She looked at her sister and realised why she’d talked up her new job. Kate, in her high-powered career in the City, looked down on her work on the stage. And now she was a shop assistant, her sister must be enjoying her downfall immensely.For the first time ever, Bridie wondered why Kate had to be like this.
Hannah came to mind. She was a young woman Bridie didn’t even know, but she’d offered her help, support, and friendship. Her older sister, who could have offered her all those things, wanting to protect her little sister, would do no such thing.
Bridie had always felt like she was the disappointment in the family, but for the first time she looked at her big sister and thought,you’re the disappointment. When I need you most, you’re not here for me, and never will be.
Bridie turned on her heel and walked out of the door, wondering what sort of sister she would be if either of her siblings needed help. With their good jobs and stable relationships, she couldn’t ever imagine they’d need anything from her by way of support.
Upstairs, Bridie finished packing. She looked at her watch. If she left now, hopefully Hannah would still be at the shop.
Chapter 18
‘Oh, sweetheart, I didn’t realise you were leaving now.’
Bridie glanced at her mum as she opened the front door. She turned around on the doorstep. ‘Yes, I’m off now. Will you tell Dad—’
The sound of a car turning up on the driveway cut her off. She turned to see her dad getting out of the car. He walked up to her, looking at her suitcase. ‘What’s this? Are you returning to London to stay with your grandad already?’
Bridie wasn’t surprised he’d said that. It was probably what they’d all expected.
‘Bridie’s got a job working in a shop,’ Kate said, her voice dripping with derision.
Her mum added, ‘It’s in Cobblers Yard in Aldeburgh, and she’s renting a flat.’
Her dad looked stunned. ‘My goodness, sweetheart, that was quick. But do you have to leave right now?’
Bridie looked at her dad, who was staring at her suitcase and looking crestfallen. He was the only one who was disappointed she was leaving. ‘Oh, Dad – I’m only down the road, so I’ll be popping in.’
‘I’ll bet, for dinner and to have your washing done.’
Bridie frowned at her sister. Her dad put an arm around her shoulders. ‘Good, because I like having you around. Actually, I brought home your favourite takeaway.’ He held up several bags of Chinese food. ‘Can’t you stay for dinner? Better still, have one more night with us and leave in the morning?’
Now her dad was back, making her feel welcome in her own childhood home, Bridie was starting to regret leaving on impulse. But there was no backing out now everyone knew she had somewhere to go.
She looked at the bags of Chinese takeaway. It smelled so good. If she left now, she’d have to pick up some takeout for dinner. She grinned. ‘Oh, all right, Dad, you’ve twisted my arm.’
‘Didn’t take much,’ she heard her sister mutter under her breath. ‘What about me?’ Kate asked their dad.
‘What about you?’
‘Can I stay for takeout?’
‘Yeah, of course,’ he said.
Bridie caught her sister frowning at her dad. Bridie had always been his favourite, and Kate knew it.
He turned to Bridie. ‘So, you’ll stay one more night?’ he asked as he took her suitcase and wheeled it back into the house before she’d had a chance to answer.
‘Yeah – why not? By the time I’ve finished, it will be too late.’
‘Too late for what?’ Kate asked. ‘Aldeburgh is only down the road.’
Bridie didn’t want to let on that she hadn’t got the keys to the flat. If she didn’t leave now, Hannah would be gone and the shop, together with the flat upstairs, would be locked up for the night.
‘It will be dark soon,’ said her dad. ‘I’d rather you drive along the country lanes to Aldeburgh in the morning.’
‘You’re not bothered about me going home in the dark if I stay for takeaway,’ commented Kate.
He chortled, ‘Oh, Kate. I’ve never had to worry about you.’
