always do and say what I think is best for you and right now I don’t like the way they are behaving.’
‘You’re right, Tash; it is my fault, the way I brought them up. I thought that hiding things from them was the best course of action, but it wasn’t. They are young adults who don’t know how to trust because what they trusted was a mirage and that’s all my fault.’
‘But that’s just it, Kate. It’s not all your fault, it’s all Mark’s fault actually, and I wish they would realise that. I try to do everything in my power to support you, Kate, and make you happy. You’re my best friend in the whole world and it kills me to see how much you suffer when the solution is so simple. Just one visit, that’s all it would take. I don’t think they’re being fair.’
Kate hugged her mate. ‘You are my best friend too. They will come eventually, Tash. I know it.’
Kate bit her bottom lip. She had to believe that was true.
‘I’m sure you’re right. I forget sometimes what you have been through, that while I’ve been working away you’ve been in prison. It’s because you seem to cope so well and are so resilient, I just forget.’
‘I forget too sometimes. It’s like I’ve blanked out large chunks of my life. The time in jail neither flew by nor dragged particularly; it was a bit like a pregnancy or a long school holiday – felt like an eternity at the beginning, but now it’s over seems to have passed doubly quick. I find it hard to remember the detail of my life in there; I can only recall how much I missed the kids.’ Tash squeezed her friend’s hand. ‘It was also a haven of sorts, a relief not to be gut-wrenchingly terrified all the time. I could watch the clock hands whizz towards bedtime without feeling petrified. And life inside was actually quite easy, not what you might think. There was no scrubbing concrete steps with a toothbrush or having to peel a never-ending mountain of potatoes whilst sat on a cold, concrete floor…’
There was a silence while both women considered how to continue.
‘Do you really hope I never become a mother?’
‘Yes, but only because of your horrendous dress sense and non-conformist ideas. The poor kid would be a weirdo!’
The two laughed. They were back on track.
‘I’ve thought of names for if I ever do have kids…’
‘Oh you have to tell me!’
‘Well, for a boy I like Radar and a girl, Philadelphia.’
‘Philadelphia, like the cheese?’ Kate roared.
‘No, like the city!’
‘Radar and Philadelphia? I rest my case, poor little weirdos.’
Janeece poked her head round the door and was relieved to find the two of them laughing.
‘Sorry to interrupt, but Tom from the pub is downstairs.’
Kate noticed that Tom had spruced himself up, shaved his stubble and flattened his unruly hair. Her feet had barely touched the bottom stair when he fired his question at her.
‘Were you serious about a job, Kate?’
‘Depends, what did you have in mind?’ Kate wondered what his skills were.
‘I’m a trained chef and I’ve worked in the local hotels since I left school, doing every job you can think of. For the last couple of years I’ve mainly been mending fences, building walls and painting, but I prefer working inside. I’d like to be your cook and housekeeper. I reckon I can keep a few bedrooms shipshape and rustle up good breakfasts and meals for all your guests.’
Kate looked him in the eye. ‘Can you promise me, Tom, that I will never, ever, ever have to wash a sheet or make a bed for the rest of my life?’
‘Yes, I can do that, no problem.’
Kate held out her hand. ‘Then welcome aboard, Tom!’
‘When shall I start?’
‘You just did. Four coffees and a plate of biccies please, and then the four of us can figure out how this place is going to work.’
Tom beamed and limped off to find the kitchen.
Ten years ago
Mark spooned the asparagus onto his plate and proffered the bowl to Lydia, who was sitting to his right.
‘So, Lyds, how’s the revision going?’
‘Not too bad. Struggling with Latin and Chemistry, but getting A stars in Art.’
‘That’s great, but art isn’t exactly a career choice, is it? I’m sure your brother could give you a hand, eh, Dom? There’s no point in having a good academic brain and not sharing it!’
Dominic glared at his father and gritted his teeth.