Page 106 of Lessons in Life

‘I know, I know. I can’t believe he’s doing this for him. Honestly, Robyn, we’re so grateful.’

‘Oh, Sorrel, you’re far too young to be worrying about this. Too young to be involved in something as serious as this. Too young to be “we”.’ I air-quoted the words. ‘You should have your head free of it all, looking forward to your audition.’

‘Looking forward to it? I’m terrified! I’m only coming with you this morning to take my mind off it.’ She laughed. ‘And to see if my grandparents are as horrible as you and Jess have made out. I’m dying to see the cat-ridden monster in the dining room for myself.’

‘They’re NOT your grandparents,’ Mum snapped crossly. She was pale, nervous and irritable.

‘I don’t know why you’re putting yourself through this, Mum,’ I said, reaching forward to stroke her arm.

‘Because I don’t know WHO I AM.’ She almost shouted the last three words. ‘And now… well, now I need to know.’

‘OK, OK, we get that.’ I sat back, chastised, as Jess set off towards the M1 and Sheffield, but then leaned forwards to Mum once more. ‘So, you had a great time last night? Woah, Montmartre, for heaven’s sake? Paris? In a private jet, you little gadabout…’

‘Patronising!’ Mum tutted, and I realised she really was, very unusually for her, in a mood. ‘And it wasn’t exactly a jet, more a little tin can.’

‘Not good enough for you?’ The three of us all laughed. ‘Aiming for a proper jet next time, are you, Mum?’

‘It was lovely. Really lovely.’ Mum paused. ‘The loveliest evening I’ve ever had.’

‘Ever? Blimey!’ I exhaled.

‘He was lovely…’

‘Even though he’s the enemy?’ Jess gave Mum a quick glance, before concentrating on the road once more.

‘Exactly. That’s why I won’t be seeing him again.’

‘But does he want to, Mum?’ Sorrel leaned forwards. ‘You know, get it on with you?’

‘Get it on with me?’ Mum tutted again. ‘For heaven’s sake.’

‘Did you kiss him?’ Sorrel grinned.

‘For someone who’s been up to what you’ve apparently been up to with Joel Sinclair,’ Mum snapped, ‘that comes over as being particularly childish, if not downright condescending, Sorrel.’

The three of us sat back at that, well and truly told off.

After five minutes’ silence in the car, Mum relented. ‘I can’t see him again. You’re right, all of you, he is “the enemy”.’ More air-quoting of words from Mum. ‘Listen, particularly you, Jess – but, I suppose you as well, Robyn, seeing it concerns Fabian…’

‘What?’ All three of us spoke as one.

‘Kamran’s definitely knocking Hudson House down?’ I asked.

‘The sale can’t have gone through so quickly!’ Jess put in.

‘No.’ Mum paused. ‘He’s…’ she exhaled ‘…he’s turning Hudson House into a restaurant.’

‘What?’ I actually put up my hands.

‘Oh, marvellous!’ Jess snapped, narrowly missing a pigeon that had dared venture off the pavement into her path. ‘Fucking marvellous! Wonderful!’ She breathed deeply, hands clutching the steering wheel tightly. ‘Did you tell him that wasouridea? Mine and Fabian’s?’

‘No, I wasn’t going to give any information like that away. I’m not stupid,’ Mum said. ‘So, another reason not to see him again,’ she added crossly.

‘Hey,’ Sorrel said, ‘just keep in with him, Mum, because you can then get him to take on Jess as Chief Chef.’

‘Head Chef,’ I murmured, ever the pedant.

‘I don’t want to work for the bloody Sattars,’ Jess hissed. ‘Especially once they’ve thrown out all the old dears from Hudson House. I want to workwithsomeone – own our own place. I want to be with Fabian!’

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