Page 34 of Pyg

At the bottom of the staircase, she did a double take at the sporty black car in her parking bay, before remembering it was Ash’s. Alice’s own hunk of junk still sat lifeless and abandoned at the hospital, and Maggie hadn’t returned her call. Alice reached into her pocket for her phone and tensed when it wasn’t there —ugh, of course.Despite the inconvenience, she shrugged off the momentary regret at chucking it from the window of the Uber.

An early morning shower of rain had filled the air with a refreshing petrichor, and Alice drew a deep breath of the earthy scent.Fresh start.

She walked her usual route of leafy tree-lined streets and Regency terraced houses in the direction of Snoots and their fresh pastries — the best answer to her stomach’s demanding growls.

Hopping over the puddles in the cracked pavement, Alice made a pact with herself to get better at grocery shopping. She’d make a weekly meal plan, write a shopping list — and stick to it. It was time to get some routine back into her life.Time to grow up,said the voice of her sister inside her head. Alice shook it away, but the thought of Maggie remained. Maggie would like Ash because Ash was sensible and had her life together — from the little Alice knew of her, at least. Although, to be fair, Ash had just spent the night in the flat of a weird woman she’d only known for two days. Perhaps best not to mention that bit to Maggie if she ever introduced them.

Calm down, you’ve only just met her and you’re already subjecting her to Maggie and Markus.

* * *

Coffees in handand baked goods tucked under her elbow, Alice pushed through the front door. Ash appeared in the hallway, her raven hair tousled with sleep and the chenille blanket wrapped around her shoulders like a cape.

“I’m so sorry. I must have fallen asleep on your couch.”

“You did, and it’s completely fine. I went to fetch us coffee, as well as some of the best croissants you’ll ever taste.”

“Snoots?”

“You know it?”

“Oh my God, yes.” Ash blushed and reached a hand behind her neck. “I mean, thanks… you didn’t have to… it’s not like I’m your guest. I totally showed up uninvited and fell asleep mid-conversation.”

Alice grinned, handing a coffee cup and paper bag to Ash. “You looked so peaceful. I didn’t want to disturb you. Besides, you’ve been so kind to me. It’s really above and beyond what I expect from the NHS.”

Laughter sparkled in Ash’s eyes. “I offer a very personalised service.”

Alice turned and Ash followed her back to the lounge. With her legs curled beneath her on the couch, Alice devoured the buttery croissant and, with her free hand, brushed the flaky pastry from her chest. She eyed Ash, who was carefully plucking flakes from her shirt and popping them in her mouth.

“Don’t want to waste a crumb,” she said, becoming aware of Alice watching her.

Alice smiled. “I’m pleased you stayed last night. I mean, I know you didn’t intend to, but I was grateful for the company.”

Ash scoffed. “I wasn’t much company… but I’m pleased you’re okay, Alice. I hope it helped to talk things through with someone. I was thinking perhaps, maybe?—”

Four loud bangs hammered at the front door and Alice jumped.

“What the?—”

A muffled yell came through the door. “Alice, are you there?”

“Maggie?” Alice jumped up and dashed along the hall. She flung open the door to the scowling face of her sister. “What are you doing here?”

“You leave that weird message, Alice, about your car and your phone. And then I can’t get hold of you. The line just rings and rings and what else was I supposed to do?”

Without waiting for an invitation, Maggie marched through to the lounge with Alice in tow.

“Oh, hello.” Maggie stopped dead at the sight of the other woman and turned to shoot Alice a filthy look.

“Hi. I should, er—” Ash gestured awkwardly to the door.

“Ash, this is Maggie, my sister. Mags, Ash is my — doctor. I mean, friend. She’s not my doctor. She’sadoctor, who is also my friend…” Alice’s words trailed off into an awkward laugh.

“Right.” Maggie stepped forward and limply shook Ash’s hand before turning back to Alice with a death stare. “And also, she’s no doubt the reason you couldn’t answer your bloody phone and tell me that you’re okay?”

“What? I told you to call the landline.”

“I did, Alice. It just rings,” Maggie said through gritted teeth.

---