As I smile at her my insides are relaxing, and for the first time ever, I’m understanding why girls hang out in gangs. There’s the sharing that really can make your burdens feel lifted. And having each other’s backs makes you feel so much stronger together than apart. ‘For the record, me and—’ I pause and fill the gap with a little cough, ‘—we don’t need your help. All the glue in the world wouldn’t force us together.’
She gives a laugh. ‘I’m not sure you’re right about that, Bertie-bus. Let’s wait and see.’
30
Sophie’s ‘Be Whole and Happy’ Day
On the way out
Sunday
It’s been a day of surprises. I came here this morning expecting to show people how to pipe buttercream flowers on cupcakes, but Siren House and Sophie have worked their magic for everyone. By the time Millie and I have handed out the goodie bags, and Sophie, Nell and Plum are waving people off from the front door, I’m floating on my own cloud too. As I head to the kitchen to pick up the last of my bags I’m even gushing to Ross.
‘If Sophie ever decides to do this seriously, I’ll be first in the queue to apply for a job.’
Ross frowns. ‘I thought you loved London.’
‘I do.’ I can’t deny that he’s right. ‘But we all need our dreams.’
Standing in Sophie’s hallway, in a shaft of sunlight, I can’t actually remember ever spending a day in London with so many real, genuine, proper friends. And sooner than I know, it’ll just be me and my phone again.
But I’m thinking of the positive things. ‘Someone I used to work with rents a fabulous place she always promised to pass on to me. She emailed yesterday to say the flat’s mine if I want it.’
There’s a cry from Millie who’s still standing by the hall table. ‘But you can’t go, Cressy, you belong here.’
I take a breath and try to explain. ‘The spec-bake book is almost done and Charlie and Clemmie will be back soon. My holiday really is over.’ I try not to notice how crestfallen Millie looks. ‘I’ll still be here for the launch ofA Slice of St Aidanthough.’
Ross gives a sigh. ‘You’re going to miss talking to Walter’s calves and hens.’
I let out a cry. ‘You’veheard me?’ Let me die now. ‘I know I hated it at first, but since I started walking Diesel up there…’
As I tail off, Ross cuts in. ‘Don’t tell me you’re enjoying it?’
I laugh. ‘I was actually going to say, I hate it less.’ Mornings without all those calves treading on my toes will definitely be sadder.
Ross is blinking. ‘You are okay for Tuesday next week?’
My eyes snap open. ‘O-of course. Don’t forget to let me know a time.’ I warned Jen there was an outside chance we might bake on Wednesday instead, so I’ll confirm that. I’m trying to cover up that I hadn’t actually thought it was going to happen. ‘And Thursday afternoon I’m icing cakes at a baby sprinkle, which is a baby shower, only more low-key.’
He gives me a flash of a smile. ‘I’ll give you a hand as a swap for Tuesday.’
My stomach drops like a stone. ‘Really, you don’t have to.’
But he’s shaking his head. ‘Already decided. And we’ll need to leave around two on Tuesday.’
‘Great.’ Truly it isn’t. But I avoid the worst trap ever and don’t say,That’s a date.‘I’ll get that in my diary.’
He’s frowning. ‘You have anactual diary, Egbert? How comeI’venever seen it?’
And luckily for me, before I have a chance to push him out of the house, across the garden and into the sea, everyone comes back in from outside, and Nate appears from the kitchen carrying a bottle of champers.
31
Ross’s hospital appointment
Fashion tips and smart publications
Tuesday
