‘You’ve seen me eat your food, you know I love it.’
‘I know you finish it. You could just be doing that to be polite.’
Sarah laughed. ‘You’ve known me long enough to know I do nothing for the sake of politeness.’
‘How very self-aware of you,’ said Fran, grinning. ‘Come on, we’ve got work to do.’
Two hours later, Sarah pulled a delicious-smelling tart from the oven. ‘Ta da!’
‘That looks wonderful. You’ve come on so much these past few months. Let’s add this to the menu for tomorrow.’
Sarah baulked. ‘What if my first attempt is a fluke?’
‘Pah,’ said Fran. ‘Have a bit of confidence, love.’
Sarah turned back to the washing up and took deep breaths to settle the nerves in her stomach. Tomorrow was going to be a big day. All the local dignitaries were coming for an official fund-raising event, and there were even rumours royalty may attend. Agency staff had been hired to help with waitressing, and a KP was being brought in so Sarah could work on the food with Fran. The pressure weighed down on Sarah’s chest. There would be no room for error, no second chances. Everything had to be right first time. What if she messed up?
‘Are you OK to stay behind today? I’d like to finalise the menu and get a bit of prep done before tomorrow.’
‘Of course,’ said Sarah.
‘Mmm, something smells good,’ said Felix, walking into the kitchen with a tray of dirty dishes.
‘Sarah made it,’ said Fran.
‘You’re wasted washing dishes,’ said Felix, causing Sarah to flush with pride.
Over the past few weeks she’d been enjoying the novelty of friendship. After their night at the awards ceremony, Sarah embraced the ease of being in the company of her new friends. She’d been out for drinks a few times with Hattie, Millie, and Fran. And while she hated to admit it, helping Kate with wedding preparations was proving enjoyable. Their original Wednesday evening planning session had become a regular event, and Sarah looked forward to her evenings at Kate’s house.
But it was the newfound friendship with Felix that brought Sarah the most pleasure. She hadn’t realised how lonely she’d been until she started hanging out in his tipi each evening. Sometimes they talked, sometimes they read, sometimes she lounged on a beanbag while he strummed away on his guitar. Spending time with him felt easy, and over time, her guard was slipping. Whilst conversation flowed freely, they hadn’t strayed onto any difficult topics, or revealed much to each other about their lives.Baby steps, thought Sarah, smiling into the soap suds in front of her.
‘What’s put that grin on your face?’ asked Fran, adding a cake tin to the growing pile of dirty dishes.
‘I guess I’m just enjoying being here with all of you.’
‘All of us, or one person in particular?’
‘Well, you’re my favourite,’ said Sarah, deflecting the teasing note in Fran’s voice.
‘Of course,’ said Fran with a smirk. ‘I’m pleased you’re settling in. You seem so much happier than when you arrived. And a lot less spiky.’
‘Hey!’ said Sarah, flicking Fran with a tea-towel. She continued washing up, then dried her hands and turned to Fran. ‘Sorry about how I was at first, spiky, as you call it. I’m not used to having friends, or having things go well for me. It's hard to trust people.’
‘So, what’s changed?’
Sarah felt a blush creeping up her neck. ‘You remember when we went out for dinner in Bodmin?’
‘The night we watched the band?’
‘Yes, well, I overheard you talking about me when I was in the toilet.’
‘You did, did you?’
‘Yes. I wasn’t eavesdropping, it was impossible not to hear through the open window. Anyway, the point is, you were all so nice about me. It made me wonder if I’d misjudged you all.’
‘Misjudged us?’
‘Yeah, I thought you all hated me.’
