A Spot Of Bother

22

“The Derby Hotel story,” said Katie. “It’s not actually true, is it?”

“Of course not,” said Sarah. “Though I was so sick it came out of my nose. Which I seriously do not recommend.”

“Ray’s not usually like that,” said Katie.

“Glad to hear it.”

“Come on.” Katie was a little peeved that Sarah wasn’t showing the requisite sisterly support. “You’re not usually like that either…Hang on a second.” Katie got up and went over to the toy box to resolve a dispute between Jacob and another child over a one-legged Action Man.

She came back and sat down again.

“Sorry,” said Sarah. “That was out of order.” She licked her teaspoon. “And this is probably out of order, too. But, sod it, I’m going to ask anyway…This is the real thing, right? Not just a rebound relationship?”

“Jesus, Sarah, you’re meant to be my best woman, not my mum.”

“So your mum doesn’t like him,” said Sarah.

“Nope.”

“Well, he’s not the consultant pediatrician with the Daimler.”

“Oh, I think they gave up on that long ago,” said Katie.

Sarah tried to balance her teaspoon on the rim of her mug.

“He’s a good person,” said Katie. “Jacob loves him. And I love him.” That was the wrong way round, somehow. But changing it would have made her seem defensive. “He’s also made Ed promise to show him the speech beforehand.”

“I’m glad,” said Sarah.

“About Ray? Or Ed?” asked Katie.

“About Ray,” said Sarah, “and you.”

She put her teaspoon down and they waited for the atmosphere to warm up again.

“Incidentally,” said Sarah. “How’s your little brother doing these days? I haven’t seen him in yonks.”

“Fine. Bought himself a place in Hornsey. Haven’t seen him much myself to be honest. Proper boyfriend, too. I mean, like, an actual pleasant well-adjusted human being. Of course, you’ll meet them at the wedding.”

They sat for a few moments watching Jacob direct some kind of aerial combat between the disabled Action Man and an octopus made of blue felt.

“I’m doing the right thing,” said Katie.

“Good,” said Sarah.