Kate. Sarah groaned. ‘There’s another person I need to apologise to.’
‘Really? Why?’
‘I took offence when she gave me an apron. I know,’ said Sarah, seeing smirks form on Fran and Felix’s faces. ‘It was a stupid thing to do. If I’m going to be in charge of catering for her wedding, I need to apologise first.’
‘You do tend to think the worst of people,’ said Fran, shaking her head. ‘Now, what have you got there? It looks like you’ve got a few goodies for me.’
Felix and Sarah handed over their last-minute gifts.
‘No grapes? I can’t believe you didn’t get me grapes.’
‘Sorry, they didn’t sell them in the shop.’
‘I’m teasing,’ said Fran. ‘I don’t understand why people always take grapes into hospital. Chocolate is a much better choice.’
Fran shared out the chocolate and the three friends sat chatting until a doctor appeared on his ward round. ‘That’s our cue to go,’ said Felix. ‘Take care of yourself, Fran.’ He bent down and planted a kiss on Fran’s cheek. Sarah smiled as Fran’s cheeks flushed pink.
‘We’ll come again later in the week,’ said Sarah. ‘Don’t get up to any mischief while we’re gone.’
‘I’ll try not to,’ said Fran.
Sarah and Felix were silent until they left the hospital. ‘I don’t know about you, but I could do with a drink.’
‘That sounds like an excellent idea,’ said Sarah.
*
‘Do you think she’ll go back to him?’ asked Sarah, as Felix set down their drinks.
‘I doubt it,’ said Felix. ‘Hattie told me she’s pressing charges. I don’t think that evil husband of hers will be allowed within a mile of her when she’s ready to be discharged.’
‘It’s so upsetting seeing her like that. I wish I’d done more to help.’
‘Me too. All we can do is to be there for her now. Getting over her physical injuries is only the start. Aside from the emotional damage, she’s going to have big decisions to make about what her life looks like from now on.’
‘I just can’t believe anyone could do something so awful to such an amazing woman.’
‘Me neither. Hattie’s spoken to her two sons. They were devastated but not surprised.’
‘They knew what was going on? Why didn’t they stay to help her? Why move so far from home?’
‘It appears Fran insisted. She wanted to protect them at the expense of her own safety. Both her sons have come back to visit her. They’ll help her get back on her feet.’
‘I can’t believe how much has been going on right under my nose, not just Fran, but all the stuff you’ve been dealing with too.’
‘We’ve spoken about that. It’s water under the bridge. There’s no need to go over it all again.’
‘No, but your situation is ongoing and I want to be there to support you. Can I meet her?’
‘Lily?’
Sarah nodded.
‘Yes, I don’t see why not. Let me speak to her first, though. She can be wary of strangers.’
A waiter came and hovered by their table. ‘Yes?’ said Sarah.
‘This table is reserved from six. If you don’t mind hurrying your drinks, we need to set up for dinner.’
