Page 29 of The Alice Equation (The Laws of Love 1)

“Good lord, it must be dark. What are you doing at the beach?”

“Nothing much. Just taking a walk.”

“A walk! It’s nearly 9 p.m. where you are. Are you feeling okay?”

“Yes, Mum, fine really. I’m with a friend. We’ve just been at a party.”

Luckily Rowena didn’t ask which friend or even comment on the party bit. There was something to be said for having a mother who never really noticed the important milestones in your life, she supposed. Rowena gushed on. “I’m in Devon, darling, I’ve just been to Daphne du Maurier’s house. On the river—it’s divine. Then I got a tip-off that the Oxfam shop in Tiverton had acquired a collection of books from some Lord whatsisface after he died, and I’ve got some amazing first editions. You would love England. You really must get over this flying phobia thing you have, it’s so limiting.”

“I know, Mum. Where are you going next?”

“Cambridge, bit of a trip down memory lane.”

“Lovely,” Alice said. Rowena had done an exchange year at Cambridge as a postgrad student. There were yellowing photos of her all over the house: Rowena on a bicycle with her college scarf flying behind her. Rowena in a ballgown that made her look like a wedding cake, posing on the Bridge of Sighs. Alice was sure Rowena secretly saw herself as the next Germaine Greer who’d somehow missed out on her big break.

“Is there anyone you know still there?”

There was a moment’s pause. “Oh, maybe one or two. These days we’re scattered all over the globe.”

Alice feigned excitement. “Perhaps you’ll bump into Emma Thompson. Or what’s the guy out ofHouse? Hugh somebody-or-other? Weren’t they both at Cambridge?”

She was aware she was keeping her mum talking so she didn’t have to go back to the awkward flirting thing. Aaron had moved away and was skimming pebbles across the waves. It was impossible not to notice the ripple of his back muscles as he lifted his arm.

Rowena paused, then said brightly, “They were a bit before my time. Besides, I met so many people, it’s hard to remember them all.”

“Mmmm,” Alice traced a pattern in the sand with her toe, realised it looked like a heart and quickly scrubbed it out. “Did you get my email about the Mrs Beeton book?”

“The one for Esther? Yes, and I’ll make sure I find her a copy. Now sweetie-pie, is everything all right at home? Polly and you haven’t broken any of my antique glass collection, I hope?”

“We’re not toddlers, Mum.”

“And the shop’s going well? Lots of customers?”

“Yes, pretty steady. I’ll send you the end of month financials next week.”

“Perfect. Well, darling. Better go, I have a train to catch. Though knowing how things work here there will be a delay due to something, or somebody, falling on the line.”

“Mum!”

“Well, it happens. I’ll let you get back to your friend. Hope he’s nice. Kiss-kiss.”

“Oh, it’s not like—” Alice protested.

But Rowena had already hung up.

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