As soon as I let myself into the house, the familiar heady mix of wood polish and carpet freshener assaulted my nostrils. Mum, impeccably dressed as ever, appeared from the lounge to greet me. “Nice car,” I said, taking off my jacket and hanging it on the stair banister. “It’s very you. I can’t believe Dad finally gave in.”
Mum looked back at me, confused.
“The Mazda?” I nodded towards the drive.
Mum gave a dismissive wave of her hand, as if a brand-new sports car was nothing. “Oh, that’s not mine.”
My shoulders slumped. No new car meant no distraction.
Mum, however, smiled. She might not have had new wheels, but she obviously had something thrilling to share. The woman could hardly contain herself.
Guessing it was probably wedding related, I’d hoped to at least sit down with a cup of tea before we got into it. “Where’s Dad?” I asked.
Mum’s smile slipped. “What do you mean?”
I indicated the front door and driveway beyond. “I didn’t see his car.”
“That’s because…” A facial twitch suddenly appeared under her right eye. “He’s out.”
Like I hadn’t gathered that already.
“Yes. He’s off playing golf.”
“Really?” According to Mum, Dad had lost touch with everyone he knew and had been under her feet from the day he retired. She was forever insisting he got a hobby so he could make some actual friends and it was nice to know he was finally putting himself out there. “Good for him.” Mesmerised by Mum’s pulsating tic, I paused in my thoughts. “Mum, are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Why?”
“It’s just that…” I pointed to her face.
She put a hand up to try to stop it. “It’s because I’m excited.” Her smile returned. “Come on through. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
I narrowed my eyes. When I’d arranged to call round, I’d been hoping to have a frank conversation. The last thing I’d anticipated was Mum inviting someone to join us. “Who?”
“Follow me and you’ll find out.”
Realising I didn’t have a choice, I sighed and did as I was told.
“Tess, this is Wendy. Wendy, this is Tess,” Mum said, as we entered the living room.
Perched on the edge of a sofa, Wendy rose to greet me. She might have been a few years younger than Mum, but I immediately saw why they were both friends; the two of them were obviously of the same ilk. Wendy’s perfectly manicured nails were painted the same shade of red as her lipstick. Wearing cream wide-legged trousers and a simple black shirt, her attire was smart yet casual. And unlike the mess piled on top of my head, she didn’t have a hair out of place. “Pleased to meet you,” I said, standing there in scruffy jeans and a checked shirt.
“Tea?” Mum asked.
I took in the tray on the coffee table, upon which sat Mum’s best crockery and a plate of posh biscuits. “What’s the occasion?”
Mum flashed me a look, as if warning me not to embarrass her, and while I rolled my eyes for a second time, wondering what all the fuss was about, she indicated I take a seat on the sofa opposite Wendy’s.
“So, you’re getting married?” Wendy asked, through brilliant white teeth.
Her question came as no surprise. Having told the whole town about my engagement via her newspaper announcement, I didn’t doubt Mum had made it common knowledge within her social circle. “I am.”
Wendy tilted her head and smiled. “Have you set a date?”
Mum’s eyes widened in anticipation.
“Not yet. We’re thinking possibly sometime in September.”
“Really?” Mum clapped her hands together in excitement. “An autumn wedding.” She sighed, wistful. “How wonderful.”
