‘I hope so.’
‘We could get Theo to crochet some placemats,’ she adds, giving me an arch look.
‘Oh, ha ha!’ I blush stupidly once again. Why on earth did I even mention the guy?
We bring out some big patchwork cushions and sit on the verandah with our coffee and cookies, the sun filtering through the canopy of leaves around us, dappling our faces.
‘I’ve missed this.’ I set down my cup and stretch luxuriously. ‘Gossiping with my best mate in the treehouse. I think we solved all our teenage problems up here.’
She laughs. ‘And plotted revenge on a certain Lucy Slater that we never, ever carried out. We were wimps in those days.’
My insides shift uneasily. Lucy Slater. It’s strange how just the mention of those times is enough to cast a shadow over the day.
Paloma sees my face. ‘Hey, you’re not worrying about her, are you? She’s just someone from the past who can have no effect whatsoever on you in the here and now.’
I shrug it off. ‘I know.’
‘And anyway, she’s changed. When I bumped into her a couple of months ago, she actually asked after you.’
‘Really?’
Paloma nods. ‘And when I told her you were coming back to turn your dad’s shop into a café, she couldn’t have been more pleased for you.’
I stare at her in horror. ‘You told Lucy Slater my plans?’
Paloma looks crestfallen. ‘Oh, God, sorry, me and my big mouth. I should have kept it to myself, shouldn’t I? It’s just I thought it was common knowledge, what with your mum talking about it in the village and at the WI …’
‘No, it’s fine, honestly,’ I rush to reassure her. ‘It’s my problem, not yours. I shouldn’t be so touchy about Lucy.’
‘Well, I still shouldn’t have told her. But she has changed quite a lot. Actually, she’s become quite the pillar of society.’
‘Yeah, right.’ I can’t keep the scorn from my voice.
Paloma grins. ‘Well, okay, I probably wouldn’t go that far. But at least she’s a bitch with a heart now.’
I swallow. ‘What about her and Jason?’
‘They seem … okay.’ She frowns and I can tell she’s choosing her words carefully, not wanting to upset me. Not that I would be. Jason and I are history.
I grin. ‘Are they still the Posh and Becks of Hart’s End, then?’
‘Oh, yes. They live in a huge house by the river now.’ Her mouth quirks humorously. ‘Thanks to rich Daddy’s desire to spoil his darling daughter. And they both drive top-of-the-range Jaguars.’
‘Courtesy of Lucy’s dad again, no doubt.’
‘Yeah, Jason certainly fell on his feet joining the Slater dynasty. He’s director of IT now, apparently. A real rising star in Lucy’s dad’s business.’
‘I don’t suppose Lucy has to work, then.’
Paloma shakes her head. ‘She did try to set up an on-line fashion retail business, but it didn’t take off.’ She grins. ‘Her designs were ridiculous. Far too whacky for us common folk to wear.’
‘And she’s a pillar of society?’ I can’t help a slight sneer.
Paloma grins. ‘Sort of. She’s started raising money through charity events for this poor little kid who needs to go to America for life-saving treatment.’
I almost laugh, it seems so unlikely.
School bully Lucy Slater? Doing something good for others?
It flashes through my head that maybe she’s doing it to atone for all her past actions.
I wasn’t Lucy’s only victim. There was a girl in the year below me whose parents removed her from the school because she was so unhappy. Everyone knew it was because Lucy Slater had taken a dislike to her and made her life hell.
‘I know. Amazing, isn’t it?’ Paloma shakes her head as if she can’t believe it either. ‘Anyway, as part of her fund-raising effort, she’s organised a little class reunion in the back room of The Three Blackbirds, with a buffet and a fashion show.’
My stomach turns over. I don’t like the sound of this at all. Surely Paloma’s not expecting me to— ?
‘Everyone’s been asking if you’ll be there.’
‘And what have you told them?’
She looks sheepish. ‘I said you would be. Sorry.’
‘So when is it?’ A feeling of dread is already building at the thought of seeing Lucy again.
Paloma grimaces. ‘Tomorrow night?’
‘You’re joking!’ Hot tears prick my eyes and Paloma’s guilty look switches to alarm. ‘So I haven’t even got any time to prepare for it?’
‘Hey, it’s okay.’ She links an arm through mine and squeezes. ‘It’ll be fine. I’ll be right beside you and if Lucifer bloody Slater puts one dainty size four out of line, she’ll have me to answer to. I promise. I can’t even rule out a good old-fashioned, pierced-ear-ripping scrap.’
She nudges me, and I smile through my tears, feeling a bit stupid now. I’m not seven any more. Of course I don’t need Paloma’s protection!
‘Did you say a fashion show?’ I frown.
‘Yeah, I think Lucy still fancies herself as a bit of a Vivienne Westwood.’ Paloma grins. ‘I don’t think she ever forgave you for winning that school competition to design a ball gown for Princess Diana.’
‘Oh, yes. That was in first school.’ A memory flashes into my head. I was so pleased when the teacher announced to the class that I’d won, but then Lucy – who was runner-up – followed me home with her mates, jeering and laughing at me, making damned certain I paid the price for winning.
‘Your ball gown entry was really dreamy,’ says Paloma. ‘A pink fairy-tale dress with a crystal-studded bodice.’
‘Gosh, I’d forgotten about that. My memory isn’t as good as yours.’ Except for recalling the bullying. It’s funny how I can remember every single detail of that.
A little later, when Paloma is leaving to get back to work, she gives me a stern look. ‘See you tomorrow night?’
I swallow. ‘Do I have
