by V Clifford
‘Talk of the devil.’
Both Amanda and her mum rose and greeted him with hugs and kisses on both cheeks. He rubbed Viv’s arm and sat down beside her.
‘So, Mrs Fraser, has Viv filled you in on her latest shenanigans?’
‘Call me Trudy. Mrs Fraser makes me sound like a headmistress. But no, she hasn’t yet. I’m all ears, Vivian.’
Viv nudged Mac under table with her knee. ‘Let’s order first, shall we?’
She hadn’t had much of an appetite the day before, but the smell of fresh bread and garlic cooking changed that. Viv turned round to check the Specials blackboard and shot Mac a death stare. She had no intention of sharing her recent work with her family and he knew better than to make the suggestion. He was yanking her chain. But why? Her mother looked slightly smug. Did she already know what had happened? Amanda didn’t need to know.
Bella approached with her pad and pencil. ‘Ready to order?’
In unison Viv and Mac said, ‘I’ll have the special brunch.’
Mrs Fraser glanced at them. ‘Same for me.’
Amanda said, ‘I’ll have the smoked salmon with scrambled eggs. Could I have it divided into two dishes? One for James.’
‘No problem. Be right back.’
Bella brought a bottle of Prosecco and poured it into flutes.
To Viv’s surprise, her mum lifted her glass and said, ‘To Sal!’
They raised their glasses and Viv glanced at Mac, his eyes full as they toasted the short life of their friend.
The End
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