Lowri
Clara sat back in her chair, shocked by the email. It was wonderful of Lowri to think of her but Cambridge was far away. It was at least a two-hour drive. She remembered that Lowri had spoken about Bryony Malcolm when she moved there a few years ago. Lowri adored working with her.
This was quite the prestigious role and Clara was flattered to have been contacted about it. What an enormous compliment. She read over the email again. Seriously? Was she being poached by Lowri? Was that what this was? She drained her coffee, trying to remain composed by reminding herself that it wasn’t an actual job offer. They weren’t exactly handing her a contract. It was merely an email telling her that a vacancy was opening up in a couple of months. Still, she had only heard rumours of people being approached for coveted jobs, but didn’t know anyone it had actually happened to. This was perhaps the most exciting thing that had ever happened to Clara and a well-received ego boost.
She was so thrilled that she needed to tell someone and wondered if Eleanora had already left for work. Picking up the phone to her best friend and filling her in, she was delighted to learn that she was close by and could pop in on the way to the boathouse.
Clara paced around the living room while she waited for Eleanora to arrive before pouring herself a refill from the percolator. The rest of the emails would have to wait. It was impossible to focus on anything when the offer of a lifetime had practically landed in her inbox.
‘What a nice email, Clara,’ said Eleanora as she bounded through the doorway in her scruffy work clothes.
‘If I was to apply, do you really think I have a chance of getting the job?’
Eleanora was busy removing the trusty black trainers she wore for work, before she answered. She wiggled a toe as she noticed a hole was starting to poke through her Nordic sock; she remembering that a shopping trip was overdue. Eleanora began to accept that Clara’s practice of often buying two of something might be more sensible after all.
‘Of course you do. You’ve as much chance as anyone else, possibly more. Goodness, it sounds like they’re eveninvitingyou to apply. Lowri obviously knows how fabulous you are and who can blame them for wanting you there. Anyone would want to work with you!’
‘Well, I do know a few of the people there at King’s College. But I’m not sure I’m brave enough to go for it. I mean, as much as I’d love to, part of me is terrified. I’ve been here forever. It would mean change and you know how much I’m a creature of habit. Remember that time a position came up in York. I so wanted to apply.’
‘That’s your problem. Fear’s always held you back. You were terrified at the thought of a date the other day, now look at you with that hunky chap Tom! Who knows where this could lead? We’re not getting any younger, Clara. There might never be another chance like this.’
Eleanora thought how time was passing them by. She hated the fact that she was a divorcee in her fifties. If her best friend had a chance of living her best life, then she was going to do everything to encourage her.
‘It’s such a leap into the unknown though. I mean, Cambridge!’
‘You said it yourself that you know people there, so it’s not that alien. But, seriously, if you don’t go for it then you’ll never know. I’m sure they’ll offer you the role, but if it’s not meant to be then... I mean, you should at least apply when it comes up. What have you got to lose?’
Clara nodded. ‘Goodness, it’s so sweet of Lowri to think of me though. I didn’t realise I was that highly regarded.’
‘Of course you are. You’re a superstar. Everyone should want to snap you up, both career wise and relationship wise.’
‘Goodness, sorry, Nora. That reminds me, I was so surprised about the email that I forgot to ask, how did your date go last night?’
‘Don’t ask. Don’t ever try online dating. Do you know that when he turned up, he said...’
Before Eleanora could continue, there was a furious knocking at the door. Clara wasn’t a stranger to random people turning up at all hours in desperate need, but she knew who it was before opening the door since the knocking was accompanied by the voice of her next-door neighbour.
‘Clara, I know you’re in there.’
Eleanora rolled her eyes at Clara and whispered, ‘What’s wrong with her now?’
Clara tried not to giggle and opened the door with the stern demeanour that she normally only saved for the more serious chapel matters.
‘Julie, to what do I owe this pleasure?’
‘It’s bin day and I’m not very happy with you, lady.’
Clara heard a chuckle from Eleanora behind her and hoped that Julie didn’t notice. She was always accusing Eleanora of making fun of her, and Clara was usually caught in the crossfire.
‘Okay. I put my recycling out like normal last night, so what’s to be the problem?’
‘Indeed, you did. But your bin was placed exactly one foot over on my side of the fence. I measured it. Now, I’ve moved it back to where it should be, but I ask you not to do that again.’
‘Oh, gosh, did I? I was in a bit of a rush last night going to bed.’
‘Yes, well, it didn’t go unnoticed that you were out for some time yesterday and didn’t get back until later on.’
Clara felt her neck flush, even though she knew that she didn’t have to be accountable to Julie, of all people.
