, along with the exciting news Ariel had recently received.
‘Wow.’ A week later, Ariel paused in the lounge doorway, staring at Gilly’s floor-length, tight-fitting navy dress with a thigh split. ‘You look sensational. The shopping trip with Kirsten was worth it.’
‘Thanks. You look stunning too.’ She took in the low-cut strapless turquoise dress doing amazing things for her fiancée’s hourglass figure. Curly brown hair in a half-updo, she looked like a pre-Raphaelite muse. Whatever Kirsten might think about their relationship, Gilly wasn’t ready to give up yet.‘I’m so excited for you. Your first show as the main exhibiting artist!’ Ariel had gotten the call only a few days after visiting the gallery with a few pieces, meaning she’d spent the last couple of weeks frantically getting everything ready, around working on the cottages. Gilly had barely seen her, and she’d been unusually close-mouthed about the new paintings, refusing to share ahead of time. ‘Nervous?’
‘Yes, but excited too. I just hope some sell.’ Ariel smoothed her dress over her hips.
‘They will.’
‘We’ll see. Thanks again for sending out the invites. I’m so glad people can make it. Most of the association are coming.’
‘We need to celebrate your successes. And a swanky party is what everyone needs, especially with the increased stress of the shortened timelines.’ Ethan had called Albie yesterday with news that the developers and interested parties would bevisiting the village next week, so they’d gathered pace on the cottage works. It was funny, she’d not been able to get hold of the finances since offering to help, Albie oddly evasive about handing them over.
‘Right, the minibus is arriving any minute, we’d best get ready.’ Sitting to fasten her block heels, she added, ‘Shame Kit isn’t coming.’
‘Don’t think he trusts anyone but Kirsten to look after Ezra, but at least nowadays he’s showing paternal instincts.’ Ariel slid her feet into silver stilettos and grabbed a matching clutch from the sofa.
‘He’s always loved Ezra, he was just overwhelmed. Kirsten said he and his ex weren’t together long before she got pregnant, and then she ran off to Spain with the personal trainer who was supposed to be helping her lose baby weight. Kit was a high-powered criminal lawyer, who suddenly found himself a single dad.’
Ariel huffed. ‘How could she just abandon her baby? In a choice between my child and a partner…’
‘I know.’ Gilly straightened, striding to the front door. ‘I’d be second.’
Ariel flushed. ‘I just meant?—’
‘It’s okay. That’s the way it should be. Adults are entitled to happiness, but children’s needs come first. Only wishallthe parents we deal with had the same attitude. Some of our poor kids…’ She shook her head, popping the flat keys in a satin navy handbag and looping it across her chest. ‘It’s why teachers are so important. It’s not just learning outcomes, it’s about safeguarding children’s welfare and well-being.’
Ariel nodded slowly, as if it’d never occurred to her. ‘Quite a responsibility.’
‘Yes. As headteacher, I’m responsible for 453 children.’ She snickered. ‘Including the staff. Anyway, let’s go, Miss Art Superstar. I’ve a good feeling about tonight.’
As they locked up, the lounge lights they’d forgotten to switch off shone brighter, and the two gouges in the wooden floor filled in and healed over.
