‘I’ll let you know if my head droops in the dessert.’Juliette smiled. She followed him out, her hand in his as they walked round to their neighbours’ home.
Richard was at the side gate before they had reached the back door.
‘Welcome,’ he cried. ‘Come on through. Aren’t we lucky that the weather is good again?’
Danny handed the bottle of wine to Richard and he took it from him.
‘Thanks, not my usual tipple but it will do.’
Danny threw a look at Juliette, but she ushered him inside.
They noticed the atmosphere as soon as they entered the kitchen. Sarah was at the oven. She turned around as soon as she heard them, her cheeks flushed.
‘Hi!’ Her voice was too high, her smile too wide. ‘Do help yourself to nibbles while I finish off here.’
Juliette took the chair that Richard had pulled out at the table for her and sat down opposite Danny. He gave her the glare, the one that said,have we walked into an argument?She shrugged a shoulder discreetly in response.
‘How are your last few days at work going?’ Richard sat next to Danny, handing him a bottle of lager. ‘Is it next week you’re moving here for good?’
‘Yes, that’s right.’ Danny nodded. ‘I can’t wait, to be honest. Everything is tied up in London now.’
‘Here’s to new beginnings.’ Richard held out his bottle for Danny to clink.
While the men chatted, Juliette helped Sarah with the food.
‘Everything good?’ she whispered.
Sarah nodded slightly. ‘I can manage here, thanks. You sit yourself down again. I’m dishing out now.’
‘If you’re sure.’ At the table, Juliette took a sip of the orange juice she’d been given.
Sarah popped plates in front of them and sat down too.
‘Enjoy,’ she said.
The small talk dried up halfway through the main meal. It was excruciating sitting there. Sarah was timid, almost to the point of not contributing to any conversation, which made matters worse.
‘That was delicious,’ Juliette remarked, putting down her knife and fork.
‘I thought so too.’ Danny wiped his mouth with a napkin. ‘Was it your own recipe, Sarah?’
‘Of course not.’ Richard shook his head. ‘She’s not that talented.’
Richard had moved on to the wine and as he reached for the bottle to top up his glass, Juliette could already hear a slur in his voice. He’d been knocking it back quickly, the rest of them refusing top-ups.
She glanced at Sarah, but she wouldn’t catch her eye. When she looked again, Richard was leering at her.
‘You think you’re so smart, don’t you?’ he sneered.
Juliette froze, hoping not to show any guilt. ‘Sorry?’
‘Anyone for pudding?’ Sarah shot to her feet and reached for Juliette’s plate.
‘Sit down!’ Richard roared.
Sarah did as she was told.
‘Steady on, mate,’ Danny said. ‘Is something wrong? You’ve been a bit off since we got here.’
