“Only way to get you a table.”
“You’ll get me fired.” She hugged her. “Thanks.”
It was a Michelin-starred Persian restaurant that Laura hadbeen dying to try, but when she’d phoned, she had been told they were fully booked up for six months. Isabella was friends with friends of the owners and said she’d try to get her in. It had to be that day, as she had a long tradition of celebrating her birthday by going out to dinner, ever since Daniel was born. Even as a baby, he’d sit in a high chair, playing with spaghetti, trying to get the slippery strands into his mouth, sometimes just the two of them if Howard was at work. She always had a cake too, knowing this would delight Daniel and each would take turns blowing out the candles. Birthdays were the one day of the year when Laura determinedly put aside whatever problems might be in her life (her marriage notably) and holed them up so they were unable to escape for the entire waking day, and she always, always made sure she went out for dinner.
“How’s it feel to have him fly the nest?”
“It’s not the first time.”
“Ah, now I know you’re being brave. This is the real one, though, isn’t it?”
Laura smiled. “I’m lucky. He’ll only be around the corner.”
“True. In his own pad. Able to do and see what he wants. Good job you brought him up so well.”
Izzy was teasing, she knew, but it suddenly occurred to Laura that Cherry might be spending quite a lot of time at Daniel’s new flat, and the thoughts that had been troubling her rose up again.
“Iz . . . something weird happened on holiday.”
“Oh yes?”
“I, er . . . was tidying up in Daniel and Cher—”
“Speaking of which, here he is.” Izzy grabbed Daniel’s arm as he and Cherry walked past. “Hey, guess what your clever auntie Izzy’s managed. You and your mum are going to have this year’s birthday dinner at none other than the Bazaar.”
“What’s that?”
“Oh, you poor, hopeless boy.”
“Hello, Laura,” said Cherry. “Nice to see you again.”
“You too,” she said politely.
“It’s Persian,” said Izzy. “It’s set for Saturday, the twenty-third of August. I had to get on my knees and beg.”
“Still a date?” Laura said to Daniel, and was relieved and pleased when he nodded.
“Can’t wait.”
“Oh . . . ,” started Cherry softly, before withdrawing.
Daniel saw the look of disappointment on her face. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“Come on, what were you going to say?”
“I . . .” She looked at him reluctantly. “I’ve . . . It was going to be a surprise . . . but I can always cancel it.”
He smiled. “Cancel what?”
Cherry looked awkward. “I’ve booked a white-water-rafting trip for us—you—I wanted to take you away.”
Laura’s mouth dropped open.
“You did?” He kissed her. “But”—Daniel looked toward his mum—“it’s Mum’s birthday.”
“Really?” said Laura. She couldn’t quite keep the incredulity out of her voice. “That same weekend?”
