‘Not anymore.’ I explain the change in plans while cursing the fact we’ve run out of oven chips. I can’t face peeling potatoes; I’ll do pasta instead.
‘To be honest, it’ll be nice to have a weekend to ourselves,’ Toby says, oblivious to my mood.
‘Well, yes, but that’s not the point. The point is that she’s asked someone else to look after them, and she was funny with me on the phone. I’ve called her back and asked her to ring me, but she hasn’t replied.’
‘Maybe she’s busy and she’ll call later.’
‘I know, I thought that. But then, when I picked up the kids, Kim Lewis came in and more or less blanked me.’
‘Really? Are you sure?’
‘I’m not a hundred per cent sure, but it’s made me feel really crap and insecure. I don’t know what I’m supposed to have done!’ My voice cracks.
‘Hey, hey, it’ll be all right.’ Toby stands and takes the packet of fish fingers out of my hand, laying it on the counter. He puts his arms around me and kisses my cheek. ‘We’ll sort this out, okay? I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding and everything will be back to normal before you know it. How about I call Nick now? Find out if he can shed some light?’
‘Would you? Sorry, I feel like such a drama queen.’
‘You’re definitely not one of those.’ Toby smiles. ‘Just maybe overtired?’
I nod and try not to cry. I love my in-laws – if I’ve done anything to offend them I’ll feel awful.
‘Why don’t you sit and relax while I call Nick?’
‘I’d rather keep busy. I’ll cook. Thanks for doing that.’
‘Don’t worry.’ He unplugs his phone from the charger and leaves the kitchen. I hear his footsteps on the stairs and try to calm down. I hadn’t planned on having a meltdown about this. I was going to try to speak to Madeline myself, but Toby was so sympathetic. Honestly, it’s sometimes worse when people are nice to you. Makes you feel so much more emotional. I put a pan of water on to boil and shove all six fish fingers under the grill. I wish I could hear what Toby’s saying to Nick. I check my phone again, just in case I’ve missed a message from Madeline, but there’s still nothing.
Thankfully, I don’t have long to wait for my husband. Less than ten minutes later, he’s bounding back down the stairs and into the kitchen. ‘Well?’
‘Don’t look so worried. It’s all absolutely fine.’ Toby sits at the table and I come and join him.
‘Really?’ I allow myself a tentative moment of hope.
‘Yep. Nick said that Madeline’s mortified she upset you. She genuinely wanted to make life easier for us, and that’s why she rearranged the sleepover. Nick said she’s been so busy with work this afternoon that she didn’t have time to check her messages.’
‘And you believe him?’
Toby raises his eyebrows. ‘Why wouldn’t I?’
‘Because she still hasn’t replied to me. He might just be covering up the real reason.’
‘What real reason? Honestly, Zo, I know my brother, and he was genuinely apologetic that you might have thought she was snubbing you.’
‘Oh no, you didn’t say those actual words, did you? That you thought she was snubbing me?’
‘No, of course not, I’m paraphrasing. I just mean… there’s nothing to worry about. Believe me.’
I hope Toby’s right. But if he is, then that means I’ve blown up this situation out of all proportion. I feel hot with embarrassment. ‘Nick and Madeline must think I’m a lunatic.’
Toby laughs. ‘They love you and would never think that.’
‘I hope not. I think I’ll send her a quick WhatsApp just to smooth things over.’
‘Okay, but there’s no need.’
‘I want to.’ I take my phone out of my bag and compose a short message:
Hi, Madeline. Hope everything’s okay. Do you fancy getting a quick drink later, or tomorrow? Xx
