‘I’m staffing a stall,’ said Alice. She smiled softly at Beth. ‘Info on how to help care for cancer patients at home who are going through treatments. My sister died of cervical cancer, so I’m used to going to universities and colleges to give talks on the importance of screening, but seeing how the festival is all about kindness, I thought I could offer some helpful handy hints and tips on care I picked up along the way.’
Beth’s heart went out to her. ‘I’m sorry about your sister. It’s great that you go into schools to raise awareness. There will be lots of information stalls at the festival. Perhaps you could add some info about screening.’
Alice nodded her agreement.
‘I’ll be on the Hub’s stall with Will and Matt,’ said Sophie.’
Lottie raised a finger. ‘And I’m helping Sam showcase what the Les Powell Trust is all about.’
‘I’ll be advertising the baby bank, mostly, and I think Spencer is going to lend a hand all over,’ said Beth, wondering if he was at the rock-climbing place yet. The grin from Sophie aimed her way didn’t go unnoticed.
‘How are things with him?’ asked Sophie, nibbling on a croissant.
Beth tried to force away the heat building in her neck. ‘He seems fine.’
Alice chuckled. ‘She meant between you and Spence.’
Oh, she knew exactly what Sophie meant. She was just trying to play it down for fear of them noticing her eyes beam with delight when saying his name.
‘They’re just friends,’ said Lottie, glancing her way as though searching for confirmation.
Beth nodded, then pretended to be interested in a cinnamon swirl.
‘So leave them alone,’ added Lottie.
Sophie shrugged. ‘Just asking.’ She smiled at Beth. ‘You always look so happy together whenever I see you out and about.’
‘Ignore her,’ said Lottie. ‘Ever since she fell in love with Matt, she sees unicorns and rainbows everywhere.’
Sophie burst out laughing. ‘You can talk. I’ve seen the way you look at Sam.’
Lottie frowned, showing amusement. ‘And how exactly is that?’
Sophie mocked a swoon. ‘All fluttering eyelashes and soppy grin.’
Lottie gestured at Ginny. ‘Sounds more like Will.’
Ginny laughed. ‘Ah, it does. Big goof.’
It was nice seeing the women come alive while talking about their partners, and Beth wished she had that kind of love in her life. It wasn’t something she’d considered much after falling pregnant, then when her mind started messing with her, she gave up all hope of ever being her old self, let alone having a decent relationship. Would anyone even want her?
‘Spencer,’ said Alice, pulling Beth from her thoughts.
‘Hmm?’ she asked, sure she’d missed some of the sentence.
‘Even if you are just mates, at least you can rest easy knowing your son has a good dad.’ Alice smiled. ‘Makes a difference.’
Beth nodded. ‘Spencer’s brilliant with Archie.’
‘Did you go to any parenting classes?’ asked Ginny. ‘My clinic is offering them, but I’m not sure yet.’
‘No. I didn’t feel it was for me.’
‘I read one book on parenting when I took over guardianship of Benny,’ said Alice. ‘I found it too technical. Mum said I was being daft, and just to get on with it. I guess it was easier for me because I was living with Mum and Nan. They weren’t worried about how to raise him. I just didn’t want to mess him up by getting things wrong.’
Sophie moved to Alice, swinging an arm around her shoulder. ‘You’ve done a brilliant job with Benny. He’s a great kid.’
Beth glanced at Archie’s pram, wondering if he would grow up being a problem child because of her mistakes. ‘It is a worry,’ she mumbled, not meaning to speak aloud.
