Chapter 26 #2
Lucy: Oh, Noah. I’m sorry you couldn’t work it out.
Noah: At least now I’ve got a clean break. And now I’ve got time to be alone. If there was ever a time for me to get to know myself, being stuck alone in a global pandemic is probably it, right?
Lucy: I guess so. So what have you learned so far?
Noah: That I’m shit at making banana bread, and I don’t like drinking alone.
Lucy: I tried to make a sourdough starter, but decided it used so much flour to feed it so now I just make pancakes instead.
Noah: Pancakes. Suddenly that bubbling up doesn’t sound so bad.
Lucy: Too bad I’m with my dad and Tania.
Noah: How’s that going?
Lucy: Better than being alone. Sorry, no offence.
Noah: None taken. My parents tried to get me to go to theirs. And Paul and Amy, of course – I think they wanted a live-in babysitter – but it’s good for me. I’ve never lived on my own and it’s kind of liberating.
Paul and Amy have joined.
Amy: Oh my god, sorry guys. Patrick threw an almighty strop because we wouldn’t let him sleep in his den and then they all kicked off and—
Paul: Here’s your drink. How are we all?
Lucy: Good, thanks.
Noah: Yeah, good.
Paul:
Great stuff, great stuff. Now have I found the quiz for you.
WhatsApp messages – Amy to Lucy: January 2021
Amy:
I can’t do this again. Not another bloody lockdown. I’m not strong enough for home-schooling again. Are you going to your dad’s, or can I live with you????
Lucy:
Actually Andrew’s moving in this time. Guess it’s one way to test a relationship!
Amy:
Yes, at least something good’s coming out of all this!
WhatsApp messages – Girls: April 2021
Caz:
Some news … Nick and I just got married. Just the two of us! Sorry, couldn’t face the whole Zoom wedding thing but just know if these were normal times you’d have all been with us. We’re going to have the mother of all parties for this when we can.
Lucy:
You guys!! You melt my heart. I’m so happy for you. Although you better have that party because there’s no way we’re not celebrating this.
WhatsApp messages – Lucy /Amy: May 2021
Lucy:
I’ve just had Mum over to sit in the garden for tea!!!!!!
Amy:
That’s amazing!!!!!
Lucy:
She of course flirted with Andrew. But we’ll gloss over that …
WhatsApp messages – Uni group: November 2021
Amy:
So we’ve been trying to work out a plan for a Christmas do. We’re going to borrow a gazebo from Paul’s parents. We figure we could fire up the BBQ and all bring blankets?
Lucy, will you be bringing Andrew?? And Noah, would you have a plus one? Just trying to work out if we’ll be able to fit all the chairs in the gazebo or if we need to buy anything bigger.
Paul:
We’re not buying anything bigger. Couples can sit on each other’s laps.
Noah:
No plus one. Still just me.
Lucy:
Hiya – I think it sounds great. Yes, Andrew will be coming, but it may have to be earlier rather than later in December as will be quarantining so I can see Mum on Christmas Day.
WhatsApp messages – Uni group: December 2021
Amy:
Paul and I were talking about the Christmas do and I really don’t think it’s a good idea, as much as I’d love to see you all. Thought perhaps we could do an online escape room or online gin tasting? Xxxx
WhatsApp messages – Uni group: August 2022
Noah:
Are we all on for next weekend? I’ve booked a table in the garden. Be there or be square.
Noah:
Yes, I know. I read that back. I’ve been spending way too much time on my own. See you next week.
Lucy:
Hey – just checking that you’ve booked Andrew in too?
Noah:
Yep, he’s officially part of the group.
WhatsApp messages – Girls: September 2022
Amy:
Right, now that things are opening up properly, I’m thinking we’re long overdue a girls’ holiday. Think of it as a belated hen do for Caz. I’m thinking Ibiza?
Caz:
Love that for us, but might have to be a bit closer to home and also might have to be a bit more tame. Baby Brady due in six months’ time.
Amy:
What??????!!!! Yes, welcome to the mum gang. I am ridiculously excited. Scratch Ibiza, let’s go all-out pampering. Although no spa as I know they’re tricky in pregnancy. But I’m thinking nice hotel, nice pool, nice food.
Lucy:
Congrats, Caz, so happy for you, and closer to home sounds good to me! x
WhatsApp messages – Uni group: March 2023
Lucy:
Hey guys, thanks for the birthday love. Rome was great or at least the little bits I saw. So nice to be abroad again though! I was wondering if you were all free for the coronation? We could do a mini garden party?
