Page 104 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘I know it’s my birthday, Jess, but I’m really not in the mood,’ sighed Bea, as she flicked through the TV guide.
‘Oh, come on,’ pleaded Jess, ‘It’ll do you good to get out.’
‘Jess is right,’ Archie said, switching off the TV. ‘You’ve been stuck in this house for a fortnight now and it’s not good for you.’
‘It’s fine,’ said Bea, shaking her head, ‘I’m fine. Anyway, Lochlan’s coming over in a bit.’
‘Well, that’s easily fixed,’ said Jess, pulling her phone out of her bag. ‘Lochlan, hi!’ she said, brightly when he answered. ‘Do you fancy meeting us at the pub tonight for Bea’s birthday?’ She paused. ‘Excellent! See you there at seven? Perfect,’ she nodded. ‘See?’ she said, turning back to Bea. ‘All sorted.’
‘There’s no point in arguing, is there?’ Bea sighed, heaving herself up from the sofa.
‘Absolutely none,’ said Jess. ‘Come on, I’ll help you get ready.’
‘I’ll meet you there,’ said Archie, casting a sideways look at Jess. ‘I can get a couple in with the lads first.’
‘See you there, Arch,’ said Jess. ‘Come on,’ she continued, taking Bea’s hand and heading for the stairs. ‘Let’s get you birthday-ready!’
* * *
Bea couldn’t believe how packed the Apple Tree was. It was almost as though everyone from the village was there.
‘Happy birthday, love,’ said Beth, as Bea and Jess waited at the bar to get served.
‘Thanks,’ said Bea, smiling.
‘It’s good to see you out and about, dear’ said Jean, as Beth handed her a tray of sherries.
‘Thanks, Jean,’ said Bea, ‘I hope those aren’t all for you?’ she chuckled.
‘Oh no, dear. WI night out,’ Jean replied, her eyes glinting mischievously, ‘it’s been known to get a little messy.’
‘Jean’s a dark horse, isn’t she?’ Bea whispered, once she was out of earshot.
‘I know, right?’ Jess sniggered. ‘I hope I’m half as much fun when I’m eighty.’
‘Course you will be,’ said Bea. ‘I bet you’ll still be causing havoc at ninety.’
‘Let’s hope so,’ said Jess, as Beth handed her two large glasses of prosecco. ‘Cheers!’ she said, raising her drink in the air. ‘To the birthday girl.’
‘They’re on the house,’ said Beth, holding up a hand as Jess reached for her purse.
‘Aw, thanks, Beth, that’s really kind of you,’ said Bea.
‘Right, let’s go and find the others,’ said Jess, determinedly.
‘Good luck!’ said Bea, attempting to push her way through to the back of the pub. ‘It’s absolutely rammed in here tonight. It’s never this busy, even on a Friday—’
‘Course it is. You’re just not normally here on a Friday,’ Jess replied, casually, as she spotted Archie, Lochlan, Tori and Leo sitting at the large round table right at the back of the pub.
‘Bea!’ called Lochlan, standing up kiss her. ‘Happy birthday!’
‘Thanks,’ she said, giving him a peck on the cheek. ‘Thanks for coming out, everyone.’
‘How are you feeling?’ Tori asked, hugging her gently. Bea winced. ‘Oh, God, sorry,’ Tori apologized, her face flushing hot. ‘Ribs still sore?’
‘A bit, yeah,’ said Bea, ‘it’s fine though,’ she said, sitting down next to Lochlan.
‘We’re missing you at work,’ said Tori, sipping her negroni.
