Caroline approaches with the usual polished smile—practised, professional, and just a little too smug for my liking. “Just a quick reminder about the big Macmillan Cake Extravaganza in four weeks,” she says, her voice dripping with enthusiasm.
I blink at her. “The what now?”
Christa mutters under her breath, “Oh, here we go,” before making herself look very busy with something on her screen.
Caroline’s smile tightens just a fraction, as if I’ve personally insulted her by not immediatelyknowing what she’s talking about. “The charity event? You do read the company newsletter, don’t you?”
“Oh, the newsletters.” I nod, playing innocent. “The one probably buried under a mountain of meeting invites? Must’ve slipped through.”
Caroline exhales, though she keeps her expression pleasant. “Well, it’s a big deal. We’re raising money for Macmillan, and everyone is encouraged to bring in a homemade cake.” She tilts her head, eyes twinkling with something far too knowing. “Of course, we all know baking isn’t exactly your strong suit, so no one will hold it against you if you just attend. We mums have it covered.”
Ah. There it is. I feel Christa freeze beside me, probably holding her breath to see if I take the bait.
I do.
“Actually,” I say, pasting on my brightest smile, “I will be attending. And I’ll be bringing a cake.”
Caroline’s brows lift ever so slightly, just enough to suggest she’s highly doubtful. “Really?”
“Really,” I say, crossing my arms. “A proper, homemade cake. By me.”
Christa chokes on nothing.
Caroline gives me one last unreadable look before nodding. “Well then, I look forward to it.”
She waves awkwardly before disappearing down the corridor with the same purposeful click-click of her heels that follows her wherever she goes.
The second she’s out of sight, Christa bursts out laughing. “Oh my God. You so took the bait.”
I groan, rubbing my temples. “I know.”
“Do you even own cake tins?”
“I will by theend of the month.”
She cackles. “This is gonna be amazing.”
I glare at her. “You’re supposed to be supportive.”
“Oh, I am!” She grins. “I fully support this disaster you’ve just signed yourself up for.”
I sigh, already regretting every life decision that has led me to this moment.
14
SOS from Kent
Ivy
Izip up mybag and set it by the door after glancing inside one last time to make sure I’ve got everything. Bathrobe, towel, swimsuit, shower gel, shampoo… check. Book for lounging, snacks for the car ride… also check.
Christa will be here any minute to pick me up for our spa day, and I’m actually looking forward to it. A whole afternoon of facials and soaking in a heated pool without a single email notification in sight. Heaven.
I grab my phone to see if she’s texted, but the screen lights up with a message from Theo instead.
Theo
SOS.
