Friday December 15th
Of course Oliver agreed to going away for Christmas, he was just as thrilled about it as I was.
‘But wait! That means we’ll miss our neighbours’ Christmas party,’ he said sadly. ‘You sure about this?’
‘What? The party we hear every second of, even though we’re never invited? You betcha.’
Oliver laughed. ‘I hope this year they get arrested for their terrible taste in music. A man can only hear “Stay Another Day” so many times before he snaps.’
I sniggered. ‘They’ve also been playing “7 Years” on a loop for months. That’s the kind of motive no jury would convict.’
Molly, on the other hand, was concerned that Santa wouldn’t know we’ve gone away and she’ll wake up with no presents.
‘I’ll email him,’ I reassured her. ‘Give him the new address.’
‘Santa has email?’
‘Of course he does. He’s very modern. I’m pretty sure he also has Instagram but it’s on private.’
She bought it. I’m the best liar ever.
Sunday December 17th
I finished my book last night and now I am in need of new reading material, so I cornered Oliver in the kitchen, armed with a list of authors I love and which books of theirs I haven’t read yet. Subtle, but I think he took the hint.
Friday December 22nd
Molly finished early today for her Christmas holidays, proudly carrying a small selection box that her teacher had given her. On the way home I stopped at the shop to buy dinner and we bumped into Sarah Ward-Wilson, struggling to keep her four children in check while she loaded up her car. Of course, the moment she saw me, the fake smile appeared in a flash.
‘Oh hello, Phoebe. I was so sorry to hear about you losing your job . . . and during the festive period. How awful.’
Who the fuck saysfestive period? Fuck off, Dickens.
‘It’s fine actually,’ I replied, collecting my trolley. ‘We’re all heading off for Christmas anyway. We’ll still have a wonderful time. How’s Frank?’
She looked at her feet. ‘Well, Frank and I – we had a lovely time but he just wasn’t the man for me. And well, I have the kids to think of and—’
‘You dumped him because he got made redundant. Didn’t you?’
‘NO! Not exactly. Look, we’re selling the house and I can’t be expected to support everyone on what my ex-husband gives me, now can I?’
‘Ex-husband?’
She nodded. ‘He’s started divorce proceedings.’
I started to laugh. ‘You stupid woman. You know how much Frank is worth, right? How much his father left him in the will?’
She looked confused. ‘What will?’
‘Oh. He didn’t tell you? Smart move on his part.’
‘Phoebe, what on earth are you talking about?’ I could see her getting more anxious by the second.
‘Let’s just say that Frank didn’t need to work. In fact, Frank doesn’t need to work ever again. Big mistake, Sarah.’
I immediately saw her brain kick into action. How much was he worth? What should she say when she called him, telling him she’d been too hasty?
‘And I’ll be texting him shortly, telling him to expect your call. And to ignore it, you gold-digging little worm.’
