CHAPTER34
‘There you are!’ Becky exclaimed as Christine arrived back. ‘I thought you’d been kidnapped.’
‘No, there’s just lots of good running spots around here,’ Christine replied. ‘It’s a pleasure to run somewhere where the air is so clean and the sights you see are just extraordinary… How are you, Tara?’
Tara peered down her sunglasses at Christine. Why was she being singled out? Had she suddenly grown horns? ‘Me? I’m grand.’
‘That’s good,’ she replied. ‘Just thought you looked a little glum.’
‘Do you want a drink?’ Becky asked, trying to draw Christine’s attention away from the recently dumped. The last thing anyone needed was Christine poking around in Tara’s emotional wound. ‘There’s some really nice juice in the kitchen.’
Christine smiled. ‘Sure. That would be great. I might take it upstairs; I need to shower.’
‘I’ll bring it up,’ Becky replied, pleased that Christine was being so amiable for once. Maybe the countryside was good for her. The stress of living and working in London could take its toll on anyone.
Pouring some fruit juice and ice into a glass, she made her way upstairs, hearing the shower running as she passed. Becky placed it on the dressing table and began looking for something to wear for the beach picnic.
At least I can get away with wearing a skirt, she thought.No one in their right mind would wear smart trousers to muck around on the sand. Or shoes. God, I think this might be the best evening ever.
She pulled out a long white cotton maxi dress, perfect for the occasion. Wide straps, with embroidered flowers and frills around the bottom of the skirt. She hadn’t worn this particular dress yet and she couldn’t wait to show it off.
‘Is that new?’ she heard Christine ask from behind her. She was tightly wrapped in a bath towel.
‘It is! Thought I’d wear it this evening for our last night. Make a bit of an effort, you know?’
Christine pulled on her robe, before removing the towel from underneath. Becky used to find her particular brand of modesty cute, but now it was just strange.I’m your girlfriend, she thought.Seeing you naked is kinda part of the deal.
‘Tara did look quite down,’ Christine reiterated. ‘Did I miss something?’
‘Aiden left,’ she informed Christine. ‘Broke up with Tara. That’s probably why you sensed she was a bit down. I guess anyone would be.’
‘How unfortunate,’ Christine replied. ‘Though I’m not convinced they were particularly right for each other. I’m sure she’ll be fine, she seems resourceful.’
‘She’s pretending she’s alright, but it must be really tough for her.’
Christine pulled on her underwear, moving over beside Becky and her new dress.
‘It’s very girly,’ Christine replied, inspecting it closely. ‘It’ll show quite a lot of your bare arms, won’t it? Glad to see you’re dealing with your body issues, well done. Very brave.’
As Christine turned to open the drawers, Becky found herself glowering at the back of her head. Body issues? She didn’t have body issues! She didn’t care that the tops of her arms were a little chunky, in fact she hadn’t even noticed until Christine had pointed it out while comparing to her own.
‘And what will you be wearing?’ she asked Christine. ‘Did you bring anything other than slacks and running shorts?’
‘Hmm, I did bring some wide-legged, linen trousers,’ she replied. ‘I’m sure they’ll be fine. No need to go overboard, it’s just dinner.’
Becky realised that regardless of how amiable Christine tried to appear, deep down she didn’t give two shits about anyone else except herself.
* * *
Alex, faced still mushed into her pillow, heard a knock at her door.
If I pretend I’m asleep, they’ll go away, she thought.I’m really not in the mood for company.
‘Moran! Unlock the door, please.’
Alex lifted the pillow off her face. It was Tara. Why was Tara suddenly at her door?Oh God, this can’t be good.Her pulse began to race as she sat up in bed, wondering whether to open the door or escape out the window. Steeling herself, she reached over and opened her door.
‘Look at the state of this,’ Tara said, pointing to her hair as she invited herself into Alex’s room. ‘I look like I’ve been playing on the power lines.’
