Page 13 of The Silent Appeal

3:25 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Yes.

3:27 p.m. Denise wrote:

Perhaps you can clear something up for me. She’s lived in Bermuda for twenty years. Shouldn’t she have a better tan?

3:27 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Barbados. Sunscreen.

3:29 p.m. Denise wrote:

I’m working tables 9–17 but I can ask my coworker to swap so I can serve you.

3:30 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Please don’t.

3:43 p.m. Denise wrote:

I’ve asked chef to pop a couple of extra sandwiches on your plate.

3:44 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Thank you.

3:51 p.m. Denise wrote:

I wouldn’t eat the mini cheesecakes. They’ve been in the fridge since before Christmas.

3:52 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Too late.

4:11 p.m. Denise wrote:

Order champagne and you qualify for the special New Year offer. I can amend your bill from my iPad.

4:15 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

No champagne. We’re here for a sober chat, away from work, family, childcare, etc. I need to reconnect with my younger sister after a very long time apart.

4:19 p.m. Denise wrote:

Of course! How lovely. Do you know the urinals here are the original ceramics from 1920? They’re beautiful. Well worth a trip to the loo just to see them.

4:19 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

The gents?

4:20 p.m. Denise wrote:

You are funny SJ! How’s little Sammy?

4:20 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Thriving. I can’t text right now, Denise, I’m with Nicky-Rose.