Page 10 of Never Too Late
‘Great, actually.’ She shuffled up so I could sit next to her and leant over to kiss me on the cheek. ‘It wasn’t really a plan to leave you two alone but you did seem to be getting along.’
‘He’s a nice man but I’m not ready for anything else and, even if he was interested, which I’m not convinced of, he understands that. Did you make some friends?’
‘Yes. They were here checking out the place for a wedding venue and we got chatting when I was at the bar. They both come from Goa so wanted to get married here but would you believe they live in London, a couple of streets away from the flat.’
‘Really? That’s amazing.’
‘I know! Small world, eh? Anyway, we’re going to meet up when we’re all back.’
‘Sounds great. And what else?’
Sasha looked up. ‘What do you mean?’
‘You’ve got that look on your face. There’s obviously something else. You always squidge your nose up and rub it when there’s something you want to say but don’t want to.’
‘Do I?’ she asked, sounding genuinely surprised.
‘Yep. So spit it out.’
‘Apparently, there’s a really cool club that’s just opened about half an hour away. They asked if I wanted to go tonight.’
‘OK.’
She tipped up an eyebrow. ‘Now you’re the one looking like you want to say something else.’
I took her hand. ‘I just want you to be safe, darling. I know you’re a grown woman and capable of your own decisions, but you have just met these people. Are you sure?’
Sasha picked up her phone and checked the time. ‘I thought that’s what you’d say, so we’re meeting them for breakfast in twenty minutes.’
My laughter was a little raspy thanks to a combination of a late night and alcohol, and me having become unfamiliar with more than a glass these days, but it felt good to laugh with my girl. So what if this life wasn’t the one that I thought I’d be leading? Sometimes, mistakes can become your greatest blessing.
‘And what did they say when you said you had to ask your mum?’
‘They’re Indian so totally got it!’
I stood up from the sofa, adjusting the robe. ‘I’d better have a shower and get a shifty on then. Anything particular you think I should wear?’
Sash frowned. ‘No, why?’ She stared at me for a moment. ‘Oh my God. You do the scrunchy nose thing too!’
‘Do I?’
‘Yes! How have I not noticed that before? That’s so funny.’ She stood, placing her book to the side. ‘What is it, Mum?’
‘I… I don’t want to embarrass you.’
‘Embarrass me?’
‘Yes. I… I know I’ve got a bit in a rut with clothes and I’m probably not the most stylish fifty-year-old out there. I don’t want?—’
‘Mum. Stop. You have never, and will never, embarrass me. I love you and your dress sense is fine. Don’t worry.’
I wrapped my arms around my daughter. ‘It used to be so much more than fine.’
‘I know,’ she said, pulling back a little. ‘Until you had me.’
‘Oh, my darling!’ I took her face in my hands. ‘It wasn’t you. It was me. I could have still rocked a look if I’d chosen to.’ I did a little wiggle but her expression remained serious.
‘If you’re not happy with your wardrobe, you know you can change it, right?’
