Page 74 of The London Girls
Olivia sat beside Ava, still finding it hard to accept that her usually larger-than-life friend had been so badly injured. They’d only lost one rider they both knew well so far, but they all knew the realities of their job – there were already a handful of women who’d died dispatching messages.
‘Tell me something interesting,’ Ava said, reaching for the cup of tea beside her. Her head was bandaged and Olivia found herself constantly looking at it. ‘I’m going crazy sitting inside all day.’
‘You’ve only been doing it for two days!’ Olivia laughed. ‘Have you told your parents yet?’
Ava shook her head, then cringed, clearly regretting the movement. ‘My parents? Not a chance. My father made it very clear that I wasn’t to set foot in their house again.’
‘What about your mother though? Would you like me to visit and tell her at least?’
Ava shut her eyes. ‘Thank you, but no.’
Olivia sighed. ‘I know families can be difficult, and whatever happened with your father sounds horrid, but she’s your mother after all. Perhaps this will make them change their minds?’
‘My mother chose my father,’ Ava said firmly. ‘As far as I’m concerned, Grandma Ivy is my new mother. She treats me like a daughter should be treated.’
‘While we’re talking about telling people,’ Olivia said, leaning forward a little and deciding to change the subject. ‘George has been asking after you. I think he’d like to come and visit.’
‘Visit me?’ Ava’s eyes widened. ‘Are you certain?’
‘I am,’ Olivia replied. ‘After your accident I went to see him again. I told him I was ready to come back, and although he wanted me to wait a while longer, he’s desperately short of riders and he’s agreed that I can come back tomorrow.’
‘And you’re certain you’re ready?’ Ava asked.
‘I am.’ Olivia smiled. ‘Nothing is going to bring my Leo back, I’ve accepted that. Life has continued without him, and now more than ever I want to do everything I can to help end this damn war. I’m going to live a life of duty now.’
Ava’s smile was kind. ‘I knew you wouldn’t be able to stay away for long.’
Olivia laughed, more freely than she had in a long while. ‘That’s why I love you so much, Ava. Everyone else keeps asking if I’m all right and telling me I should be taking it easy and not even thinking about work, but not you. You treat me just the same as always.’
‘Pleased to be of service,’ Ava said, but this time when she smiled, it came with a groan.
Olivia jumped to her feet. ‘What can I do? Where does it hurt?’
‘Everywhere,’ Ava said through gritted teeth. ‘I’ll be all right, it was probably all that laughing. My head is pounding.’
‘How about I leave you to rest,’ Olivia said. ‘Perhaps you should get some sleep?’
Ava gave a little nod, but just as Olivia was about to leave, she heard her murmur.
‘Tell George I’m going to be fine,’ Ava whispered. ‘If he wants to visit me, he can.’
Olivia was more than surprised, but she just smiled. ‘Of course.’
‘He’s not so bad, you know. I mean, he acts like he has a stick up his arse sometimes, but I’m actually coming around to liking him,’ Ava said.
Olivia kissed Ava’s cheek and squeezed her hand. ‘I’ll tell him. About the being able to visit part, not the stick. Get some rest.’
Ava’s eyes had already fluttered closed, and Olivia quietly shut the door and left, wondering what on earth had happened to make Ava soften so much towards George. She’d been so clear about him not being her type, but then perhaps Ava’s type hadn’t worked out so well for her so far.
Olivia loved watching Florence as she sat at the table, drawing and colouring with a group of young children. Just as she’d expected, her friend had fitted in seamlessly, her kindness of spirit and genuine warmth drawing the children to her.
‘Liv, I don’t know how to thank you,’ Florence said when she pulled up a chair at the table. ‘This is like homemade soup for the soul.’
Olivia grinned. That wasexactlywhat this place was. ‘There’s nothing quite like spending time with children. I feel like they make me see the world differently.’
‘You couldn’t be more right,’ Florence said. ‘It’s given me such perspective. You bringing me here has shown me just how important our work is. These children are all the inspiration I need.’
‘Talking about children, has Jack opened up to you more about his son? He seemed like a delightful little boy.’
