‘I agree. At some point they just have to trust you to make decisions on your own and start taking responsibility for your own life.’
Layla listened intently. ‘That’s so true. You know, I think I’ll tell Dad that. I’m fifteen years old soon. They have to start listening to me and accepting what I want to do.’
Bridie could not agree more. She didn’t really want to advise her niece to lie to her parents. ‘Honesty is the best policy,’ she said.
Chapter 2
Bridie and Layla both turned their heads at the sound of the back door, and Layla’s younger brother’s loud voice as he walked in. ‘I’m hungry – when’s dinner?’
Layla and Bridie exchanged a smile. Bridie said to Layla, ‘Why don’t you catch your dad now, and I’ll take your brother into the kitchen to find out when dinner is?’
Bridie went to get up, but Layla caught her arm. ‘You really are the best auntie ever. My fave auntie.’
‘I know.’
‘Can you take me to the theatre again with Great-Grandad? I love our theatre trips.’
Bridie always made a point of booking a show and taking her granddad and Layla whenever Layla visited London. She’d been doing it ever since Layla was a toddler. They’d already been to the show she was starring in.
‘Of course. I’ll arrange something in the new year.’ Bridie hoped that, after Kate found out that her daughter wanted to join the drama club, she didn’t veto her London theatre trips as well.
Layla said, ‘Good. And one of these days I’m going to drag Mum along so she can see what she’s missing.’
Bridie joked, ‘I think she might be afraid we’ll convert her to an avid theatre-goer.’
‘Like you’ve converted me,’ said Layla brightly. ‘You know, if she just saw you in a show, she’d see how good you are and what a beautiful voice you have. It’s such a shame. You are the poster child for the success I could be if I’m as talented as you.’
Bridie thought she was going to cry. She’d worked so hard to get where she was, starring in shows in the West End over the past ten years, and now she was engaged to a theatre producer. She felt, contrary to her family’s expectations, that she’d made it. Now all she had to do was get married and buy a first house, and that would stop her sister and sister-in-law talking about her behind her back.
Who am I kidding,thought Bridie. She knew they’d find something else about her to talk about. Bridie couldn’t imagine what, and she wasn’t about to give them anything either.
‘You’re not going to cry, are you?’ Layla asked.
‘No, no, of course not. It’s just lovely to have somebody else in the family below the age of eighty to share my passion with.’ Bridie was referring to her grandad.
‘Ditto!’ said Layla, smiling. ‘Actually, thinking about it, I really can’t see how she can refuse me joining the drama club, especially as I can point out how successful my favourite aunt has been if I follow you on to the stage.’
Bridie grinned, even though she wasn’t sure Layla bringing up her aunt would be quite the right thing to do if she wanted her mum or dad to sign the permission slip.
Layla’s dad walked in. ‘Everything all right?’ He looked at Bridie. She felt like saying, why wouldn’t it be? But she knew why he was asking. Unfortunately, Andy was no stranger to the undercurrent between his wife and Bridie whenever they got together.
‘Daddy – I’ve got something to ask you.’
Bridie stood. ‘George, why don’t we go in the kitchen and ask how long it will be?’ she said. As she headed for the door, Bridie heard Andy say, ‘Now I’m worried. Whenever you call me Daddy it means you’re after something that Mum has already said no to.’
‘She hasn’t said no,’ Layla clarified.
‘Because you haven’t asked her yet,’ Andy said, smiling.
Andy was seated on the sofa, his back to the door. Bridie gave Layla a thumbs-up before she walked out and closed the door.
George had already got to the kitchen and was telling everyone he was starving, and asking when the dinner would be ready.
Bridie sidled in behind him, noticing that the conversation had stalled as soon as she walked in. ‘Can I help with anything?’
Kate and Caroline exchanged a glance. Kate said, ‘No, we’re fine. The meal is nearly ready.’
‘Oh, goody,’ said George.
