by Sophie Hart
‘She’s a sensible kid, Gill, as much as it pains me to say it. She’s not going to be hanging around in chat rooms, talking to creepy old men pretending to be school kids. She just wants to express herself, put up pictures of the new clothes she’s bought, or write about what she saw at the cinema with her mates.’
Gill looked at him wryly. ‘When did you get to be such an expert on the habits of teenage girls?’
‘I’ve practically got one myself, remember. Paige’ll be there in a few months.’
‘And would you let Paige write a blog?’
‘If she was Kelly’s age then yes, if she wanted to.’
Gill snorted disbelievingly. ‘We’ll see.’
‘Look,’ Mike shifted over in bed, pulling her closer to him. ‘Think about it. Maybe a little bit of compromise is what we need. Kelly’s growing up, and no matter how badly you want to, you can’t protect her from everything any more. Plus, the chances are she’s going to start this blog anyway, whatever we say.’
‘That’s what she threatened to do.’
‘Exactly. So how about we get involved and embrace it? That way, we can at least keep an eye on what she’s doing.’
Gill hesitated. As much as she hated to admit it, Mike had a point, but she wasn’t quite ready to concede that yet.
‘I’ll sleep on it,’ she relented, leaning over to switch off the light, then cuddling up to Mike’s solid, reassuring bulk.
* * *
It was the usual early morning chaos in the Skinner/Marshall household, with everyone rushing around getting ready for their day. Gill was shouting at the twins to get their packed lunches out of the fridge and organise their school bags, as Kelly helped herself to cereal with a splash of the almond milk she’d specially requested ‘because that’s what the top models drink’.
She hadn’t said a word to Gill so far, and Gill wasn’t sure whether it was the standard teenage lack of communication in the morning, or whether Kelly was sulking and refusing to speak to her mother.
Gill helped Sammy with his Coco Pops, putting on his apron and getting him settled at the table, then sat down opposite Kelly.
‘So Mike and I were talking last night…’
‘Congratulations,’ Kelly grunted, without looking up from her bowl.
‘We were talking about your blog,’ Gill pressed on, determined not to be put off by her daughter’s snarky attitude.
At this, Kelly looked a little more interested. Her spoon froze for a second in mid-air, and she didn’t reply, waiting for Gill to continue speaking.
‘He reminded me of how sensible you are, and how responsible, and we decided that perhaps you could start a blog after all.’
‘Really?’ Kelly squealed, all thoughts of breakfast forgotten as she looked up in excitement.
‘Yes. There’d have to be certain conditions, of course. We’d want to know the website address, so we could take a look if we wanted and make sure we approve of what you’re putting on there.’
Kelly rolled her eyes. ‘I’m not going to be posting bikini selfies or anything. It’ll be fashion tips, and book reviews, and maybe some make-up tutorials or something.’
‘Great. All the same, we’d feel more comfortable if we could take a look from time to time. And it’s absolutely forbidden to meet up with anyone who speaks to you on there, okay? No matter who they say they are, or however much you’ve got in common, you do not arrange to meet them.’
‘I wouldn’t do that anyway, Mum!’
‘Good. Well, we can talk more about it later. I just thought I’d let you know what we’d decided.’
‘Sure. I’ll have a think about it too. See if I accept your conditions,’ Kelly added cheekily, getting up from the table and rinsing out her bowl.
Just then, Mike walked into the kitchen with Freddy and Finlay in tow. He prepared himself for the usual scowl from his soon-to-be stepdaughter, but there was nothing. She passed by him without comment, but when she reached the doorway, she abruptly turned back.
‘Hey, Mike.’ She regarded him levelly, her body language neutral. ‘What do you think sounds best? Kelly’s Place or The Kelly Edition?’
‘For what?’ Mike frowned.
‘For my blog, duh!’
A faint hint of a smile stole across Mike’s face as he crossed his arms thoughtfully, considering the question. ‘I like Kelly’s Place. Or maybe even Kelly’s World?’
Kelly nodded coolly, her expression giving nothing away. ‘Right. See you both later.’
‘Bye, Kel. Love you,’ Gill called out.
