Chapter 84
Chapter eighty-four
Tanya poured more wine into Rosa’s glass. The bottle clinked softly against the rim, and the wine caught the lamplight as the level rose. “So, in the space of a month, you’ve gone from single and celibate to getting married, and you don’t think there’s a need to celebrate?”
Rosa sat back. “I said there wasn’t a need to get drunk. That’s a very different matter.”
Tanya smirked and mirrored Rosa’s posture—relaxed, happy, smiling. “You’re having a hen night, though, right?”
“I’m not sure that I am. Billy wants to, but I’ve always thought they’re a little bit…
old-fashioned, and we have mutual friends, so…
what? They’re forced to go to two, or we’re forced to share the night?
” She pulled a face. “I’d rather just come around here and have a glass or two with my friend and watch a film if I’m honest.”
They both sipped their drinks. The radiator ticked behind them and the film menu glowed on the telly, forgotten.
“I suppose when you put it like that, maybe there could be a celebratory meal or something. A casual get-together of your closest friends. Nothing saucy or over the top.”
“God, if anyone tried to make me wear something horrid like a bride-to-be sash, I think I’d die and unfriend them on the spot.”
Tanya laughed and pretended to cancel something on her phone. “No bride-to-be sash, check.” She put the phone down. “And how are things with Imogen now you’re back home?”
“Imogen is having the time of her life.” Rosa smiled. “She’s got everything she wants.”
“That’s all we can want for our kids, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Rosa mused. “But I’m still on the fence about the uni decision.” She placed the glass down. “I know playing football is an opportunity, but I’d hoped she’d have gone to university.”
“There is always time for that,” Tanya said. “She’ll get there in her own way, same as you did.” She paused, then added, “Bath Street Harriers. A proper WSL team. She’s gonna be a star.”
Rosa rolled the stem of her glass between her fingers, picked it back up, then took a sip she didn’t need.
“What’s wrong?” Tanya asked.
“Nothing. I just… I guess you’re right. It’s all happening so fast, isn’t it? My life is changing before my eyes. And I guess I’m a little annoyed about the wasted years.”
“They weren’t wasted—they were needed. Without that space, Billy would never have been able to find her own way, and you needed to find yourself, too.”
“Yes, but Imogen had so many years with just me, and then half-in with Billy, and now she’s virtually an adult herself when she finally gets the family she deserved the whole time.”
“We can’t live with what-ifs and maybes,” Tanya said.
Rosa sat up. “You’re right. I need to let it all go and just focus on what I do have.
A wonderful partner, who has bettered herself and become everything I always hoped she would.
A daughter who will either become an international footballer or a criminal mastermind—I’m on the fence with that one.
” Rosa chuckled. “And friends who are always on my side.”
“Amen to that.” Tanya raised her drink to meet Rosa’s. Glass met glass with a clean little chime.
“Amen to that,” Rosa echoed, smiling.
“So, you’ve picked a date…I can finally buy a new hat.”
“And I need a dress, so…shopping?”