AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s fromOliver and Company,” I declare proudly.
Her frown deepens. “Oliver and Company?”
“You know,that song by Billy Joel? He voiced Dodger in the 1988 movie.”
“Um, no. I’m not familiar with it.” In an effort to pacify me, she adds, “That’s a cool T-shirt, though. I love the font.”
Deflated, I close my cardigan and remind myself that I’m a thirty-six year old woman with a geeky cartoon obsession. How can I possibly expect Jill to relate?
There’s a short, uncomfortable silence. To change the subject, I ask her how her twins are doing.
“Oh, they’re great,” she enthuses. “Gavin and I took them to London Zoo at the weekend. We had so much fun. They particularly liked the gorillas, even though they were a little scared of them. Look, I’ll show you some pictures …” Proudly, she leans across the desk and flicks through her smartphone. “Aren’t they just adorable?”
I take the phone and rest my gaze on a photo of two gorgeous four year olds. “My goodness, they’ve grown so big!”
“I know. Crazy, isn’t it?”
“They’re absolutely beautiful.” I flick though a couple more pictures, coo some more, then hand her back the phone. “I forgot to say, I’ve got a little present for you.”
“Oh, no, you shouldn’t have!”
Reaching beneath the desk, I retrieve a large carrier bag.
“What’s this?” she asks, taking it from me.
“It’s just a little something I made for the twins.”
Excitedly, Jill rips it open and pulls out a pair of crocheted teddy bears. With a joyful squeal, she reaches over and gives me a clumsy one-armed hug. “Oh my gosh, Carly, these are absolutely gorgeous. Did you really make them yourself?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Get out of here. I didn’t know you were so talented.”
I beam at the compliment, feeling suddenly bashful. “I-I just thought it would be nice to give them something special. Something nobody else has.”
“Oh, honey, you’re an angel. A perfect angel. Thank you. The twins are going to love them.”
I’m smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. The teddies have gone down a treat, and I’m pleased my two weeks of non-stop crocheting has paid off. The glow in Jill’s face has made it all worth it.
I love making people happy.
She tucks a hair behind her ear and clears her throat. “Hey listen, what are you doing this Saturday?”
“Saturday?” I wring my hands and start to get a sick feeling. I can guess where this conversation’s heading. “Er, nothing. Why? Have you got something planned?”
“It’s my fortieth birthday, and I’m having a little get-together. Nothing too fancy, just a few old friends I haven’t seen in ages. I promise it won’t be a late one. We’ll probably just go for a meal in Nando’s, then maybe on to a bar or something. I’d love it if you could come.”
I grin insipidly. “Um, yeah, sounds great. What time on Saturday?”
“Shall we say seven o’clock? The girls have a loose plan to meet at London Bridge and take it from there.” I nod vigorously. Jill pauses, her blue eyes scrutinising my face. “Are you sure you’re definitely coming?”
“Of course! Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” I laugh but inside I’m crying. I don’t have the heart to tell Jill her well-meaning invitation has ruined my whole week. How can I make her understand that I like my Saturdays to myself? That I need to be free to indulge my hobbies, namely crocheting, watching movies and trawling the Net for Disney memorabilia? How can I explain the mere thought of socialising turns my blood cold? That the idea of meeting new people and having to strike up conversations scares me to death.
“So, I’ll see you Saturday?” Jill says hopefully.
I compress my lips. “Mmm.”
“Definitely?”
