Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
N ina exhaled as she placed her mobile phone on the desk next to the cash till in Something Simple . She looked at the large pile of shocking pink sale tags and picked up a permanent marker to write on the new prices. Am I going to be able to pull the business around? she asked herself. She’d have to do that before the baby was born and until she had the scan, she wasn’t quite sure how long she had. Clearly, it would be only a matter of months. If it was a regular dress shop, it would be much easier to arrange cover while she was on maternity leave. She wanted to clear the current stock as soon as possible to release the funds to buy in the new.
Having updated ten dresses with their reduced price, she heard the chime of the door as it opened and turned around to find her mother coming over the threshold.
“What’s going on? Are you having a sale?” she asked, gesturing at the dress in the window which was on at half price.
“Yes, I’ve decided to sell the current stock and look at new affordable dresses, either bridal or occasion wear.”
“Have you discussed this with Dad?”
“No.” She hadn’t as she’d been avoiding him. He’d looked so glum when she’d popped down to his shop in the aftermath of the election for a coffee. It was as if it was he who had lost the seat on the council, not her. She realised when she was in there how little they had to say to each other; all their previous chat was centred around her council responsibilities.
Sumitra walked up to the till and dumped the large gold handbag she carried with her everywhere on a chair. “But you’re known for wedding dresses.”
“I know that, but I can’t keep the business as it is, without my allowance from the council it’s not viable to stay here without changes. I need an income.” She took a deep breath. There was obviously more to it, but she was putting off telling her.
“Have you spoken to Ethan about it? After all, you don’t need to work.”
“Ma, I want my own business. I can’t lose this shop as well as my seat.”
“I understand, you’re a Smith. Ambition runs through your veins.”
Nina felt a rush of emotion and blinked, attempting not to cry.
“What’s wrong? Oh my dear girl.” Sumitra put her arms around her.
Nina had planned on visiting her parents the following evening and telling them together in a peaceful environment about her pregnancy, not in the shop with the mid-week market outside in full swing. But now her mother was there, wanting answers as to why she was emotional, she had no choice. “Lock the door, Ma. I’ve something to explain.”
Sumitra pulled away. “Was it to do with the trip to Dr Gupta?”
“Yes.”
Sumitra swiftly locked the door and turned the sign to closed. “My darling, there’s not something wrong is there? My poor angel.”
Nina didn’t quite know how to answer her. It wasn’t wrong that she was pregnant, how could it be? By this time of her life she’d always imagined she would be a mother. It was a life goal. “Come and sit down, Ma.”
“You’re not seriously ill, are you?” she whispered.
“No, no, of course not.”
“You’re worrying me, tell me, what is it?” she asked, her warm brown eyes wide open.
Now that Nina was backed into a corner, she cast aside the long-winded explanation. “I’m pregnant.”
“Ah.” Sumitra dumped herself down in the chair. “Thank the Gods. I thought you were going to tell me some bad news.” She sat up in her seat. “And I was worried you were menopausal. This is most brilliant news. Maybe this is a sign that you should close the shop. Ethan can support you and you can enjoy motherhood as I did – as a stay-at-home mother.” Sumitra pulled out her handkerchief. “I’m so pleased, I really am.” She wiped her eyes and then studied Nina’s face. “What’s wrong, are you worried? You don’t look happy.” She touched her hand. “Is the baby okay?”
“I don’t know yet. Ethan is a bit shocked about my news and he wants us to move to Qatar.”
“Qatar?” Sumitra took in a sharp breath and her eyes shot open wide. “You tell me that at last I will be a grandmother and you’re moving thousands of miles away so I will be unable to bond with the baby?”
“Hopefully, I’m not moving. Ethan said he didn’t want children until we were much older.”
Sumitra shook her head. “It’s a bit late for that! Where is he?”
“He left within a day of being home, for Qatar. He’s already accepted a contract for a huge skyscraper.”
“He can travel between here and there. He’s always done that before. I’m here to help.” She stood up and gave Nina a hug. “It’s just the shock, dear. He’ll come around once the realisation has sunk in. He’s a good man. He’s always stood by you.”
Nina swallowed hard, not wanting to admit that Ethan thought she was having a termination.
“I bet Christine is over the moon!”
Nina didn’t want Sumitra to tell Ethan’s mother. “He’s not spoken to her yet. He’ll be back in two weeks and then we can have a proper chat about our future plans. We’re keeping it to ourselves at the moment and so must you and Dad. I’m having the scan tomorrow. I want to make sure everything is as it should be, before I move forward. It’s a shock to me too. I have to get used to the idea as well as Ethan.”
“Of course, and I will come to the scan with you. I can’t have you going alone.” She took Nina’s hand in hers.
“I’m taking Jaz.”
“Jasmine Swift? She’s not even a mother!”
“She is a mother, a stepmother. And a good one as well.” She pulled her hand away. “You can come to a later one.”
Sumitra nodded. “Well, hopefully Ethan will be here to go, but yes, if you have already said to Jaz, I accept that. Now, I take it you will tell Dad? I can’t keep it from him.”
“I was planning on telling you both together, but now that you know, it’s probably best that you tell him, but make sure he doesn’t worry about me. I’ve been given this child and I intend to do the best I can for it.”
“That’s my strong and perfect daughter. I am so proud of you.” Sumitra smiled. “It will all work out in the end; Ethan will come around to staying in the UK. And we will at last be able to spend the wedding fund we’ve been saving up.” She hugged her. “I’m so happy I could burst. I have to go as I have an appointment. I’ll see you soon.”
Nina exhaled slowly as her mother changed the sign to open and unlocked the door which chimed as she left. She knew she’d played down Ethan’s reaction, but she hoped with all her heart he would come around to the idea. She couldn’t imagine a life without him.