Page 23 of The Girl in the Woods

Anika got up from the kitchen table and began hoovering the living room with tears rolling down her cheeks.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

PRESENT DAY

Beth scanned the packed pub, hoping to quickly find her sister, Sandy, and her husband, Ray. The last thing she wanted to do was attract some half-loaded guy determined to buy her a drink. Maybe they should have gone to The Bell. At least she would have known everyone, but that would have held too many memories. Waitresses hurried past her with trays of food. The smell of grilled hamburgers made her stomach rumble.

A hand on her shoulder startled her. What was happening to her? She’d become a bag of nerves.

‘Beth, sorry, are you okay?’

She turned to her sister, Sandy. She’s immaculate as always, thought Beth, looking down at her own black slip dress that she always wore for these occasions. I ought to buy a new dress and get my roots done.

‘You’re early,’ Sandy said, kissing her and leaving the air fragranced with Chanel Chance. Beth couldn’t remember the last time she wore perfume. Ben had bought her a bottle of Jo Malone’s Grapefruit the last Christmas they’d spent together. The thought of wearing it made her feel sick.

‘No, you’re late,’ said Beth.

‘Sorry, my last client was late.’

‘Honestly, Sandy, your clients take advantage of you.’

‘I’m a caring counsellor,’ said Sandy.

‘Where’s Ray?’

‘He’s running behind. You know how it is. He’ll be here soon.’

The waiter took them to their table, where they ordered a bottle of Chardonnay while they waited for Ray.

‘Happy birthday, sis and here’s to many more.’

They clinked glasses and drank. Sandy looked at Beth over the rim of her glass. ‘Beth, I know it’s been a tough year, but we’re all worried about you,’ she said gently.

Beth lowered her eyes and fiddled with the salt pot. ‘You don’t have to worry about me. I’m fine.’

Sandy watched as Beth topped up her glass. ‘You’re drinking too much.’

Beth’s head snapped up. ‘Is everyone counting my alcohol intake now?’

Sandy sighed. ‘Of course not. It’s just that–’

‘I’m off duty,’ said Beth. ‘So, you don’t need to report to Lewis.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, someone told him I’d been drinking too much.’

There was a sharp intake of breath from Sandy. ‘It wasn’t me, Beth. I wouldn’t stoop that low.’

At that moment, the waitress stepped forward with menus. As soon as she’d left, Sandy leaned forward across the table. ‘I know it can’t have been easy with Ben leaving you for another man.’

‘That’s got nothing to do with it,’ Beth retorted.

‘I know about the baby,’ Sandy said softly.

Beth took a long swig of her wine and swallowed it down with her unshed tears. She wouldn’t fucking cry.

‘Beth, you’ve got to let it go.’

---