‘Tell that to the mates of mine who have lost their jobs,’ Richard interrupts crossly and I’m pleased. I hate the way Brenda goes on sometimes.
‘Top-up?’ Joe tactfully produces champagne as we hear the front door open and slam.
‘Where is everyone?’ Sally calls.
‘In here!’ Joe shouts back.
‘Sorry I’m late.’ She bustles into the room, removing a heavy knitted black cardigan as she enters. ‘This super-rich bloke came in at ten to six and bought out half the shop. He took some of your rattles, Mum.’
‘Ooh, how lovely,’ Anne comments agreeably.
‘Do you get commission?’ Brenda interjects.
‘No,’ Sally replies.
‘You should sort that out with your boss,’ Brenda tells her. ‘No point working in a shop if you can’t get commission.’
‘Champagne, darling?’ Good old Joe.
‘So, we have some news,’ Richard says when we’re all sitting around the table tucking into Anne’s home-baked chicken pie. Nerves swirl around my stomach as the attention falls on us both.
‘You’re pregnant!’ Sally bursts out.
‘No,’ Brenda says decisively. ‘They’re getting married.’
I told you they were annoying.
‘Let them tell us,’ Anne chides gently.
‘Well?’ Joe prompts as Richard gives me a wry look. ‘Which is it?’
‘I’ve asked Lily to marry me and’ – cue shriek from his mum – ‘she said yes.’
Another shriek as Anne pushes out her chair and leaps to her feet. ‘Oh, darling, that’s wonderful news!’
‘Congratulations, son.’ Joe stands and shakes Richard’s hand while he’s in the midst of being smothered by Anne. His mum turns to me so I stand up, too.
‘Such exciting news, Lily,’ she says, pulling me in for a cuddly hug. I can’t help but smile.
Joe leans over to peck my cheek, saying, ‘Well done, dear, that’s fabulous.’
‘Congratulations!’ Brenda booms from her sitting position.
‘Yes, well done!’ Sally also doesn’t get up. We all take our seats again.
‘When’s the big day?’ Brenda asks through mouthfuls of chicken pie.
Richard glances at me before tactfully replying, ‘We haven’t decided yet.’
‘Oh, do make it soon,’ she says. ‘Long engagements are so tedious.’
‘We’ll let you know as soon as we know,’ Richard assures her firmly.
‘Don’t get married in January,’ Sally interjects. ‘I’m going to Thailand then.’
‘Are you?’ Joe turns to her in surprise.
‘Yeah. We haven’t booked our flights yet, but that’s the plan.’
