Page 119 of If We Were Young

“Okay.”

“Why don’t you invite her over this week? I’ve never really got to know her.”

“Nonna doesn’t like her. She will make it all uncomfortable.”

I twisted at the ring, getting the Vaseline under the band. “That’s not for Nonna to decide. Anyway, she’s not always right. She’s always had a thing for Aunty Ange, and honestly Angela has never done me wrong. She’s always got me.”

The ring popped off leaving my finger bright red in its wake. “Here you go.” I pressed it into her palm. “Right. I’m going to get ready for work.”

She clasped her hand over the ring and slouched off the bed. “Be brave, Mum.”

“I will.”

When she’d gone, I grabbed my phone. There was a message from Angela: Told you so. I assume you need wine, wine, and more wine?

I ignored it and set off to work.

Purple Vegetables

Ronnie. Do not puke. Do not puke.

I glared at myself in the office’s mirrored restroom. My skin glistened like icing on a unicorn birthday cake.

Half an hour more and this would all be over. Just half an hour.

Supersaver Foods would be out of my life, and with it, Matthew Carling.

“Ronnie. They’re here.” Natalie peeped around the corner and sent me a small smile.

“I’m coming.” My voice tightened. Uneven. Not my own really.

Giving myself a stern and quite scary glare in the mirror I turned for the door.

My smile faltered when I saw only Amanda waiting in the reception area. Natalie lounged against the desk laughing at something Amanda was saying.

“Ronnie. Wow, I wasn’t expecting you to finish this quick. You could have only got back last night?

She didn’t know I left Tuesday night. Her and her cousin weren’t that close then? Or maybe Matthew just hadn’t mentioned me. Our brief time together was over. That would make more sense. Yes, that was it.

“Oh, I’ve had plenty of time.”

“How was Scotland?” Amanda shook my hand, firm and warm. “I hope it was illuminating.”

“I met the rest of your cousins, it was loud.” I etched a smile on my face.

“How was Lynn? She always struggles at the memorial dinner?”

I couldn’t think of Lynn’s face when I left. It was an unanswered puzzle that I didn’t want to think about; he never stopped talking about you.

I blocked it. Stupid thought.

“She seemed fine. She was very welcoming. Just you, today?” I made my voice not shake.

“Just me. Matthew is still in Edinburgh. Some family crisis.”

“Oh.” I tried to smile. “I hope the boys are okay.”

An awkward pause hung between us.