Chapter 67
Chapter sixty-seven
“Did you call Meredith?” Rosa asked, plating two pieces of toast and pushing them towards Imogen, who now sat at the table in her school uniform.
Imogen grabbed a half slice and chomped into it. “Yeah, no answer, though.”
“Hm, that’s odd. She’s usually up by now.” Rosa frowned, but the next round of toast popped and she twisted around to grab it and plate it for herself.
She took a seat opposite Imogen and reached for the butter.
“I’ll just wait and let her call me back,” Imogen said, sticking her knife into the open jar of strawberry jam. “She knows my rota better than me.”
“Probably a good plan,” Rosa said, smearing butter that melted instantly. “Oh, your…Ma asked if we’d like to have dinner at hers this weekend, Saturday.”
“Really? Of course, that would be nice, don’t you think?”
“I thought you’d like it, so I did already agree.”
“Great.” Imogen grinned, a plan already forming in her mind. She glanced at Rosa from under her lashes, trying to hide her grin. “Oh, shoot…I forgot, Robbie invited me over to help her with some revising for mocks.”
“I’ll rearrange for another day then.”
“No…why? I mean…it will still be nice, won’t it? Someone else cooking for you.” She tried to keep her tone casual, but the hint of mischief lingered.
“Yes, but—”
“I know, you’re both doing it for me, but does it hurt that you’re friends again now?”
“I’m not sure that’s the point,” Rosa said, desperately trying not to give away the fact that she would absolutely be heading over to Billy’s on Saturday if Imogen was going to be at Robbie’s. “Anyway, you’ll have to eat that in the car, otherwise you’re going to be late.”
Imogen pushed the last bite into her mouth and picked up the other slice as she stood up. “Just think about it, you and Bill—I mean, Ma. It’s just dinner. Not like a date or anything.” She smiled innocently before turning to the hall to pick up her coat and bag.
Rosa paused, composed herself, and tried not to think about the previous evening, when a date had been nothing short of perfect.
They’d just pulled up at the gates when Rosa’s phone rang—a local number she didn’t recognise.
“Hello?”
“Oh, hello, is this Ms Cafferty, Imogen’s mum?” The woman’s voice was cheerful. Imogen, who had been halfway out of the car and ready to dash off, stopped all movement and stared wide-eyed at Rosa.
“It is, yes.”
“Fantastic, always worry I’ve dialled the wrong number.” The voice continued, “My name is Josie. I’m an admin assistant here at Bath Street Harriers, and it’s my pleasure to invite you and Imogen to come in next week and discuss the opportunity of joining our new academy.”
Imogen squealed, bouncing in her seat and grabbing Rosa’s arm, eyes shining with excitement as she covered her mouth.
“That is amazing. I’ll have to check my diary and speak with Imogen’s other parent. Can I get back to you on this number?”
“Absolutely. I’ll be putting the formal invitation in the post.”
“Thank you. I’ll be in touch.” Rosa smiled before disconnecting the call and turning to face Imogen. “Clever girl! You’re in.”
“Ah, I’m too excited now!” Imogen laughed and threw herself back into the seat, then she spotted Robbie and Janka. “I need to tell Robbie and Janka.” She turned quickly to Rosa. “Will you tell Ma?”
“I will, yes.” Imogen opened the door and stepped out. “And Imogen?”
Her head poked back inside the car. “Yeah?”
“I’m so proud of you.”
“Me too.” She laughed. “See you tonight.”
And then she rushed off, and Rosa watched as she spoke quickly, her friends intensely listening, then the eruption as all three jumped and bounced with her excitement.
“You girls are going places,” she said to herself, then noticed the time. “And so am I—to work.” She laughed.
Rosa pressed the buttons on her phone for Billy’s number and hit call. It rang and rang, with no answer. Rosa disconnected. Billy likely at work already, probably in a meeting, she thought. She’d get the missed call.