‘Fiona, don’t be silly, sit down.’ I give her the warmest smile I can muster.
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes!’ Kelly and I chorus.
She sits back down, and we all relax a little. Leo hasn’t even noticed the drama; he’s wrapped up in his video game.
‘Thanks, guys,’ Fiona says, waving a waitress over. ‘I’ve had a crap day and could do with a bit of girl talk.’
‘What’s happened?’ I’m keen to deflect the conversation away from myself.
‘You know Molly, my assistant? She’s just handed in her notice. She’s pregnant and she’s moving away.’
‘Sorry to hear that,’ I say, thinking that’s nothing compared to a possible blackmailer sending incriminating photos that have the potential to blow apart your marriage. But I have to stop thinking such uncharitable thoughts. Fiona doesn’t know what’s going on with me, so it’s not her fault. Unless she does know what’s going on with me and this is all an act.
‘That’s a shame,’ Kelly says, ‘but I thought you said she wasn’t that great at her job?’
‘Yeah, I know. I guess she’s probably done me a favour in the long run, but it’s going to be such a pain trying to find someone to replace her. Ashridge isn’t exactly awash with interior-design assistants. Plus Paul Barton is hassling me about wanting to take over half the studio.’
‘Creepy Barton?’ I give a shudder.
‘Yes. I’ve told him I’ll think about it. But anyway, I didn’t mean to make this all about me. What’s happening with you guys? Tell me some good news. Something cheerful, or funny.’
Kelly and I both look blank. There’s certainly nothing cheerful going on in my life at the moment. I wrack my brains to think of something. ‘We’ve got the regatta tomorrow; that should be fun.’
Fiona nods. ‘You’re right. Nathan and Ed are both racing, which will be great to watch.’
I glare at Fiona and shake my head. She instantly bites her lip. We both turn to look at Kelly. She must be feeling weird about the regatta – Michael always used to race too. Kelly didn’t feel up to attending last year as it was too soon after he died, so it’s a big deal that she’s even going this year.
‘Oh, Kelly, I’m so sorry.’ Fiona puts a hand on her arm. ‘That was really insensitive of me.’
‘No, no, don’t be silly. Yes, Michael used to race, but it’ll still be fun to watch Nathan and Ed. I’m looking forward to it. In fact, we should treat it like a mini holiday. A break from all the stresses of everyday life. Why don’t we all meet up and have a group picnic like the old days? All three families together.’ Her voice is upbeat, but there’s a forcedness about it. As though she’s trying to convince herself that everything’s fine.
‘Sounds good,’ I reply awkwardly.
‘Yep, count me and Nathan in.’
‘Can I take your order, ladies?’ A waitress stands by my side with a notepad in her hand. She takes Kelly and Fiona’s order and begins to walk off.
I call after her. ‘Excuse me, I haven’t ordered yet.’ But she doesn’t appear to have heard me. Before I have a chance to catch her, she’s gone back out to the kitchen. ‘Can you keep an eye on Leo a sec?’ I go up to the counter where they’re serving the takeaway customers. ‘Hi, Ida…’
She holds a finger up. ‘You’ll have to get to the back of the queue.’
‘Yes, but—’
‘Uh-uh, back of the queue.’
‘I’m at a table.’
‘Then it’s waitress service. Sit down and they’ll get to you.’
In all the years I’ve been coming here, I’ve never known Ida be so rude. What’s going on? I slouch back to the table and sit down.
‘What happened?’ Kelly asks.
‘That waitress acted like I wasn’t here. You saw that, right?’
‘I don’t know…’ Fiona says. ‘I think she’s just busy and got distracted.’
