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‘Yeah, she wouldn’t want to put us out.’
‘Right then, we’ll go to hers.’ Sophie nodded.
‘Her sister’s,’ Paige clarified.
‘Her sister’s. We’ll rock up, say we’re there to help. Tomorrow works, it says she has him then? That way either you and Melanie get to spend some time on your project, or else Melanie can spend the time on . . .’ Sophie looked through the list. ‘Forecast versus actual. Oh, actually I’d quite like to help her out with that as well really.’ Sophie sighed. ‘What even is this app? I might have to get it.’
Paige rolled her eyes at Sophie.
‘Go back to this art project that you’re both doing. You’re allowed access to that one anyway, right?’ Polly asked.
‘Here.’
‘So why don’t we all plan the big reveal stuff together. We could take that one completely off her plate?’ Polly suggested. ‘I’m sure I can find someone willing to do some music.’ She laughed. ‘Sophie and Mya will be there to help us cover it. Between us we can get press coverage. Paige, you could do the drinks, right? And get some free advertising? Done and done.
Paige was about to ask why they would all do that for Melanie. But she knew the answer already. They were doing it for her. Just as she would for any of them.
Sentimentality, however, was not something Paige was comfortable with. So instead she just nodded and mumbled, ‘Thanks.’
‘I’ll order some food,’ Polly said eagerly.
‘I’m going to start writing out some plans,’ Sophie said just as eagerly.
‘Melanie’s texted back, she’ll find us a table for Saturday brunch. Yay!’ Sophie said.
‘Bottomless mimosa’s you say, I can’t wait!’ Mya shouted and then groaned. ‘Actually no, I still can’t stomach mimosa’s, I’ll just stick with prosecco.’ Mya and Polly both grimaced, the memory of Mya’s food poisoning in Vegas still fresh in their minds.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Melanie
‘Right, little man, come on, tea’s ready.’
‘What is it? Can I have pudding?’ Alfie asked as she helped him onto the barstool at the kitchen island. Melanie’s mind wandered, again, back to the interaction with Laura, imagining how it could have gone differently. What it would have been like if she had been in boss mode. What it might have been like if she introduced Paige as her girlfriend. What would have happened, if she hadn’t had cared? She didn’t care, not like she once had, but disinterest would have been her preferred emotion of choice. A chilled not-bothered Melanie; she wasn’t sure she could remember what that was like.
‘Dinner first. How was school?’
‘Good.’ He continued to demolish his food with gusto before pausing again. ‘Auntie M, is Pwaige not here?’
‘No, why? Did you want her to be?’
Alfie nodded. It made Melanie smile just how much he’d fallen for Paige.
The knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. ‘Stay still, don’t move. I don’t want you falling off, I’ll be right back.’
Melanie ran to the front door, ready to quickly tell whoever it was they weren’t interested. But when she opened the door that wasn’t quite true.
‘Yes? Oh, er hi. Are we meeting tonight?’ Melanie was stunned. Alfie clearly had summoning powers.
‘Can we come in?’ Paige asked, striding purposefully towards the kitchen. Melanie still held the door open even more confused when Sophie walked in too.
‘Hi, really sorry to arrive uninvited — hope you don’t mind?’ Sophie asked as she began taking off her coat.
‘Sure, is everything all right?’
‘Oh yeah, it’s grand. Wow, this house is lovely!’ Sophie said as she craned her neck, taking in all the details of the hallway. ‘Original tile? Very nice.’
‘No idea. Come through.’ Melanie gestured before following Sophie into the kitchen.
