‘That’s terrible.’
‘Iknow, so now we are going to have to cancel.’
Lisa didn’t like to say she meant it was terrible for Pete’s mum, not when Felicity had had the holiday of a lifetime whipped out from under her before she had even felt the sand on her feet. ‘But isn’t there anyone else?’
‘No. Pete’s sister will have to look after his mum and Melissa’s away with friends until just after New Year. Shesaid once she’s home it’s no problem to have them until we’re back. It’s the worst timing ever. We can’t change the flights and we can’t leave the children home alone for three days until Melissa returns. We’re buggered. What a bloody disaster.’
‘Oh, Flick.’ Lisa took a deep breath in as a sudden realisation hit her. ‘What about me? I could do it.’ Her words sounded more confident thanshe felt, but it made sense.It’s just covering until Melissa gets back. You can do it!Lisa was supposed to be away and so knew she had no clients booked in, and while she would be sad to leave her parents earlier than expected it would be with the knowledge that they were all due to meet up again at Easter, when her parents would be flying home for a few months. It seemed a logical – if notentirely sensible given her childcare credentials – solution.
The line went silent. Lisa stared at the phone, wondering if the signal had gone. Finally she heard Felicity breathe. ‘Flick? Are you OK?’
‘That’s… I mean, really? Are you sure? Aren’t you in France until next week?’
‘Nathan said he could drive me. If you need me, Flick, I’ll be there.’ The words felt good tosay. She had absolutely no idea how to look after four children, but her friend needed her and she was determined to do her best not to let her down.
Felicity burst into new tears, her sobs loud in Lisa’s ear.
‘Flick, it will be OK. I can do it.’Perhaps if I say it enough…
‘It’s not that, I know you can.’
Lisa couldn’t help but think Flick’s confidence was perhapsmisplaced, but she didn’t want to quash her optimism if it meant she would get on the plane and have her holiday. ‘Then what?’
‘I’m so pleased you’re back. I’ve missed you, Lisa. I forgot what it felt like to have you covering my back in a crisis.’
Lisa felt a tear run down her face.