Amy:
Count me in. I’ll do whatever, just want to see your beautiful faces.
Noah:
I’m afraid I’m not going to make it. I’m going to be in (drum roll) somewhere in south America.
Amy:
What??? Holiday?
Noah:
More like midlife crisis gap year.
Amy:
You’re quitting your job?
Noah:
Leave/unpaid leave/remote-working combo – hybrid working. Welcome to the future.
Caz:
Jealous!!! Lu – count us in for the garden party xx
WhatsApp messages – Noah/Lucy: May 2023
Noah:
Hope the party went well. Here’s me watching the coronation at this restaurant. And yes, that is a taxidermy anaconda. And yes, his eyes pretty much freaked me out for the whole meal. Have a good one x
Lucy:
Thanks for the photo of nightmares (the snake, not you, although that beard … )
Noah:
I’ve found my inner hipster, many years too late.
Text – Lucy to Andrew: June 2023
Lucy:
Sorry about last night. I hate it when we fight. Are you still seeing Jack after work? If not, we could do a make-up dinner? x
WhatsApp message – Lucy to Mags: August 2023
I can’t believe you’re selling the company! What’s next on the agenda? I know you’ll have another big idea in the pipeline.
I’m OK, thanks. Yes, you’re right, it’s been far too long.
Andrew doesn’t agree with horse racing, but I could come on my own?
I’m excited to meet Rupert; it sounds like everything is going so well for you.
Also, Mum’s doing OK. Or at least as OK as she really can.
She’s content in the home and most of the time she’s fine with me visiting.
Let’s set up a Doodle with dates to get something planned.
WhatsApp voice message – Caz to Lucy: September 2023
I’ve just listened to your message, and oh Lucy.
I’m so sorry sweetie, break-ups are pretty shit even when they are ‘conscious uncoupling’s.
How are you holding up? It’s great that you and Andrew were on the same page with things, but I’m guessing that it still hurts?
Let me know if you want me to come and stay, or if you want to come here? We’re here for you xx
WhatsApp messages – Noah/Lucy: September 2023
Noah:
I just heard about Andrew. Are you OK? Do you need me to find some photos of taxidermy otters to cheer you up?
Noah:
Not sure why otters. But even taxidermy otters must be cute, right?
Lucy:
I’m OK, thanks.
Lucy:
I mean that I’m both OK, and absolutely no taxidermy pics.
Noah:
But I went out of my way to find this one [taxidermy otter dressed in a dress]
Lucy:
There’s something wrong with you. But thank you, I needed a laugh.
WhatsApp messages – Noah/Lucy: December 2023
Lucy:
Saw this and thought of you. [Video of a flock of seagulls trying to steal a person’s fish and chips]
Noah:
Is that how it is? [photo of a sloth] This sloth is real – I actually thought it was stuffed but it blinked.
Lucy:
Maybe it is stuffed. I told you that they could come to life.
Noah:
Now I’m just freaked out. Have confirmed with park ranger, it is 100% living and breathing.
Lucy:
Costa Rica treating you well?
Noah:
It’s awesome. It’ll be a hard place to leave.
Lucy:
I bet.
Noah:
Was hoping you might say you missed me.
Lucy:
I’d miss the animal pics more if you came back.
Noah:
Charming.
Lucy:
Always.
WhatsApp Voice message – Lucy/Noah: December 2023
Lucy:
Just wanted to wish you a merry Christmas, wherever you are now.
Are you still in Costa Rica or did you make it down to Peru?
Did Paul say that was the plan? Is it guinea pig for Christmas lunch?
Not sure I’d fancy that. Although, to be honest, anything would be better than the turkey Dad just cooked.
He went so over the top about making sure it was properly cooked that it was almost like eating charcoal.
I’m rambling, that would be the Baileys. Merry Christmas.
Email – Girls: January 2024
Subject: Suggested Itinerary for NYC
From Amy:
Right, ladies, be prepared
Day 1 – 26th Feb – Arrive, cocktails and out / go to sleep and get up early
Day 2 – 27th Feb – Sightseeing – See Everything
Day 3 – 28th Feb – Shopping – Buy Everything
Day 4 – 29th Feb – Lucy’s Birthday! (See and buy what we missed on day 2/3)
Day 5 –1st March – Fly home
Did I miss anything?????? NYC BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!