Charlie sees me to the door. He seems downcast.
‘I’m sorry, was that the wrong thing to say?’ he whispers when I’ve crossed over the threshold and he’s closed the door against his body to protect us from view.
I shrug at him. ‘Bit awkward,’ I whisper back, still feeling wounded.
‘I’ll sort it out,’ he promises.
‘Don’t worry. I’ll see you Sunday?’
‘You’re not coming back tomorrow?’ he asks with a frown.
‘I’ll work fromHermie,’ I state.
Am I fuck, coming back tomorrow!
‘Don’t leave me with them,’ he pleads in a tiny voice.
His expression raises a smile. ‘Bye,’ I call over my shoulder as I set off down the footpath. I don’t hear the clunk of the door shutting for several seconds afterwards.
I’m dreading being back in Kate’s and Valerie’s company on Sunday, but there’s no way I’m missing April’s birthday. The party starts at midday, and I feel a huge wave of relief when Julia tells me that she and Justin have sorted cover so they can come, too. The three of us walk there together – safety in numbers – and their jolly chatter helps take my mind off things.
Adam answers the door to us, further improving my mood.
‘Hey!’ he says, giving me a hug and turning to shake Justin’s hand and kiss Julia. They already know each other well, judging by the warmth of their greetings.
‘Oh, hello!’ Charlie’s mother Pat gushes, coming into the hall. She also does a round of hugs.
If only Nicki’s family were this welcoming, I think with a sting.
‘What can I get you to drink?’ Pat asks us. ‘Can I tempt you with bubbles?’
‘Ooh, lovely. Yes, please.’ I’m the first to reply.
The living room is already bustling with people, old and young. I spy Jocelyn and wave. I’ll make a beeline for her in a minute, but first I need to see the birthday girl – and Charlie. I find them together, chatting to a middle-aged couple who move away as we approach.
‘Hey!’ Charlie greets me with a smile. April turns her head to gaze at me blankly.
‘Hello,’ I say sweetly, brushing her cheek. Her face belatedly breaks into a chipmunk grin and she reaches her hand out to touch my mouth. I step closer so she can.
‘Happy birthday,’ I tell her gently as she flops adoringly against the base of Charlie’s neck, her cheek all squashed up against him as she smiles at me. I pass Charlie her present. ‘You already know what that is,’ I say.
He lifts up the present and shakes it near his ear, his eyes turning expectantly towards the package. Sure enough, the tambourine inside tinkles cheerfully.
‘She’ll love it, thank you,’ he says sincerely.
‘There are a few other bits and pieces in there as well. Did she like the mobile?’
He shrugs. ‘Hard to tell.’
‘Have you hung it up already?’
‘Yeah. Go and have a look if you like.’
‘Tomorrow.’ I tense as, out of the corner of my eye, I see Valerie approaching.
‘Here you go, Bridget,’ Pat says, materialising with a glass of sparkling wine. ‘Cheers.’ She chinks my glass. ‘Oh, come and meet Barry.’
She drags me away as Valerie appears – I go gladly.