Seconds later, they heard the front door bang. Gill looked across at Mike, her eyebrows raised in astonishment.
‘Well, well, well,’ she commented wryly. ‘Wonders will never cease.’
18
‘Wives are young men’s mistresses, companions for middle age, and old men’s nurses’ – Francis Bacon
‘This was such a good idea, Julia,’ Debbie beamed, as she picked up her glass of prosecco and took a sip of the delicious, bubbling liquid. ‘Tonight’s going to be a brilliant night, I can just tell.’
‘I hope so,’ Julia smiled. ‘You look incredible, by the way. Gorgeous outfit.’
Debbie was wearing a faux-leather pencil skirt with a sheer black shirt and knee-length boots, her long, dark hair styled in soft ringlets. ‘Thanks,’ she replied, her eyes sparkling. ‘I feel pretty good actually. Can you believe this skirt’s a size sixteen and it’s actually gaping round the waist?’
‘Amazing!’
‘I only bought it the other week as well. I’m having to rein myself in ’cos I keep wanting to spend the wedding budget on new clothes.’
‘You’ve got to treat yourself now and again,’ Julia insisted. ‘I love your necklace too, Gill.’
‘Oh, do you like it? Kelly helped me pick it out. I didn’t want to look too overdressed, but I wasn’t sure what to wear. Honestly, you’ve no idea how long it is since I’ve had a night out,’ she giggled. ‘The kids were stunned when they heard I was hitting the town.’
‘What’s the name of the other girl that’s coming?’ Debbie wondered, turning to Julia.
‘Aimee.’
‘And she’s one of your clients?’
‘That’s right. She’s getting married at the beginning of July – the weekend after you.’
‘Is she nice?’ Debbie fretted, as Julia laughed.
‘Of course, she’s absolutely lovely. I wouldn’t have invited her otherwise.’
In a flash of inspiration earlier that week, Julia had decided to organise a get-together for the three brides-to-be. Not only were they all outgoing, friendly women who she thought it would be fun to spend more time with, it would also be a great opportunity for them to talk weddings to their hearts’ content, and do a little bridal bonding. Julia also had a sneaking suspicion that it might be good for Aimee to get away from Jon and Valerie for a night, so she could let her hair down and relax a little.
‘Oh, here she is now,’ Julia beamed, standing up and waving as Aimee walked towards them.
She looked pretty and fashionable in a tailored black jumpsuit and cropped jacket, which perfectly showed off her slender frame. She’d teamed it with high-heeled ankle boots, and the giant ruby and diamond ring dazzled on her left hand.
‘Hi,’ Aimee said shyly, kissing Julia on the cheek as she waved at the other two women.
‘Aimee, this is Debbie and Gill,’ Julia introduced them, as Aimee sat down on the empty bar stool around the high table. ‘Can I get you a glass of prosecco?’
‘Thanks, I’d love one.’
Inside Aimee’s bag, her phone vibrated and she reached for it. She read the text and frowned.
‘Everything okay?’ Julia asked.
‘Fine. It’s Jon. He’s just dropped me off outside, and apparently he’s going to wait up so he can come and pick me up when we’re done.’
‘Aw, that’s sweet,’ Debbie sighed. ‘My fiancé left me to get the bus.’
�
��Hmm,’ Aimee replied uncertainly. ‘I told Jon I didn’t mind getting a taxi home, but he insisted on driving me. He can be a little overprotective sometimes.’ She pushed her phone back into the depths of her bag, as though by doing that she could push Jon to the back of her mind, and Julia smiled at her sympathetically.
‘What’s Jon got planned for this evening?’ she asked. ‘How’s he going to entertain himself when you’re not there?’
‘He’s got a pile of paperwork that he’s brought home with him. And I left out the menu for the Chinese takeaway, so at least he won’t starve,’ Aimee giggled.
‘Well I’m so pleased you made it out tonight,’ Julia said genuinely, as she filled Aimee’s glass and topped up everyone else. ‘And I’d like to propose a toast. To weddings, and the happiest day of your lives.’
‘And to Julia,’ Debbie added with a grin. ‘For making all the weddings possible.’
‘To weddings, and to Julia,’ the others echoed, laughing.
