Page 16 of Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘He’s someone I met through the craft events. He’s an artist, really talented. He does the most amazing seascapes in oils.’ There was a note of adoration in Eve’s tone.

‘Oh, Eve. Be careful, hun. Surely you can’t know this guy very well. It’ll just be some crush. And, what about Ben and Amelia and everything you have together? You’re a family. A lovely family.’ Rachel couldn’t bear to think of the implications for their fabulous little unit. She loved them all dearly.

‘I know, I know. I’m married to Ben … and we used to be so close. And it scares me too, and I don’t know how I’ve got to feeling this way …’ Her voice had dropped to a whisper as a big fat tear plopped down on her lap. ‘But I do.’

Rachel held her friend’s hand, concerned for her and her family. ‘Maybe you and Ben have just got a bit stuck in a rut,’ she said gently, but with a note of warning too. ‘Maybe you need some time as a couple. I’ll look after Amelia, if you want a night away or something …’

‘Yeah, well, maybe we do take each other a bit for granted. We have had a bit of a wobble lately. But, this guy – Aiden – it’s like we’ve got so much in common. He’s creative, and he’s enthusiastic about my crafts. For Ben, my business is all just a big mess taking up space in the dining room, and my time.’

Oh dear, Eve seemed to have it bad. ‘Eve, it’s got to be different living with someone day to day, I’m sure. Life’s not always glamorous and romantic, is it?’ In fact, Rachel had it all to find out. She hadn’t even had a chance to move in with Tom yet, wanting to keep things simple for Maisy up until now. But she was realistic and knew it couldn’t always be plain sailing. ‘Don’t do anything stupid, hun. Promise me.’

‘I won’t … I won’t.’ It was as though Eve was trying to convince herself. She went quiet for a few seconds. ‘Rachel, you can’t tell anyone. Not even Tom.’

‘Of course, I won’t.’

‘It’s just … if Ben found out, even this much, that might be it. I don’t think it would ever be the same again between us.’ She sounded so afraid.

‘I promise. It’s our secret. And you keep talking to me … and keep thinking of your family, Eve. Don’t let yourself get swept up in something you might live to regret.’

‘Ah-huh.’ Eve’s fingers were shaking inside Rachel’s palm.

Rachel gave her friend a warm hug. ‘Hey, petal, let’s get to bed and get some sleep, hey. Things’ll work out somehow.’

‘Yeah …’

They both slid down under the covers.

‘Night, Eve.’

‘Night, Rach.’

Rachel held Eve’s hand gently beneath the duvet as she waited for her to drift off to sleep. Two friends lying side by side, one about to embark on her marriage journey, the other several years in and finding herself drifting on a turbulent tide.

Something New

Jill’s Hen-Do Tiramisu

A lovely and easy new recipe for you to try!

Ingredients

2 eggs, separated (please be aware this recipe does contain raw egg)

4 tablespoons golden caster sugar

250g (9oz) mascarpone cheese

125ml (4½fl. oz) fresh strong coffee

4 tablespoons Marsala

125g (4½oz) sponge fingers/boudoir biscuits

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Method

Top tip – make in advance and leave the flavours to develop.