Plum agrees. ‘What we’re trying to say is, there’s everything you need here for the basis of a whole new career. If you wanted one, that is.’
Sophie’s topping up everyone’s glasses with fizz as we settle in for a second round. ‘What you’re all forgetting is, we’re here celebrating that Cressy has not only reinstated her old career, she’s done more. Her celebrity status is there for the taking – if she wants to choose it.’ She stops to squeeze me into a hug. ‘All we ask is, if you do decide you have to leave, please don’t forget about us. You have to come back at Christmas. And in summer. And every weekend in between.’
My leaving date isn’t actually fixed yet, but it’s a lot more certain than anyone’s making it sound. We all know Clemmie and Charlie are due home this week or next, and whatever the outcome, they’ll need space. So I’m planning to head off very soon after they get here.
Plum’s leaning forwards, and drops her voice. ‘And what about Ross? I haven’t seen you for a proper debrief since the baby sprinkle, but the others said he’d let slip that you two were properly involved all those years ago.’
Sophie says it how it is. ‘We all know he wasthe one. But has he said any more?’
This is where we were sitting the first day I talked to them about any of this. It feels so long ago now, and I feel so different about everything now too. And he announced it to the entire party, so I’m not breaking any confidences. ‘He was the dad. It happened over a short Christmas holiday in St Aidan. It was a fling for both of us – he went off abroad afterwards and it really felt at the time that he didn’t want anything to do with the pregnancy. But we’ve managed to sort a few things out now.’
Nell’s looking at me. ‘Ross is so quick to jump in and help people, it’s hard to think he wouldn’t step up – but the best of guys struggle with an unexpected baby. Some even struggle with planned ones.’
I pull in a breath. ‘It’s completely tragic in some ways. He actually had everything finalised to leave the States and come home. He just didn’t ever manage to tell me until yesterday.’
Sophie gasps. ‘Wow, that’s so, so sad. At least you know now.’
I look around at their concerned expressions. ‘Understanding what happened has resolved a lot for me. It’s shown me that I can put my trust in people after all.’
Nell smiles. ‘That has to be a good thing going forward.’
I nod at her. ‘When I bumped into Ross that first afternoon, I couldn’t have imagined how my time in St Aidan was going to turn things around. But it feels like the path ahead has been cleared. And I’ve learned so much along the way.’
Nell laughs. ‘We’ve learned from you too. Cupcakes here will never be the same again.’
There’s another change that can’t pass without mentioning it either. ‘When I came I was determined to only rely on myself. But St Aidan’s taught me you can achieve so much more if you work together, and that friendship is one of the most important things in life.’
Sophie nods. ‘St Aidan certainly proves what a force for good a community can be.’ Her foot catches a carrier that’s next to my chair and her eyebrows rise. ‘Hey, a fuchsia-pink bag from Sheer Surf!’
Plum winks. ‘They use that colour carrier exclusively for their lingerie sales.’
They’ve got me here. ‘And there I was, thinking I was buying my new knickers and bra under the radar.’
Nell snorts. ‘Secret shopping in St Aidan isnota thing!’
Sophie gives me a nudge. ‘Can we have a peep?’
I’m making my excuses as I open the bag, because it’s nothing exotic. I just left home a little early, and called in at the girlie surf place by the harbour on the off-chance. ‘Just a navy bra, and matching Brazilians, with a teal-coloured flower or two and some satin ribbon.’
Nell lets out a hoot. ‘Good call on the panty line. I can’t do thongs either, they get right up my crack.’
Sophie sighs. ‘Pretty. And very you.’
As Plum nods her approval her eyes are bright with interest. ‘So are you buying with anyoneparticularin mind?’
I wondered that too at first, then, as I was at the till, I worked it out. ‘It’s actually for me – as a promise to myself I won’t give up on my love life.’
Sophie frowns. ‘But what about Ross? You two look so good together, you seem to get each other.’
I try to keep the disappointment out of my voice. ‘I think he signed off. A long time ago.’
Nell’s smile fades. ‘George mentioned a high-flying job in the Midlands. Has he shared that with you?’
‘Not yet.’ I shake my head and try to ignore the wave of panic that idea causes me.
Plum leans across the table again, her voice urgent. ‘If there’s any chance at all you have feelings for Ross, you need to give it a go while you’re both still here.’
I screw up my face. ‘I’d hate to throw myself at him.’
