Alice chuckled. ‘Not them. It’s just one of my symptoms. Basically, I have these small tender spots, about the size of your fingertip, either side of my spine, just by my bra line, and when I lean back in a chair, it feels like I’m pressing on a really painful bruise.’
‘Ooh, that doesn’t sound good.’
‘Doesn’t feel that great either.’
‘Is there anything I can do to help?’
‘A cuppa would go down well.’
Beth headed to the kettle, thinking more along the lines of rubbing some pain relief cream into her friend’s back. ‘How long has it been hurting?’
‘All morning, but hopefully it’ll go away soon. These don’t seem to last long with me. Couldn’t tell you about anyone else, but they come and go on me in the same day.’ Alice shook her head as she stepped back to admire her work. ‘Funny old condition I’ve got. Still, I’m better off than some, so mustn’t grumble.’
‘Oh, you grumble away if you want. Nothing wrong with that.’ Beth placed some choccy biscuits on the table.
Alice smiled. ‘I have my moments; don’t you worry about that. But all in all, I just get on with it. Part of my life now.’ She turned to the door as it opened. ‘Ooh, hello, Roxy. Your mum said you’d pop in. One sec, I’ll just grab her food package.’
The tall blonde woman, chewing gum, came over to snatch a biscuit. Beth watched as she removed the gum, wrapped it around her finger, then stuffed the biscuit into her mouth. ‘Mmm, I haven’t had any brekkie today.’
Beth offered a plate of pastries. ‘You can have one of these if you like.’
‘Ooh, ta,’ said Roxy, picking one out.
Alice came back with a box of food.
‘Is it right that you have some baby clothes?’ asked Roxy, taking the box, chewing gum hitting its side.
‘Yes,’ replied Beth.
‘My mate Lola told me. She heard about it from the parent and baby group at the church hall.’
Beth smiled. ‘I’m friends with Lola.’
Roxy lifted the box to show her flat stomach. ‘Might need some help myself soon.’ She shrugged as best she could while juggling the box and a croissant.
‘Well, we’ll be here,’ said Beth, helping her with the door. At least she hoped she would still be around helping the Hub with the baby bank and anything it needed.
‘You all right, Beth? You’ve got a faraway look in your eye.’
Beth turned from the view of the sea. ‘I was just thinking about Spencer.’
Alice held a sympathetic smile. ‘Everything okay?’
‘We fell out.’
‘Oh, sorry to hear that.’
Beth went back to making the tea. ‘It was a misunderstanding. I’m hoping we’ll sort things in the next few days.’If those paternity tests do their job properly.
Alice pulled out a cloth to give the windows a wipe. ‘I’m glad I’m single.’
It was a sharp reminder for Beth that she was too now. She placed the tea on the table, then picked up another cloth to help clean the door.
‘Have you ever been in love, Alice?’
‘Only once. Long time ago now.’
‘Haven’t you been with anyone in a while?’
