Chapter 29
TWENTY-NINE
Jasmine stuck a finger in each ear, waggling them in an exaggerated manner. She was the first of the friends to speak. ‘You what? Did I hear right or are my lug ’oles deceiving me? Did you just say what I thought you said?’
‘Stells? Are you being serious?’ asked Maggie.
Florrie’s eyes went to Stella’s wine glass, noting the liquid was paler than that in the others. Stella caught her looking. ‘It’s water. I was the first here, told Tim behind the bar I was on antibiotics so couldn’t drink alcohol.’
‘I’m totally gobsmacked.’ Jasmine looked from the glass to Stella in disbelief.
‘Aww, Stells, I thought I was picking up something about you, but I was so concerned about Florrie’s situation, it totally threw me.’ Lark beamed. ‘I’m absolutely thrilled for you.’
‘How long have you known and when’s the baby due?’ asked Florrie. ‘Oh, and what does Al think?’
‘I found out last Sunday when we got home after the salsa lesson. And in answer to your question about what Al thinks, he’s over the moon.’ The smile on the usually cool Stella’s face told Florrie all she needed to know.
‘Blimey, I’ve got so many questions, but I can’t even ask them until I’ve got my head around this shocker.’ Jasmine laughed.
‘In that case, let me help,’ Stella said with an amused expression. ‘It’s very early days, I’m only six weeks’ pregnant, so please, not a word to anyone – naturally, I was desperate to tell you lot! I’ve calculated that the baby’s due at Christmas.’
‘Ooh, another Christmas baby, like little Lucy!’ Maggie clapped her hands together.
‘What does your mum think?’ asked Florrie.
‘I’m not gonna lie, she was shocked at first—’
‘She’s not the only one; you’ve always said you didn’t want kids, Stells,’ added Jasmine.
‘Fair point,’ Stella acknowledged. ‘But once it sank in, she was thrilled. Me too, actually.’
‘Dare I ask how all this is going to fit in with your life as a busy barrister?’ asked Florrie. She knew how important Stella’s career was to her, and how hard she’d worked to build her practice and her reputation.
‘As it’s so early in my pregnancy, I haven’t discussed it with chambers yet, but at the moment, and after discussing it with Al, I’m going to take a few months’ maternity leave, and then go back part-time until the baby starts school.
Obviously both Al and I are self-employed so we can work around the baby.
My mum’s offered to help out, too. She’s so excited about becoming a grandma and wants to be hands-on, as does Al. ’
‘Wow! I can’t believe I’m hearing all of this from the woman who thought all kids were the spawn of the devil and to be avoided at all costs.’ Jasmine chuckled.
‘Apart from yours and Maggie’s,’ said Stella. ‘Your kids are the exception; they’re gorgeous.’
‘Hmm. They have their moments.’ Despite her words, pride shone in Jasmine’s eyes.
The night progressed with the friends chattering and laughing.
Florrie sat back, glad she’d decided against staying at home.
She’d checked her phone and sent her mum a text, asking after her dad, pleased and relieved in equal measure to hear he was doing well.
She’d exchanged a couple of texts with Ed, too.
He seemed to be enjoying himself with the lads at The Cellar.
When the end of the evening arrived, and Mandy rang last orders at the bar with her good hand, Maggie said, ‘So, as you know, we put you on notice that we have another hen do celebration for you planned for Sunday. This one’s our Jazz’s idea, and all we can say is wear something you’d go for a walk in and wrap up warm – maybe have a waterproof handy. ’
‘No more clues than that?’ asked Florrie.
‘Nope,’ said Stella. ‘Well, other than one of us will call for you at half ten.’
‘Ey up, have you seen who’s just walked in?’ said Maggie, nudging Florrie with her elbow.
They all turned, following her line of sight to see Ando Taylor wearing his usual attire of baseball cap turned back to front, his battered leather jacket and ripped jeans. But what had caught Maggie’s attention was the young woman making moon eyes at him.
‘I reckon from your description that’s her: his paramour,’ said Stella, peering around Lark.
‘I reckon you’re right, Stells,’ said Florrie. ‘And from the way she’s looking at him, I’d say she’s got a major crush on him.’
‘Doesn’t she just?’ said Maggie. ‘And for once, he’s not rolling drunk and making a turkey of himself.’
‘Bless, I’m happy for him,’ Lark said softly.
‘Me too,’ agreed Florrie, as Ando looked in the direction of their table and nodded a hello.
‘There’s a lot of love in the air here tonight.’ Lark smiled over to where Jean and Amery were sitting.
Florrie followed her gaze. ‘Looks like the stars have aligned for quite a few folk recently.’ The friends looked on as Amery raised Jean’s hand to his mouth and lay a gentle kiss on it, a collective ‘Ahh’ following.