‘Yes, yes, of course.’ He walks back to his desk where Charlotte’s hovering with a cup of brown-nose coffee for him, her complicated plait draped over one shoulder like a giant shiny slug.
My hackles rise as I overhear her mention my name along with the words ‘away with the fairies’. Bloody Charlotte never misses any opportunity to twist the knife. I realise it’s probably just her insecurity, but that doesn’t make it easier to bear.
The morning drags on after that. Paul is right to be irritated, but my vagueness is totally out of character, so I do think he could cut me some slack. No one’s perfect all the time.
I decide to take an early lunch so I can get some fresh air and give myself a talking to. Get my productivity levels back on track. I normally eat at my desk, but I need to get out of the office today. I close my laptop, grab my bag and coat and head for the door.
‘Want some company?’ Miriam asks. ‘No worries if not.’
‘Actually, yes,’ I reply. ‘That would be lovely.’
We battle the icy rain and head to Bites & Beans, our favourite relaxed lunch spot situated a few doors down from the office. It’s packed, as usual, but my friend Danica’s younger sister Tabitha works here and she manages to magic two spare chairs and a patio table out of the back room for us. Within five minutes, Miriam and I are brought two piping hot bowls of spicy parsnip soup and a couple of sourdough rolls. Aside from the great food, part of this place’s appeal is the fast service – essential for the lunchtime crowd.
Miriam picks up her spoon. ‘How was your weekend with Seth?’
‘Don’t ask,’ I reply.
‘Oh dear. Sounds bad.’ She blows on her soup and takes a huge mouthful. ‘Mm, so good. I’m starving.’
‘We had a bit of a falling out over this whole photo debacle, but it’s all sorted now.’ I skirt over the details, not wanting to rehash it again.
‘Glad to hear it’s sorted,’ she replies. ‘It’s hard doing the long-distance thing. Bet you’ll be relieved when he finally moves down here.’
‘Tell me about it,’ I answer with feeling. ‘But anyway, how was your weekend?’
‘Blissful,’ she replies, closing her eyes with a smile.
‘Ooh, now I’m intrigued.’ I lean forward, waiting for her to elaborate. ‘Is there a new woman in your life you haven’t told me about?’
She snaps open her eyes. ‘Nothing as exciting as that. Just a lazy couple of days, eating, reading, bingeing Netflix and Prime.’
‘Okay, that does sound blissful.’
‘It really was.’
‘Oh, and thanks for rescuing me earlier,’ I say. ‘Paul’s been off with me ever since I announced my engagement.’
‘Maybe it’s because he lurrrves you and you’ve broken his heart.’ She laughs her head off at this.
I give Miriam a mock glare. ‘Very funny, but absolutely not. If he loves anyone it’s suck-up Charlotte with her holier-than-thou attitudeand designer suits. And, sorry, but I’m pretty sure she must get up at four a.m. every morning to style her hair. There’s no way that mermaid plait took less than two hours to construct.’
‘Don’t let her get to you,’ she replies.
‘I wouldn’t normally, but why can’t she just be nice, instead of bad-mouthing me to Paul all the time. It’s making me crazy. Wow, this soup’s good.’
‘I know, right.’ Miriam tears off a chunk of sourdough and dunks it into her bowl.
‘Actually,’ I say, making a snap decision, ‘there’s something I wanted to ask you ...’
Miriam’s dark eyes widen with interest as she finishes chewing. ‘Now it’s my turn to be intrigued.’
I banish Charlotte and Paul from my head and give my friend a smile. ‘Do you think you might like to be one of my bridesmaids?’
Her mouth drops open and then she beams. ‘Really? I’ve never been a bridesmaid before!’
‘And I promise I won’t make you wear anything horrible. No flouncy, frumpy lacy stuff.’
‘I’d love to. Thank you, Alice.’ Miriam’s eyes glisten and I’m thrilled she’s so touched.
