The sight that greets me makes my eyes open wide in stunned amazement.
Lucy and Olivia are sitting at a table right next to the open window with their backs to us. Dressed in their smart black trousers, white shirts and long cream-coloured café aprons, they’re in the process of devouring Doreen’s black forest gateau as if it might be snatched away from them at any moment.
‘Oh my God, bloody heaven,’ drools Lucy, digging a huge serving spoon into the creamy cake and trying to cram it all into her mouth at once.
Olivia makes a grab for the spoon, but Lucy snatches it away, out of reach, and yells, ‘Oi! Get your own spoon.’
‘Fuck that,’ says Olivia, plunging her hand straight into the cake. She grabs a creamy wedge and starts guzzling it down, throwing back her head and making noises that frankly wouldn’t be out of place in a soft porn movie.
Eyes out on stalks, Paloma and I exchange a look. She mimes a belly laugh while I clap my hand over my mouth. It’s pretty revolting but hilarious at the same time.
Paloma reaches into her pocket and pulls out her mobile phone. Then she grins wickedly.
‘What are you doing?’ I mouth.
‘Ssh! Wait and see.’
Slowly, she reaches in, lifts the catch and pushes the window further open. It gives a tiny squeak.
‘What was that?’ mumbles Olivia through a mouthful of cake, and we freeze, holding our breath.
‘Oh God, stop me. I think I’m going to be sick,’ groans Lucy.
‘Me, too, but I don’t fucking care,’ mutters Olivia, diving in for more, sending a splodge of black cherries and purple-tinged cream down her pristine apron.
Paloma positions the camera and calls out cheerily, ‘Good morning, ladies!’
They both turn at exactly the same time, each with a mess of cake in their hand. And the horror on their guilty, chocolate-smeared faces is a sight to warm the cockles of my heart.
‘Click’ goes Paloma’s camera.
She holds up her thumb. ‘Great shot, girls. Enjoy your breakfast!’
And we both scuttle back to the car, almost peeing ourselves laughing.
‘So much for clean eating!’ snorts Paloma, starting the engine.
In between breathless guffaws, I do an imitation of Lucy’s slightly grating, high-pitched voice. ‘Oh, I never eat cake unless it’s made from parsnips!’
*****
After driving to a nearby supermarket to top up on cake supplies, we’re heading back to the café to break the news that Doreen’s black forest gateau has sadly been demolished, when I see them.
Theo and Olivia.
They’re walking along the high street, laughing about something, and my stomach lurches. Theo nudges her and squealing, she stumbles away then punches him playfully in retaliation. He pretends to be hurt, rubbing his upper arm and scowling at her.
There’s an ease and an intimacy between them that’s impossible to ignore.
I feel sick.
So it’s true. Olivia has won him over. They’re a couple.
‘Is that Theo with Olivia?’ Paloma is peering over. ‘I would have thought he’d have much better taste.’
‘Where? Oh, yes.’ I swallow hard and make a show of finding my keys.
Just as we turn down into my cul-de-sac, I take a quick glance back. Just in time to see Olivia stretch up on tiptoes and kiss Theo on the lips …
Chapter 30
The day of Lucy’s charity 10k run dawns clear but with a cool breeze. It’s a relief, quite frankly, after all the hot, sultry weather we’ve been having.
Not that the weather is uppermost in my mind.
If I had my way, I’d rather stick pins in my eyes than have to face Theo and Olivia after that display of affection I witnessed the day before on the high street. I know they’ll both be doing the run.
But I owe it to Harry and his mum to do my bit for the fund-raising appeal.
‘You look smart,’ I tell Paloma when she arrives to collect me.
She does a quick pose in her new turquoise and black Lycra running gear. ‘Thank you.’ She grins. ‘You don’t.’
‘Hey, thanks.’ I grimace down at my running gear. The only runner’s top I could find seems to have shrunk in the wash, which means I’m having to hoist it up at the front every five minutes so I won’t be done for indecent exposure.
‘When have I had the time and money lately to go shopping for new clothes? And new haircuts.’ I glance pointedly at Paloma’s chic new shoulder-length style.
She gives her head a little shake. ‘Needed a fresh start.’
I nod approvingly. ‘Well, it really suits you.’ I’m so glad she seems to be moving on from the crushing news about her birth mum.
Walking along to the village green, where the run is starting, Paloma suddenly remembers she promised Olivia she’d collect in the remaining sponsorship forms. ‘I’d better do it before the run starts or she’ll tell tales to Lucy,’ she grins, breaking into a jog. ‘See you along there?’
There’s quite a crowd assembled on the green when I arrive, even though it’s still half an hour until the run kicks off at 11.30. The first person I recognise is Theo. He’s so tall, his dark head is easy to spot in a crowd. He’s standing chatting to Olivia, who’s looking sleek and slender in little black Lycra shorts and a purple top that shows off her tanned midriff. I lurk on the perimeter, feeling like the ugly stepsister by comparison, preferring to remain anonymous in my grunge gear.
As I watch them furtively, Paloma goes up to Theo and is obviously asking him for his sponsorship form. Olivia smiles and leans towards him, then slides her hand into the small, zipped pocket of his running shorts and draws out what must be the folded-up form, holding it out to Paloma. It’s such an intimate gesture, I feel my stomach lurch uncomfortably.
They’re all laughing now, Theo more than anyone.
Olivia obviously meant it as a joke. I wish I could see the funny
