Cally:Not too bad. How about you?
Logan:I’m fine. Are you on your way here?
Cally:Yes, I’m just heading down now. Birdie is dropping me off.
Logan:Okay, I’ll see you soon.
Cally:Is there anything you need me to get you?
Logan:No, I’m fine.
Cally:Do you want me to bring you something from the deli?
Logan:I’m good.
Cally:Are you sure?
Logan:Yes.
Cally:Have you eaten anything?
Logan:No, I’ve just had a cup of tea. I’ll do a coffee when you get here, just before we leave.
Cally:I think you should have something to eat.
Logan:I can’t even look at food.
Cally:See you soon.
Putting her phone back in her pocket, Cally walked out of the back of the deli and along the lane to the little parking spot behind the chemist, where Birdie was just pulling up in her car. Birdie got out and raised her eyebrows as she took in Cally. Birdie looked sombre head-to-toe in black. The Shipping Forecast came from inside the car.
‘Morning. How are you?’ Birdie asked.
‘Good, well, not good, but fine. Considering the circumstances, I’m okay. You?’
Birdie nodded. ‘Yeah, I’m fine, too. I have to say going to a funeral is never my favourite way to spend a morning.’
‘Nope.’
Birdie lowered her voice. ‘Well, you scrubbed up well. Nice dress.’
‘Thank you.’ Cally took in Birdie’s beautifully cut trouser suit. ‘Same to you.’
Birdie stepped closer and peered at Cally’s headband. ‘Gosh, that’s really effective. Where did you get it?’
‘I googled “headband for funeral,” and it was the first thing that came up. ‘Given the people that will be there, I felt as if I needed a hat or something. This does the trick, doesn’t it?’
‘It does, and it’s beautiful. You nailed it. What is it? Like padded velvet knotted with a little gauze veil?’
‘Yeah. You just pop it in your hair.’
‘Nice.’
‘I wonder how this funeral is going to go?’ Cally shook her head and exhaled.
‘The actual service itself will be impeccable. I know Doreen has worked her socks off for everything to go well, but when someone so young passes away, it’s not great at the funeral, in my experience.’ Birdie sighed and shook her head. ‘Horrible and I wish I didn’t know how I know that, but there you are.’
‘Yep. I’m setting myself up for it to beawful.’
