Bridie frowned. She wasn’t surprised. That was just another example of their snobbishness. Bridie couldn’t bear smugness. Just because they were in a better position financially, it did not mean their lives were better than anybody else’s; there was nothing to be envious about. Although Bridie did remind herself that she’d had a moment of feeling envious after finding out her brother and sister-in-law had bought a second home on the Suffolk Coast.
Her fiancé, Julian, had asked her why she looked a bit down, and she’d told him. He’d reminded her that she’d always said she wouldn’t want to return to Suffolk to live or even go there for a holiday. But that hadn’t stopped Bridie surprising herself by suddenly yearning for an occasional break from Londonto recharge her batteries. Not that she would want to move from London permanently, like her sister had as soon as she’d graduated from university.
Bridie wondering if her sudden yearning for Suffolk was something to do with the latest theatre production – a panto on the London stage that had opened in early October. It was now early January, and the Christmas run had taken its toll. She needed a break. She’d never felt this way before.I hope it’s not my age catching up with me, she thought. It had crossed her mind to wonder how long she could carry on doing such a physically demanding and draining job.
She put all ideas of having a break to one side. Be careful what you wish for, she thought. If something happened and the show suddenly closed, she’d be out of a job. Bridie was still in the process of paying off her credit card from all her Christmas shopping.
She cast her eyes towards Layla. ‘Plenty of people rent in their thirties. In fact, I think it’s more common than owning your own home. It’s because your mum works in finance in London, and your aunt and uncle are lawyers. But that’s their lives. You just have to follow your dreams. They enjoy their jobs, but I think there’s nothing worse than spending your time doing something you dislike. You just need to follow your dreams.’ Bridie couldn’t think of a better piece of advice. It was what her grandad, Layla’s great-grandad, had said to her.
‘They said that’s what you did, are doing, but then they said everyone has dreams but there comes a time you’ve got to put away childhood fantasies and, well, grow up, and get a proper job to support yourself.’
‘I do support myself.’ Bridie frowned. The conversation was meant to be about her niece and what she wanted to do when she grew up. How had the chat ended up being about her instead?
‘Mum says that you’ve been engaged for so long that they can’t see you getting married any time soon because you can’t afford to.’
Bridie bristled. ‘Well, that’s the case for a lot of couples.’
‘Not for Mum and Dad or Auntie Caroline and Uncle Jeremy.’
‘Of course not.’ Bridie desperately wanted to change the subject.
‘When are you getting married? Caroline doesn’t think it’s just about money. She thinks there’s something going on.’
‘How do you mean?’
‘Well, like, it’s not normal. That maybe you’re going to split up.’
‘Split up?’ Bridie scoffed. ‘Whatever gave her that idea?’
‘Because you’re not married yet.’
Bridie kept a smile on her face for Layla’s benefit. It wasn’t her niece’s fault that she was being talked about. But Bridie hated that her sister and sister-in-law obviously talked about her personal life behind her back.
‘Sorry.’
Bridie looked at her in surprise. ‘You’ve got nothing to apologise for, Layla. Nothing at all.’
Layla studied her painted fingernails, clearly embarrassed. ‘I shouldn’t have said those things. I’ve made you unhappy.’
‘Nonsense.’ It wasn’t nonsense, but Bridie put on a brave face. ‘Look, let’s not talk about me. Now, how about what I said? Talk to your dad, get him to convince your mum that you just want to join the drama club because your friends are. I know it’s a little white lie, and I’m a very bad auntie for even suggesting it, but all you want to do is get your foot in the door.’
Layla smiled. ‘All right.’
‘And if that doesn’t work, I’ll forge their signature myself.’
Her eyes lit up. ‘You will?’
Bridie sighed. ‘I’d like to, but no, probably not.’
Layla looked deflated. ‘I wish you were my mum.’
Bridie pulled her close and put an arm around her shoulders. ‘You’re my favourite niece.’
‘I’m your only niece!’
They both smiled. ‘Your mum just wants the best for you, that’s all. She wants to know you’ll be all right. That’s all parents ever want for their kids.’
‘But what she thinks is best for me isn’t necessarily the case.’