‘So where are you getting married, Aimee?’ Debbie asked, looking at her with interest.
‘Oh… um… Southwark Castle,’ Aimee explained, looking more than a little embarrassed at the revelation.
Debbie’s mouth fell open. ‘Southwark Ca— … You mean that huge place? That massive stately home, with the gardens and the peacocks?’
Aimee’s nodded, her cheeks flaming.
‘How many guests are you having?’
‘About three hundred…’
‘Three hundred!?’
‘That’s why I need Julia,’ Aimee tried to joke.
‘Although I get the impression it’s not exactly what you’d have chosen, if it was all down to you,’ Julia smiled, coming to Aimee’s defence.
‘No, that’s true,’ Aimee agreed. ‘I don’t even know half the people who are coming – seriously!’ she insisted, taking in Debbie’s incredulous look. ‘I’d have been happy with something small, but it’s all turned into a bit of spectacle.’
‘Is that something your fiancé’s chosen then?’ Gill wondered.
Aimee locked eyes with Julia, and the two of them shared a look. ‘No, his mother,’ Aimee explained, trying to keep her tone neutral. ‘She has rather strong opinions and as she’s paying for, well, practically the whole thing, this seems to entitle her to get her own way, regardless of what Jon and I want.’
The words came out in an angry rush, and Julia stared at her in surprise. She’d never seen Aimee quite so heated before when talking about Valerie; perhaps she was finally getting ready to fight back.
‘But that’s terrible,’ Gill burst out, outraged on Aimee’s behalf. ‘It’s your wedding, not hers. What does your fiancé say about it?’
‘I think he finds it easiest to go along with her. He keeps saying, “What’s one day when we’ll have the rest of our lives together?” Anyway…’ Aimee looked discomfited, feeling all eyes on her. ‘That’s enough about me. Debbie, what’s your big day going to be like?’
Debbie leapt eagerly into a detailed explanation of her wedding plans, and the conversation flowed as easily as the prosecco. Aimee offered to go and get another bottle when the first one ran dry, and as she climbed down from the stool, she realised that she was feeling tipsy and happy, hugely enjoying the company of the other women. It had been a long time since she’d had a girly night out like this, and it felt so good to be able to open up and vent some of her frustration.
She hardly seemed to see her old friends these days, Aimee thought with a pang. Everyone was so busy with their own lives, with their jobs and partners and babies. She couldn’t wait to catch up with them all at her hen party in a few weeks’ time.
‘So, Julia, what’s the secret to a happy marriage?’ Gill wondered. ‘I clearly didn’t get it right the first time, so any tips would be much appreciated!’
‘Oh, I really don’t think I’m the right person to ask,’ Julia waved away her suggestion.
‘Come on, you and Nick are the perfect couple,’ Debbie sighed. ‘You look like the cheerleader and football captain from some American movie, and then you have such a gorgeous little baby, plus you balance all of that with running your own business…’
‘Well I’m glad it looks that way,’ Julia smiled. ‘Because it certainly doesn’t feel like it. Honestly, my life seems constantly manic, with me never having enough time for anything. If I’m busy with a job, then I feel bad because I’m neglecting Jack. If I’m spending time with Jack, I often feel that Nick gets the short straw… I wonder how they’re both getting on tonight, actually,’ she said anxiously, taking her phone out of her bag and checking it. No messages or missed calls.
‘They’ll be fine,’ Debbie assured her. ‘Jack couldn’t be in safer hands than with his dad, could he?’
‘Yeah, I know. I’ve just been worrying lately that… Well, I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s like there’s a distance between Nick and Jack. As though they haven’t properly bonded yet. Nick goes through the motions, but if he can get out of spending time with Jack, he usually does.’
‘He’s probably feeling a bit overwhelmed,’ Gill tried to reassure her. ‘Having your first baby is such a massive change in your life, and I think mothers naturally adapt a lot quicker. You have to, because you’re the one feeding the baby and doing the majority of the work usually. Dads tend to sit back and bask in the reflected glory, while you’re running round behind the scenes. That’s my experience anyway.’
‘Yeah, maybe…’ Julia didn’t sound convinced.
