She looks alittle thrown.
‘Oh, I couldn’t. I’m nearly six months’ pregnant ...’ she hedges, but I can see she is tempted.
‘That’s even more reason to do it, Eva,’ I say, enthusiasm building in my voice. ‘This is probably your last chance to do something this random and spontaneous for the next eighteen years! Soon you’ll be trapped with Jeremy and the baby, with no exit or escape.’
That lastbit was probably a bit harsh, but it is also true.
She looks thoughtful. ‘I mean, I could ...’ she starts but then stops. ‘No, no, I can’t. What about work?’
‘Surely they’d let you take a week or two off?’ I try, but I can see I’m losing her. ‘Oh, come on, Eva! Why not! I know what you’re like. You never take your holiday entitlement, and your boss is nice, isn’t she ...? Listen, Ireally miss you, we haven’t seen each other in months, and I think you actually need this.’
A sudden look crosses her face and she sits up straighter.
‘I’m going to do it,’ she says, determined. ‘I’m coming.’
‘Are youSERIOUS?’ I shout, and people nearby shoot me a look. ‘Do you mean it?’ I say, quieter this time but I am jumping up and down inside.
She nods happily. ‘I’m goingto book a flight right now,’ she says, and she is already tapping away at her computer. ‘Send me the details of where I’m flying to. Can I stay with you?’
‘Ofcourse,’ I crow, and I am so happy. ‘We will have such a great time. We can take theslow-boat trip up the Mekong river, visit the Golden Triangle and stay overnight. I wanted to do it, but thought I’d run out of time. This is perfect!’
She claps her hands, thrilled. ‘I can’t believe I’m really doing this. Oh, I can’t wait, Alice! I can’t wait to see you and catch up. I’ve missed so much.’
We grin at each other.
