‘But I’m not too busy, not really. I’m just horrible—’
‘Horrible? Why?’ Felicity looked at Lisa, a frown reflecting her confusion.
‘Because I should have been a better friend and just said—’
‘Said what?’
Lisa picked up her wine and took a drink before meeting Felicity’s eyes. ‘I hate running.’
Felicity began to giggle at Lisa’s confession.
‘No, I’m serious. I mean really hate it. It’s just not for me. I’m sorry … Don’t laugh.’
Felicity attempted to compose herself in readiness to speak. ‘Sorry … I mean I’m not. But, Lisa, you don’t have to come running with me. Why didn’t you just say? I don’t mind going alone – I actually went out for a short run the other evening.’
‘Oh, Flick, I—’
‘Lisa, it doesn’t matter. Running is something I want to do; it really doesn’t matter if you don’t want to come too. I want to do it, for me.’
‘But I thought—’
‘What? That I wouldn’t be your friend if you didn’t run with me? We’re not at school any more.’
‘No. I thought … I thought I’d be letting you down. I’m here for you; you know that, don’t you? No matter what.’
Felicity smiled. ‘I do, really I do. But you don’t have to do things you don’t want to do to prove it, or to tiptoe round things to protect my feelings. God knows Pete did that enough after I lost Mum. Just say it how it is. That’s what friends do.’
Lisa smiled. ‘Honesty. I like that.’ She lifted her glass. ‘Here’s to being there and being honest.’
Felicity raised her glass and drankdown the rest of her orange juice.
Lisa put her drink down and smiled. ‘You know, I could get a bike and ride along next to you. Maybe use one of those loudhailer things and encourage you along like a coxswain.’
‘Bog off, I want to go running for peace!’ Felicity’s phone rang and she ignored it. ‘You see, no peace, and that’s what I really need.’
‘Well, don’t forget we have our birthdaytrip to France to look forward to. When we’re away you can have all the peace you want. For the weekend anyway.’
‘Yes. I can’t wait. I’m looking forward to it so much. Not the turning-thirty part – I could do without that. But the holiday and the you, me and your parents’ chalet for the weekend part. It sounds perfect. A year ago, I would never have imagined we’d be friends again and celebratingour thirtieth birthdays together.’
‘Me either and now look at us. A birthday weekend planned, and our men joining us for the rest of the week after. Bliss!’
‘Hmm, you have remembered Pete’s bringing the children too, haven’t you? Bliss might not be the word for it.’
‘You know I love your children.’
‘I hope you’re still saying that after the week is up. And you’re sure your mumknows we’re all staying too? Only I remember, chaos and mess were never exactly her favourite things.’
‘She is absolutely fine with it. She’s mellowed a bit since we were younger, and besides, she’ll be back in England, so what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.’ Lisa laughed.
Felicity’s phone rang, again. ‘Honestly, you’d think Pete could cope without calling.’ She rolled her eyes pickingup the call as it went to voicemail.
Lisa watched as the colour drained from her friend’s cheeks. ‘Flick, what is it?’
‘It’s Sue.’
‘Is she OK?’
‘She won’t be. I’m going to bloody kill her.’
