Chapter 21
TWENTY-ONE
The next morning, with goats and chickens fed at dawn so as not to bump into Cass or anyone else for that matter, Rita sat with her feet up on the window seat in the den, cradling a ginger tea, her eyes red from crying.
On seeing Kelly’s name flash up on the screen she grabbed her phone as if her life depended on it.
She had even been missing her irreverent mother-in-law, who had messaged late last night to say she was back at Eric’s place and would be coming home to the farm tomorrow.
‘Thank God, Kel. Where have you been?’
‘Reet, darling, what’s the matter? You just said to call, not that it was urgent. I showered and got ready for work and here I am.’
‘Everything is shit. I’ve hardly slept. Cass tried to kiss me, and I think Elodie saw and Sunday night was our fish supper night.’ Rita started to cry. ‘And I feel sick and I look like a bloater fish with features.’
Kel couldn’t help letting out a little laugh. ‘I’m sure you don’t. One sec, let me connect to the car. Can you hear me all right?’
‘Yes, yes. Oh, Kel, I can’t feel if a baby is in there.’ Rita sniffed and made a little wailing sound.
‘That’s because it’s the size of a pea,’ Kel said matter-of-factly. ‘What are you now –
eight weeks at most?’
‘Twelve, Kel, nearly twelve. I have my first scan tomorrow and I’m scared I’ll be on my own and I fucking hate Jago Jenken.’
‘Oh darling, why don’t you just tell him!’
‘Because that French bitch has been there for four days now and the storm was two days ago, so he’s got no excuse to get her out. And I’m high risk and geriatric and…’ Rita stopped in her tracks for a second and made a low groan.
‘And your hormones are having a full-on party,’ Kel said gently. ‘So, leave Jago today; you’re in no fit state to tackle him or her. Is your scan at Polheron General?’
‘Yes.’ Rita sniffed. ‘Three o’clock so I can get all the farm chores done first and I need to sort the Easter boxes for the weekend and… I haven’t done the food order yet for Zenya.’
‘Slow down, Reet. Can Zenya help you with the food order?’
‘Yes, but she’s busy and…’
‘Ask her. And I tell you what you are doing today.’
‘Go on.’ Rita reached for the tissue she had put up her sleeve earlier.
‘Nothing. You are resting. Teo and Zen can manage the group. Promise me.’
‘OK.’ Rita’s breathing became calmer.
‘And who’s this kissing Cass you mentioned? I want to know all the details.’
‘He’s young enough to be my son.’
Kelly laughed. ‘You lucky dog.’
‘Don’t!’ Rita wailed. ‘I miss Henry so much, too.’ She started full-on sobbing again.
‘Oh, God, oh, Reet. I’m sorry. It’s going to be all right, OK?’
Rita could barely catch her breath. ‘OK. I’m going to make myself a fish finger and Nutella sandwich and take myself to bed.’
‘OK, darling. I’m always here with an ear. I’ve doing a bikini wax at nine thirty, so I need to get into the salon. Love you, mate.’