Page 37 of The Village Cafe in the Loire

‘Thanks for answering.’

Amber laughed. ‘It’s OK. Sorry for being a bit short with you. It’s been a difficult time at work. And I’ve been?—’

‘Don’t say any more, it’s forgotten,’ Becky interjected.

‘I know, it’s just I really wanted?—’

‘Nope. Not listening!’ Becky joked.

‘You,’ said her friend, ‘are bloody infuriating at times. You know that, right?’

‘Guilty as charged.’ Becky said. Then, ‘Sorry though.’

‘It’s OK.’ Amber’s voice was exaggeratedly weary. ‘Apparently younever have to say you’re sorrywhen you love someone.’

‘Ha!Love Actually?’

‘Love Story.’

‘The oldies are the best, right?’ Becky smiled.

‘So they tell me.’

‘Anyway, I’ve made some progress here.’

‘Yeah?’

‘Yeah. I’m actually serving coffee, can you believe.’

‘Really?’ Amber sounded genuinely incredulous. ‘What’s that like? Driving you mad?’

‘Actually no. I’m quite enjoying it.’

‘Wonders will never cease!’ There was a laugh, but suddenly Amber’s voice seemed to change. ‘Look, I have to go. I’m back at the office, but talk later, yeah?’

‘No. Wait. Just a sec. Look, I’ve been thinking and… I wondered if you wanted to come out. Just for a few days. My shout.’

‘Oh. No. I just couldn’t.’

‘Look, I know you don’t have any leave. But I’ve checked and there’s a flight this Friday, late afternoon. It’s only a couple of hours. Then one back on Sunday. My treat.’

‘Oh, I couldn’t let you pay.’

‘I insist. It’s my way of making it up to you.’

There was a silence.

‘It would be nice to talk to you properly,’ Becky wheedled.

‘That’s true. Because you know?—’

‘There’s wine…’

Silence.

‘Say you’ll come.’

‘OK,’ Amber said. ‘Thanks. Why not.’

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