‘Sunil has been nothing but understanding and supportive since he came back into our lives. He paid for you to change your flight too, didn’t he?’
‘He did. Sorry, Mum. I really was just joking. And I’ve offered to repay him for the flight but he refused. Oh, but if he could pay my uni fees that would be such a load off.’ She turned to her mother, questioningly. ‘Are you sure he said that?’
Callie nodded.
‘And it’s okay with his other kids? His oldest daughter is about to start her A-levels. It’s one reason they moved back. They want to get her into the English education system to get her prepped for uni.’
‘You’rehis oldest daughter, Fri,’ Callie pointed out.
‘Yeah. Suppose I am.’ Frida gave a nervous giggle. ‘Still getting used to the whole having sisters and a brother thing.’ She pulled an anxious face, her nose wrinkling. ‘Will they like me, do you think?’
Frida had made such great strides in confidence and sense of purpose this summer but her insecurity lurked not far beneath the surface. Callie gave her daughter a warm smile. ‘Of course they will, love. Who wouldn’t?’
Frida looked suddenly vulnerable. ‘I just don’t want them to get jealous or anything.’
‘It’ll be a big change for them, as it will be for us, but we’ll take it slowly. Might not be plain sailing but I’m sure Sunil andLina will be supportive, as will I. I’ve got your back, baby girl. Always. Besides, Lina sounds amazing so I can’t imagine the children being anything but nice.’
‘She sounds well cool.’ Frida nodded vigorously and picked up her mug, looking reassured.
‘When we get back, we can get things moving.’
‘Okay.’ Frida sounded uncertain again. ‘So, you want to go back to Worcester, Mum? Might be nice to see the old homestead, I suppose,’ she added slowly. ‘And I’m getting bored of wearing Ibiza clothes.’
‘I’d like to. I’d actually like to go back early if possible. Would like to see Donna for a catch-up and get some school prep done.’
‘Okay.’
‘Tomorrow then? Do you think you’ll be up to it? You can sit across the backseat if you like. Stretch out. And we can stop as often as you want. Maybe at Gloucester Services? You like it there.’
‘Gloucester Servicesanda garden centre. Must remember to get spiked on a rusty nail more often.’ Frida grinned cheekily and then slapped a hand to her forehead. ‘Austin!’
‘Don’t worry, he understands you couldn’t rescue his stuff and hopes you’re okay.’
‘He’s a nice man. A real character. Got to know him quite well in the caff.’ She groaned. ‘I’ve let Tracey down too, Mum.’
‘You haven’t let anyone down, love. Everyone knows what happened and that you’re injured.’
Frida flexed her leg. ‘It’s not too bad though. Reckon I could put in a shift.’
‘Don’t be daft. Working in the café means being on your feet all day. I’ve obviously got to take you home to force you to rest.’
‘Point taken.’ Frida slurped tea. ‘Ugh,’ she grimaced. ‘It’s gone cold. Any more in the pot?’
‘Thought you were strictly a herbal girl?’
‘Just fancied some proper builders’. Must be the shock.’
‘Pass your mug over then and I’ll top you up. Frida,’ Callie said, as she refilled it. ‘Can I talk to you about something?’
‘Sure. But we’ve talked uni courses and you’ve green-lighted that. You’re cool with me and the Patel fam. Can’t we just relax and chill?’ Frida affected a dramatically pathetic tone. ‘I am wounded you know and have been through a traumatic experience.’
‘Have your tea,’ Callie retorted. ‘That’ll cure you.’
‘Okay. Spill.’ Frida sounded casual but her eyes remained guarded.
‘I know what you and Sunil argued about.’
Frida pressed her lips together.
