Chapter 14 #2
Lavender took a seat. Ottilie perched next to her while Zoe put out some plates.
Emilia put her gift next to a small pile of others stacked on the worktop away from the food.
But she didn’t sit at the table; instead, she stood and watched from a distance as Ottilie caught up with the latest and Shabana filled a plate, commenting on how lovely it all was with every item she put on there.
‘Can I get you a plate of something?’ Zoe asked her.
Emilia shook her head. ‘I’ll eat later. If I eat now, I’ll be sluggish, and I have work to finish.’
‘You really don’t ever stop, do you?’
This time, Emilia turned to her with a gaze that was practical but also a little melancholy. ‘What would I stop for? It’s what I do; it’s what I’m good at, and it’s not like there’s anyone waiting for me to get home.’
Zoe gave her a pained smile. She knew that there was nothing self-pitying in Emilia’s statement. Nor was she asking for anyone else’s pity. The way she saw it was practical – it was simply the truth. ‘What about Georgia and Brett? I’m sure they’d like you to be home occasionally.’
‘I doubt it. I’m sure they’re happy to have some privacy.
They’re thinking of moving out, actually.
Brett’s new job is going well, and they’ve managed to get a deposit together.
Not sure where they’re planning to go, but I don’t imagine it will be too far away because they’re quite fond of it around here now.
I fully support them if that’s what they want, but I’ve also told them there’s no rush as far as I’m concerned. ’
Zoe wondered if that meant Emilia didn’t want them to leave.
She always gave the impression that she was strong and self-sufficient and that she didn’t need anyone, but would she be lonely if her sister left and took her family with her?
The house would seem very quiet once they were gone, Zoe was sure.
Emilia would say she didn’t care, but Zoe hated the idea of her being alone.
She didn’t know what to say, and while she tried to come up with something that was right, Emilia left her side and went to get a glass of the lemonade Simon had just opened.
Zoe watched her, pity swelling in her chest as she did, and then she caught Lavender watching her with a curious expression.
What was that? With a jolt, Zoe realised the same pity she felt for Emilia was on Lavender’s face, and it was aimed at her.
Did she feel sorry for Zoe? Why would that be?
Did Zoe give the impression she needed someone’s pity?
Lavender looked away, and then returned to the conversation she’d been having with Ottilie and Shabana.
‘How are you doing?’ Simon ambled across with his glass and a sandwich.
‘Me?’ Zoe asked. ‘I’m fine. I can’t say I won’t appreciate a few days off at this point, but I won’t have to wait much longer, will I? It’s only a few days until we break up for Christmas.’
‘I’m sure it would be nice if you could avoid having to deliver a baby on Christmas Day this year too.’
‘I’m sure it would. None of my mums are due, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.’
‘And other than that, you’re all right…?’
This time, the question was loaded with unspoken meaning. Zoe looked across at Ottilie and Shabana, and could guess at the place Simon’s enquiry had come from.
She turned back to him. ‘Honestly, I’m good. I’m focusing on Alex and Billie and Louisa and happy to do that.’
‘When Stacey and I said you could come over any time to talk, we meant it. About anything at all.’
‘I appreciate the offer, but I don’t need it.’
‘Zo…’ Ottilie waved her over. ‘Are you going to get some of this food, seeing as you spent so long getting it ready?’
‘Yes…’ She threw a grateful smile at Simon before going to the table. ‘I’m coming!’
Zoe was helping Lavender to wash up when the text message came through. She dried her hands, expecting it to be Alex asking how long she’d be and if she needed him to do anything before she got home, but it wasn’t. It was Kat, the woman she’d helped on the boat the week before.
Hi, how are you? I’m home now, everything is good. I thought you might like to see a photo of Skye. I’d love for you to come and visit if you get time!
K x
Attached was a photo of an adorable baby dressed in a pink romper, face scrunched and a little ruddy, but still perfect to Zoe’s eyes.
Lavender peered over her shoulder. ‘Who’s that?’
‘Oh…’ Zoe turned the phone so she could see better. ‘Remember the woman whose waters broke when we were on the boat trip? That’s her baby. She’s gorgeous, isn’t she?’
‘A bit bald,’ Lavender said carelessly. ‘I’m sure she’ll get cuter in a few weeks.’
‘You’re so mean!’ Zoe said with a laugh.
‘Honest. All babies are ugly when they’re that young, aren’t they? They’re bound to be when you think about where they’ve been cooped up for months before they come out.’
Zoe’s laughter grew. ‘You’re terrible. Don’t say that when we go to see Shabana’s!’
‘I won’t.’ She put her hands on her hips and surveyed the kitchen. ‘There’s not much left to do here – you could go if you wanted, and I could finish up.’
‘I’m not going to leave you with all the mess.’
‘You live further away, and it’s dark already. I’m only around the corner. Go on – get going. I might not even finish it all myself – I can always come in early tomorrow and put all the crocks away, as long as we get the leftover food in the bin and the dishes washed, the rest can wait.’
‘Are you sure it’s no bother?’
‘I wouldn’t have said if it was! Get lost, Padbury! Go home to your hot man!’
Zoe laughed again. She was still laughing as she went to get her coat.
Lavender was a strange bird, and she didn’t think she’d ever be able to work her out, but there were few better colleagues when the chips were down.
In fact, everyone she worked alongside at Thimblebury surgery felt like a blessing; she couldn’t imagine a team she could love more.