After much deliberation, Erin phoned in an order for two lobsters, a dozen oysters on ice, two fish and chips, scallops, a scampi, and a vegetable risotto for Becky.
‘This is an outrageously expensive takeaway,’ Beth declared. ‘You’re certainly not paying for it. Let me transfer you some cash.’
‘God, yes,’ Aiden agreed. ‘It’s very extravagant.’
‘Totally,’ Becky joined in, reaching for her phone.
‘Please don’t,’ Erin pleaded. ‘It’s my pleasure.’
Beth reluctantly conceded. People splurging made her feel uncomfortable, especially when she was the recipient of such a grand gesture. She knew she’d never make as much money as Erin or Alex, but she didn’t want to take advantage of that either.
‘Well, at least let me set the table outside while you’re gone,’ she offered, feeling like Annie in the Warbucks mansion.
‘I’ll help,’ Tara said. She could sense Beth’s uneasiness. ‘Can’t have you tumbling over with a dish in your hand.’
‘I’ll come and give you a hand with the food,’ Paul said. ‘That’s a lot to carry for one person.’
‘Great,’ Erin replied. ‘There are lobster crackers in the kitchen somewhere, you might need to rummage a bit. Shouldn’t be too long!’
Trying to set a table for eight with a leg brace and a stick was much harder than Beth anticipated, still she powered through as best she could. She found that sitting and organising one side at a time seemed to work best.
‘I’ve never known anyone who actually owns lobster crackers,’ Tara mentioned, passing them to Beth. ‘I mean, how often does a person actually eat lobster?’
‘She does live by the sea,’ Beth remarked, placing them in the middle of the patio table.
‘And I live near a duck pond, doesn’t mean I eat foie gras every week.’
‘Not sure that’s quite the same but I see your point.’
‘I felt bad back there,’ Tara said, helping Beth with the plates. ‘You, Aiden and Becky all offering to pitch in, while the rest of us didn’t even bat an eyelid.’
‘That’s because you all have money,’ Beth replied.
‘True, though I certainly don’t have nearly as much as the others. I guess when you’re around money all the time, you just don’t think about it. It’s kind of gross, actually.’
‘Perhaps. I just didn’t want Erin to think I was taking the piss. I’d have been happy with a kebab!’
Tara sat down beside Beth. ‘You always were a good person. Bossy but really kind and thoughtful. I’m glad to see that hasn’t changed.’
Beth felt caught off guard by Tara’s heartfelt remarks and began to well up. Finally, someone who noticed that she was still the same person inside. This was what she needed to hear.
Tara noticed Beth’s eyes glistening.
‘Jesus, don’t cry. I take it back, you’re not bossy.’
‘I am,’ Beth replied. ‘But thank you. I think I needed to hear that.’
* * *
‘Tara’s made Beth cry,’ Alex announced as she peered through the kitchen window at the patio area. ‘Oh, never mind, now they’re hugging. Panic over.’
‘She can be brutal,’ Aiden said, appearing at the kitchen door. ‘Need a hand with anything? Becky and Christine have gone upstairs.’
‘Not really,’ she replied. ‘To be honest, I’m not really doing anything. I’m just trying to look busy. Is it working?’
He grinned. ‘Absolutely. I was convinced there was work being done in here.’
‘Excellent.’