‘Talk to Nick, if you’re really bothered about it,’ Aimee suggested sensibly. ‘I’m sure he’ll set your mind at rest, and you’ll realise you’ve been worrying about nothing.’
‘Yeah, Nick’s great,’ Debbie chimed in. ‘I mean, I’ve only met him a handful of times but he seems like a lovely guy, and I’m sure he wouldn’t want you fretting about this.’
‘Thanks ladies,’ Julia smiled. ‘It’s so nice to talk it through with someone.’
‘And if you ever want time away, I don’t mind having Jack,’ Debbie continued. ‘I don’t just mean for an evening here and there – although I’m totally happy to do that, you know I am. I’m talking about a whole weekend, a couple of nights in a nice hotel, so you can get a real break.’
‘Really?’ The idea was surprisingly tempting.
‘Of course. I’d love to do it,’ Debbie grinned, draining her glass and realising they’d got through yet another bottle. ‘More prosecco!’ she called out, slipping off her bar stool and pulling her purse out of her bag. ‘I’ll get this one.’
‘Thanks Debbie,’ Aimee smiled shyly, as Debbie disappeared into the tightly knit crowd. It was Friday night in central Norwich, and the bar was rapidly filling up with revellers eager to start the weekend.
‘And how’s everything with you?’ Julia asked, turning to Gill.
Gill gave a wry smile, replying, ‘Madness, as ever.’
‘Gill’s got five children,’ Julia explained to Aimee, whose eyebrows shot up in astonishment.
‘Five? How do you cope?’
‘I’m not sure I do,’ Gill laughed. ‘They’re not all mine by the way – three of them are, and then Mike, my husband-to-be, has two children from his previous marriage. We’re the ultimate blended family.’
‘Are they all behaving themselves?’ Julia asked, as Gill gave her an incredulous look.
‘No. It’s carnage, as usual. Although Kelly and the twins have gone to their dad’s tonight so Mike doesn’t have too much to cope with. Kelly’s been a nightmare this week.’
‘Why?’
‘She’s been desperate to start a blog.’ Gill rolled her eyes.
‘Oh, that sounds like a great idea,’ Aimee spoke up innocently. ‘There are some brilliant ones on the net – really funny and creative.’
‘You sound like Mike,’ Gill told her. ‘I’m not quite so keen on the idea, I have to confess. But we’ve agreed that she can do it for now, as long as—’
Gill broke of
f as Debbie appeared beside her; she looked flustered, with spots of colour high on her cheeks. She plonked the ice bucket down unceremoniously on the table, hastily pouring herself a glass of fizz and downing three-quarters of it. The others watched her in astonishment.
‘Is everything okay, Debs?’
Debbie glanced up guiltily, her eyes wide.
‘I think I just got chatted up,’ she confessed, looking mortified as she glanced from one woman to another then drained the remainder of her glass.
‘You think you did?’ Gill asked, unable to stifle a giggle. ‘You’re not sure?’
Debbie shook her head.
‘What happened? Don’t worry, it’s not a bad thing,’ Julia reassured her, as Debbie began to talk.
‘I can’t even remember the last time I got chatted up. I don’t know if it’s ever actually happened. Not properly, anyway. I was at the bar, waiting to buy this,’ she gestured at the bottle. ‘It was really busy so I was squeezed in between two men, and one of them started chatting to me…’ Her face flushed as she recalled it all over again.
‘What did he say?’ Aimee asked, looking intrigued.
‘Nothing much, just general chit-chat. He was asking who I was out with, and where we going later and I… I sortofendedupgivinghimmynumber.’ The words came out in a mumbled rush.
‘What was that last bit?’ Gill frowned.
‘I said, I sort of ended up giving him my number,’ Debbie whispered, looking as though she was about to be sick.
There was a moment of silence, then Julia suddenly burst out laughing.
‘Don’t laugh, it’s not funny!’ Debbie protested hotly.
But Julia couldn’t stop, wiping away a tear as she asked, ‘What on earth did you do that for, Debs?’
‘I don’t know! I panicked. He asked me and I couldn’t think of a way to say no. It felt rude not to, so I just gave it to him.’
‘You gave him your number because you were being polite? Only you, Debs.’
