Page 27 of Promises & Petals in Nettleford-on-the-Wold
‘She’s taken to it like a duck to water, hasn’t she, Soph?’ Meg rubbed Sophie’s knee.
‘Yes, every day this week she’d been skipping out of class with a high grin stuck to her face.’ Sophie nodded in agreement.
‘That’s great news.’ Hannah nodded before looking across at Lucy. ‘Day off today?’
Lucy shrugged. ‘I’m supposed to be working from home today but...’
‘About the same as me then.’ This was what real friendship looked like. Coming together when one of them needed the others. Why had she ever stayed away so long? She looked across at Sophie again. She had so many questions for her, but she’d probably answered the same things over and over again today, and Hannah didn’t want to make her relive the events of her break-up once again.
‘Here we go. Coffee all round? I’ve popped a couple of sugars in there for you, Hannah. I know you like yours sweet.’ Pat lowered a tray full of mugs onto the coffee table before handing them out.
‘Thank you.’ Taking hers, Hannah took a sip before lowering her mug to the rug and wrapping her hands around it.
‘Has she told you?’ Lowering himself back onto the sofa, Pat nodded towards his daughter. ‘That scoundrel Richard, had his bags packed already. Before she’d even spoken to him about breaking off the relationship? He was planning on leaving.’
Hannah shook her head slightly, attempting to look surprised.
‘It made things easier for me, at least.’ Sophie closed her eyes before opening them again and bringing her mug to her lips.
‘Yes, that’s a good thing.’ Meg patted her daughter on the knee. ‘Now, onwards and upwards, Soph.’
‘Yep.’ Setting her jaw, Sophie nodded.
Hannah watched as Sophie blinked back tears. She couldn’t imagine what she was going through. Her whole life was about to be turned upside down, and all Sophie could do was to hold on for dear life and hope everything turned out okay.
‘He went and stayed over at our friends, Mark and Gina’s, last night. Apparently, they’ve told him he’s welcome to stay as long as he needs to.’ Looking down, Sophie pinched the bridge of her nose. ‘It’s just... I thought they were both our friends, and yet neither of them has bothered to call me to see if I’m okay. Or to see how Florrie is.’
‘As I’ve already told you, Soph, you need to remember that they were his friends before you got together. I know it sounds harsh, but it’s true.’ Meg picked up her mug from the coffee table.
‘Your mum’s right. It would be like, I don’t know, Hannah dating someone and then things finishing between them, would you still talk to them?’ Pat shrugged.
‘No, definitely not.’ Soph looked across at Hannah, her forehead creased with emotion. ‘If anyone hurt Hannah, Lucy or Gem, I wouldn’t ever speak to them again. Saying that, me and Richard weren’t just dating, as you put it, we have a child together; we’ve been living together...’
‘I know, Soph, but you know what I mean. It’s the same principle.’ Pat took. sip of his coffee.
‘Yes, I guess you’re right.’ Sophie slumped back against the sofa cushions.
‘It’s not like any of your friends have reached out to him.’ Meg waved her hand around the room, encompassing Hannah and Lucy.
‘Most definitely not. Friendship rules.’ Lucy held up her coffee mug, toasting the phrase they’d used time and time again over the years they’d known each other. ‘Right, Hannah?’
‘Right.’ Hannah held her mug up in agreement, her stomach churning. The four of them were as close as anyone could be, friends or family, and she’d gone and jeopardised it all. By not telling Sophie about her and Josh, she was as good as lying to her. She hadn’t even spoken to Gemma or Lucy about it either. And she knew why she’d avoided telling them, encase she knew she was in the wrong. She knew she shouldn’t be seeing him, kissing him, feeling close to him. She stared into her coffee. She was a rubbish friend. She didn’t deserve Josh or Sophie either.
‘... isn’t that right, Hannah?’
Jerking her head up at the mention of her name, Hannah looked around the room. What had she missed? She’d been so consumed by her own guilt she’d almost forgotten she was here to support Sophie. ‘Sorry, I was miles away.’
‘You can say that again. I don’t know about miles, but you looked as though you’d travelled across the other side of the world.’ Lucy grinned at her joke.
Hannah grimaced.
‘I was just saying that however difficult things seem now, things turn around in the end. Just look at Josh, he came back home after his relationship with that girl...’ Pat clicked his fingers trying to think of a name before giving up and carrying on. ‘Ended and look at him now. He’s got his own thriving business, and he’s happy.’
‘He is happy, Soph.’ Meg nodded in agreement. ‘Especially recently. These past few days he’s been almost glowing with happiness.’
Biting down on her bottom lip, Hannah felt a warm flush wash over her skin. She glanced across at Lucy, who was staring at her. Swallowing, she tore her eyes away from her and picked up her mug and took a gulp of coffee, savouring the sugary drink int he hopes she could block out the conversation going on around her.
‘That’s right. And I’m sure there’s a girl involved.’ Pat grinned.
