Page 142 of The Bad Mother's Diary

Then he asked about Daisy – whether she’d be okay sleeping in a strange place.

I told him she’d be fine. In fact, once I saw the suite, I decided she probably wouldn’t want to go home.

One bedroom (yes – there was more than one) was made up with a cot and a load of posh baby things. Organic cotton wool, brushed cotton babygros, herbal baby shampoo …

Daisy woke up and looked a bit scared. I could tell she was getting ready to howl, so I started bending my knees and shushing her.

Alex said, ‘Here. I’ll do that. You’re tired.’

I said, ‘I really don’t think that’s a good idea. She doesn’t like new people when she’s tired.’

But Alex just said, ‘I’m not a new person.’ He put Daisy on his shoulder and within a minute she’d fallen asleep again.

After Alex had laid Daisy in the cot, he asked if I wanted supper.

I said, ‘Is supper like tea?’

He said, ‘Tea? As in a cup of tea?’

I said, ‘No.Tea. The meal you have in the evening.’

He said, ‘You mean dinner?’

I said, ‘No, you have dinner at lunch time, don’t you?’

He said, ‘No. That would be lunch. Dinner you have in the evening.’

I said, ‘What’s supper then?’

He said, ‘Informaldinner.’

I still don’t quite get it …

But anyway,supperturned out to be beef stew with dumplings, a cheese board and a chocolate fondant pudding. Under big silver dome things.

Before the food arrived, Alex poured me a glass of brandy.

I said, ‘You should have one too.’

He said, ‘No. I should be going.’

I said, ‘Oh go on. It’s so nice to see you.’

He sort of half smiled. And poured himself a brandy.

We stood by the window and watched the snow falling.

London was totally still and silent. No cars. No people. Just soft, white flakes falling on tiles and red brick.

I’ve never seen the city so beautiful. All the sharp edges gone and everything was soft and white. Snow twirled past the windowpane while Alex and I watched it dancing.

Then Alex asked why I hadn’t thought to check the weather forecast before coming to London.

I told him I was meeting Nick.

Alex went all stern and said, ‘Didn’thethink to check the weather?’

I told him he was mistaking Nick for someone considerate.

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