Page 17 of The Bad Mother's Diary

She said, ‘Yeah right.’

I said, ‘It’s a very insecure life being an actor.’

Sadie said, ‘I know. Maybe he should get a real job.’

Saturday January 31st

Lunch with Laura and Brandi in London today.

Laura suggested some healthy vegan place.

Brandi wanted to go to Burger King.

We compromised on Pret A Manger, although Brandi moaned because there was lettuce in her sandwich.

They both laughed when I told them about the London Christmas Marathon. Then they apologised when they realised I was serious.

Brandi said, ‘Are you sure it’s a good idea? You complain about walking upstairs with Daisy. And it’s inwinter. I mean, even top athletes struggle in those conditions. Don’t you remember that Danish runner who slipped on ice at Tower Bridge and broke her coccyx?’

Laura said, ‘If you’re really serious, I’ll help you train.’

My healthy big sister goes jogging three times a week. Usually ten miles or so.

I said it was fine because Sadie and I were training together.

Laura said, ‘I’ll help you train on the nights she doesn’t turn up.’

Brandi pulled her skinny jeans around her tiny waist and said, ‘Maybe I’ll run it too. I could do with losing weight. How many miles is it?’

I said, ‘Twenty-six.’

Laura said, ‘No, it’s twenty-seven.’

Brandi said, ‘Fuck that.’

I said Brandi could always babysit. On the nights Nick came back late.

She said, ‘Which is pretty mucheverynight, isn’t it?’

I said, ‘It’s noteverynight. Only when he’s in a play.’

Brandi said, ‘Plays don’t go onthatlong.’

Honestly!

She’s only ever been to the theatre once. To see a panto. And anyway, Nick has to socialise after work sometimes. That’s how he gets new roles. I told Brandi that, and she said, ‘How come he hardly ever gets new roles then?’

It’s true – Nick hasn’t had a good part for a while. The whole Star Trek CGI thing really knocked his confidence.

When I met Nick, he was still getting good parts. Everyone remembered him as Tyke Turner from Whizz Bots. He was pretty famous as a teenager. But that was a long time ago.

Sunday February 1st

First marathon training session.

Sadie didn’t turn up.

Nick said, ‘Typical Sadie. Never there when you need her.’ And I have to admit he was right.

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