Page 39 of Daydreams & Doughnut Cake

‘That’s a great start. Admitting it. And you’ve got a brilliant husband and loads of friends who’ll bedelightedto help with Isla. She’s so gorgeous.’

Ellie smiled weakly. ‘I guess I need to let go of this desperation to be... well, Supermum.’

‘You do. And may I be the first to welcome you into the club.’

‘The club?’

I grinned at her. ‘The club for New-Mums-Who-Haven’t-Got-A-Bloody-Clue-What’s-Just-Hit-Them!’

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Ellie fell asleep on the sofa to the soothing sound of the washing machine churning in the background, while I listened out for Isla and swept and mopped the kitchen floor.

When she finally woke up almost two hours later, her eyes looked brighter.

‘Gosh, I never usually sleep during the day. I’ve just been lying on the bed or the sofa, knowing I should be resting but worrying too much to nod off.’ She smiled and gave a luxurious stretch. ‘Thank you so much for that.’ She listened. ‘Still asleep?’

‘Still asleep. I’ve just checked on her.’

‘How about a cool drink? It’s a gorgeous day out there. We could go out in the back garden?’

I nodded. ‘Great idea.’

‘Have you got time? Don’t you need to pick up Amelie from nursery?’

‘Nope. She’s gone for tea at a friend’s house and I’m not collecting her till six o’clock.’ I glanced at my watch. ‘So I still have almost an hour.’

‘Great. I’ve got some non-alcohol prosecco in the fridge? It’s actually really nice.’

‘Sounds good.’

I went out into the back garden, where they’d just had a new patio laid, leaving Ellie to get the drinks. Sitting down at the garden table with its sun umbrella, I sighed happily in the sunshine and surveyed the garden. It was a great space, although it was clear there was still a lot of work that was needing to be done to clear all the brambles and weeds...

Remembering the letter in my pocket, I pulled it out.

Looking at the envelope, my heart gave a thump of dread when I saw my name printed in capital letters – just like the last time.

Swallowing hard, I slit it open and drew out the single sheet of writing paper.

Think you can keep running from the truth? Think again, bitch!

*****

Shocked, I stared at the words as my heart raced at a million miles an hour.

I felt sick.

Someone hated me. Really despised me.

But who?

Ellie emerged with a tray and I tried to smile at her but failed miserably.

‘What’s wrong?’ she asked, seeing the tears in my eyes. She put the tray on the table and sat down beside me. ‘Are you okay?’

Silently, I passed her the letter.

As she read it, a look of horror spread over her face. ‘What on earth...?’ she breathed. Then she looked up at me questioningly.

---