‘Things have changed. I forgot to mention it, sorry.’
She groans at him. ‘Can’t you swap shifts?’
‘No. We’re short-staffed, there’s nobody else available. Why did you say yes if you didn’t want to do it?’
‘I don’t know … She sounded desperate – I felt like I couldn’t refuse. And I hoped you’d be joining me. It’ll be so much easier with two of us. It’s such a responsibility, you know, looking after somebody else’s child.’
‘I’ll try to pop over on Sunday, how about that?’
‘Okay,’ she says, her voice sounding small. He moves forward and hugs her until she softens in his arms. ‘The thing is … something else is bothering me.’
‘What?’
‘I think Amber and George are having problems.’
He instantly pulls away. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Amber’s lying, I’m sure of it. She told me she was going on a yoga retreat this weekend – it’s so not her kind of thing. Something smells bad. I don’t want to be part of it.’
Lewis shrugs. ‘If you feel uncomfortable, just say no.’
‘I can’t let her down now.’ She sighs. ‘But I’m going to have to have a proper talk with her on Friday, find out what’s going on.’
‘I thought everything was okay after their romantic night away.’
‘So did I.’
‘But a yoga retreat, that’s good, isn’t it? Sounds like she’s finally doing something about the depression.’
Ruby shakes her head. ‘Two days of saluting the sun isn’t going to make the dark clouds disappear. It’s a long-term thing. She has to start by being honest – with George, me, Mum, everyone. But most of all, with herself.’
On Friday afternoon, Ruby takes the Overground to Waltham Green, having decided it wouldn’t be safe to leave her bike chained to the park railings for two days. She’s still worried about what’s going on behind the doors of number 74, but has decided not to confront Amber until she returns on Sunday, hopefully refreshed and relaxed.
She walks down the street, her small overnight bag bouncing against her back. The weather forecast is good – mild, dry and bright – ideal for long walks with Mabel. It’s a shame that Lewis can’t make it; she was looking forward to playing mummies and daddies with him, trying the idea on for size. Maybe he sensed that, she thinks as she approaches the house, and the sudden need to work is an excuse. Lewis can be so closed off. It’s hard to know what he’s thinking most of the time. And as for Amber and George, well, God knows what’s really going on there. Why do all the people in her life behave so obliquely? She’s heartily sick of it.
‘You’re late!’ says Amber, throwing open the front door.
‘No I’m not. You said two-ish.’
‘Yes, and it’s nearly three.’
Amber thumps up the stairs and Ruby follows, murmuring, ‘Thanks for coming, sis’ under her breath.
Amber gives her a torrent of instructions as she puts her coat on and zips up a small suitcase.
‘The spare key’s here,’ she says, pointing to the kitchen counter. ‘Put it back there, please, not in the flower pot.’
‘I didn’t—’ Ruby starts to protest, but her sister talks over her.
‘Mabel went down twenty minutes ago; don’t let her sleep for more than an hour or you’ll have problems later. If the landline rings, don’t answer, let it go to voicemail. Don’t contact George unless it’s an emergency and you can’t get hold of me first. I’ll have my phone on silent – I don’t think you’re allowed them on retreat, but hey. Text is probably better.’
Ruby folds her arms and gives Amber an exacting stare. ‘This is all sounding a bit cloak-and-dagger. George does know you’re leaving Mabel with me, right?’
‘I’ll be back Sunday afternoon. George won’t be back till the evening,’ Amber replies, sidestepping the question. ‘Gotta go. I’m supposed to be there in time for vegan supper, God help us,’ she scoffs, forgetting that Ruby is a vegan herself. ‘And thanks, I owe you big-time.’
‘Are you okay, Amber?’ Ruby searches her sister’s face for clues. ‘Only I’m worried about you, I feel like you’re—’
‘I’m fine!’ Amber snaps. ‘I can’t stay and chat – I’m going to hit the Friday traffic as it is.’
‘Okay. Drive safely.’
She tuts. ‘I always do.’ She picks up the case and thunders down the stairs.
Ruby waits until she hears the front door slam shut, then breathes out. So, she was right. George doesn’t know about the yoga retreat. But why the secrecy? What’s all this about?