When the excitement finally subsides I turn to Sophie with a grimace. ‘They’re never going to want to come to mine to paint flowerpots after that.’
‘Don’t worry, I’m sure they will. I can help you if you’d like?’
I’m thinking the words came from Sophie, then I look behind her and see Mum walking in off the veranda. I make sure I get off on the right foot so I throw in a compliment. ‘Another nice jump suit, Mum.’
This one’s dark turquoise with a navy monstera-leaf print, and it really suits her.
Sophie mutters at me, ‘We can only hope she keeps it on.’
I smile at Mum. ‘Would you like to make a ring?’
She tenses a little. ‘I’ll probably just watch, and chat to the girls.’
It takes Milla a nanosecond to notice her grandmother is there. ‘Granny Suze! That’s lucky! Now you’re here you can tell us first hand – is the goss true?’
Mum smiles. ‘What’s that, Muffin?’
Milla’s straight back at her. ‘Someone said you’d been skinny-dipping in High Tides’ warm pool!’
My heart freezes mid-beat. It’s bad enough us knowing. Other people seizing on it is too humiliating to think about.
Sophie’s on it like a Rottweiler. ‘Someonewho?’ She’s talking through gritted teeth. ‘Come on, Milla, this isnon-negotiable!’
Milla shuffles in her director’s chair. ‘The High Tides gardeners have a WhatsApp group. It was all over school!’
I’m rigid, but I can’t let Mum go under the bus like this – I have to save her! I give a cough. ‘I’m afraid the WhatsApp group have got their wires crossed. If you’re talking about skinny-dipping at High Tides last Tuesday, it was actually me and Kit.’
I’d rather not land Kit in this too, but it won’t work without him.
There’s a roar from the table, and Milla punches the air. ‘So you twoarean item! I knew it!’
I stand and waggle my finger. ‘Honestly, Milla! Two people swimming naked doesn’tnecessarilyindicate any kind of commitment. It just means they’d rather not go home with wet pants.’
Sophie’s flashing me a secret thumbs-up.
Milla’s turned on Kit. ‘But you did feel that thing?You do know she’s the one, don’t you?’ She turns to me. ‘If you two get married,I canbe your bridesmaid!’
Kit’s looking a lot less mortified than he should, but the heat has skipped over him and onto me.
I hold up my hand before this express train runs away. ‘Milla! I’mnothaving a wedding.’ I’m trying to move the focus on. ‘If Plum and Rye ever get engaged, you can always ask them.’
A moment later, they’re talking about wedding outfits, and I’m left staring at Sophie, who’s running her fingers through her fake hair, and Mum, who’s tugging nervously on her belt. I’ve saved her from a lot, but she’s not getting a completely free ride.
‘So what doyouthink, Mum – ifyouwere the one skinny-dipping would it be a sign of a significant relationship?’
She chokes, and then recovers herself. ‘You know I’ve always liked Kit, sweetheart. Whatever name you decide to give to your attachment, I’ll be happy for you.’ She turns to Sophie. ‘Your hair is still throwing me, I was about to call you sweetie again too!’
Which reminds me – while we’re here, I may as well say. ‘The other day Sophie and I were talking about when we were kids, Mum. Maybe we could all have a chat about it sometime?’
Mum slams closed faster than a laptop at home time. ‘There’s really nothing to talk about.’
I’m not letting this go. ‘But there’s so much I can’t remember!’
She almost bites my head off. ‘That’s why it’s called the past – because it’s over and done with and there’s no point digging it up.’ She backs towards the veranda. ‘My memory’s like a colander, it’s no use asking me, I’d better go.’
Sophie lets out a cry. ‘But you promised you’d stay for Floss’s cupcakes in the Pleasure Dome?’
Mum tosses her head. ‘I can’t be doing with lunch! Especially now.’ And a second later, she’s across the deck and hurrying back towards the hotel car park.
