Page 11 of Never Too Late
‘Oh, Sash. I wouldn’t know where to start these days, my love.’
‘I do. And we will. It’ll be fun!’
I had no doubt that it would be. Although whether I had the confidence to change my look after so many years was another thing completely.
‘Now,’ Sasha continued, ‘in the meantime, we’ve got to be downstairs in twelve minutes so why don’t you jump in the shower and I’ll pick something out for you.’
‘One less decision. That sounds like a very good plan.’
‘Excellent.’ Sasha hooked her arm through mine and we headed back to my room.
My daughter’s new friends were intelligent, fun, and a delight to have breakfast with. Vikram was a consultant neurologist at King’s College, London, his fiancée, Mira, was a lecturer at London School of Economics and the third, Alaria, the sister of the bride-to-be, was a high-end events planner. They told me about the new club they wanted to check out as Alaria was considering it as a possibility for future events.
‘You should come!’ she said suddenly.
I gulped my tea a little more forcefully than planned and my eyes watered as the hot liquid made its way down my throat.
‘Are you OK?’ Vikram began to rise from his seat.
I waved him back down. ‘Perfectly fine, thank you. Although I’m afraid I will have to turn down your offer of the club. My clubbing days are far behind me.’
‘Nonsense,’ Alaria declared. ‘You must come!’
I turned to Sasha, who was nodding enthusiastically. From the corner of my eye, I saw Ashok approaching. He raised a hand in greeting as he did so.
‘Good morning, I hope you are all enjoying your breakfasts.’
‘It’s wonderful, as always,’ I replied, the others adding their own agreement and compliments.
‘Excellent. I’m glad to hear it.’
‘Could I ask if you know anything about Sevens?’ Alaria asked, clearly fully informed as to who this man was.
‘The new club?’
‘Yes. Have you heard any feedback from any of your guests?’
‘Not personally, but I can ask my events manager and get her to update you on anything she knows, if that’s of use.’
‘That would be great, thank you so much.’
‘You’re very welcome.’ He gave a little nod. ‘So what are your plans today?’
‘We’re heading to the beach,’ Vikram said. ‘Sash, do you want to come?’
‘Mum and I are going to have a chill-out day by the pool then head back to the spa today, but I’ll see you tonight for the club. Are you going to come, Mum?’
‘No, I don’t think so. It’s very kind of you all to invite me but I fear I would feel very out of place.’
‘Not at all.’ Alaria waved her hand and the silver bangles on her wrist tinkled together.
I shook my head at Ashok, smiling at their enthusiasm.
He bent down and, behind a hand, stage whispered to me, ‘Could I offer you an alternative option of dinner this evening so that you can bow out politely?’
The others exchanged amused glances but I looked at Sash.
‘Do you mind?’
