‘Umm, yes, I think so. Would you like a slice?’
‘Ooh, make that two slices,’ I add. ‘Red velvet is my favourite.’
‘Really?’ Sadie replies. ‘Mine too!’
‘You’ve obviously got good taste.’ We smile at one another.
Once the waitress has left the table, there are a few moments of awkward silence. Sadie smiles shyly and it’s apparent we’re both thinking of what to say next.
‘So,’ I begin, ‘are you settling in okay? The girls already love you!’
‘They’re so sweet. I’m really enjoying spending time with them.’
‘That’s great to hear.’
‘I hope everything’s okay?’ she says, twisting her fingers in front of her on the table.
‘Yes, everything’s fine,’ I reply. ‘Why wouldn’t it be?’
‘It’s just… you inviting me out for a coffee. Is it to tell me I’ve done something wrong?’ Her eyes have grown large and filled with worry.
‘No, no, not at all,’ I reassure. ‘It’s just the opposite. I wanted us to get to know one another a bit better. We haven’t had much of a chance to chat since you started.’
Her shoulders relax. ‘Oh, that’s a relief.’
I now feel bad that she was worrying about this morning. Our drinks and cakes arrive and we both take sips of our coffees.
‘I’m so glad we’ve got you to help out with the girls,’ I say. ‘Especially since our cleaner’s let us down. She was my little lifesaver. Keeping the mess under control.’
‘She’s left?’ Sadie takes a forkful of cake. ‘Wow, this is delicious!’
I smile, and then frown, remembering Mandy’s short message giving me her resignation. ‘She sent an email saying she had a family emergency and wouldn’t be able to work for us any more.’
‘That’s a shame,’ Sadie replies.
‘I know. I hope she’s okay. She hasn’t replied to any of my messages since.’
‘Maybe she’s in the middle of something. I’m sure she’ll message back once she’s able to.’
‘You’re probably right.’ I take a sip of my drink. ‘But now I have to find another cleaner. I don’t suppose you know anyone?’
‘Um…’ Sadie starts to say something, but then goes red and stops.
‘What is it?’ I prompt.
‘Well, it’s just, I’d be more than happy to do the cleaning for you. If you like?’
‘Really? No, I couldn’t ask you to do that.’
‘Why not? I mean, I’m at the house while the children are at school anyway. And I actually enjoy cleaning – weird, I know.’ She gives a small laugh.
‘Gosh, well, if you’re sure… that would be brilliant. I’d pay you the going rate, of course.’
‘Okay, great. That’s sorted then.’
I can’t believe my luck. Although I am still worried about Mandy. She’s been with us for years. I hope everything’s okay with her and her family.
Sadie tilts her head. ‘What’s your job, if you don’t mind me asking? I know Robert’s a personal trainer, and I know you work really hard, but I never actually asked what it is you do.’
