Page 25 of Dancing Fools and All That Jazz
‘Monica, my dear… let us not get carried away…’
‘The recent success of A-Belle-Bride is almost entirely down to my skills. And quite frankly, I have had enough.’
Silence.
I can picture Annabelle’s mouth flapping as I clearly enunciate my final words, ‘So, no Annabelle. I will not be cancelling my trip. On my return from Paris, we cantalk about the basis on which I might be persuaded to stay with A-Belle-Bride. If at all. But be assured, if there is the remotest chance I might stay with you, it will be on a new footing, or I will be taking my designs and my work elsewhere.’
Annabelle gives a sharp intake of breath and I end the call.
I look in the mirror. My face is glowing. I feel as energised as I do when I have performed a complex dance. I regard my reflection. Am I standing taller?
I bite back a grin, slightly in awe of this new me. It is like putting on an outfit of a style I have never worn. Surprisingly smart and sharply cut. It feels strangely new but a wonderfully flattering fit.
Joanne appears at the bedroom door and puts her hands on her hips.
‘What’s going on, Mum?’
‘Nothing, it was just Annabelle trying to get me to—’
‘No. I mean, what’s going on? James said you told him he can only have Will around to ours if he comes by himself. Why don’t you want Ruby coming here?’
‘It’s complicated.’
‘What’s happened?’
‘Nothing to concern you. I just need some time away from Ruby. It’s not good to be in one another’s pockets.’
‘Right. I feel that way about some of my friends now and then. But she must have done something to upset you?’
‘Look, we’ve fallen out. That is all you need to know.’
‘It won’t stop us going to Glastonbury again, will it?’
‘Of course not. We can go with or without Ruby.’
‘And Will can come with us too, can’t he?’
‘I… I’m not sure. Look, I’ve got a lot on my mind at the moment…’
‘That’s bloody obvious.’
‘Do not swear.’
I close the case and sit on the bed with a sigh. ‘Look, Joanne, I will tell you and your brother all about it, but not now. I need to get ready for Paris. Come here.’ She reluctantly sits next to me, and I give her a brief hug.
‘I wish I was in Paris this weekend.’ Joanne kicks at the bedroom carpet. ‘Anything would be better than having Grandma here. She’s so strict. I mean, honestly, we’re old enough to look after ourselves.’
‘There’s no way I am leaving the two of you in the house alone.’
‘Well, I plan to be out most of the time.’
‘Fine, but only if you do all your schoolwork. Do not pull a face. And be kind to Grandma…’
‘Because she pays our school fees…’
‘No. Because she’s your grandmother.’
Joanne rolls her eyes and heads out of the bedroom, leaving me to my thoughts.
