CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
They arrived at Abby’s house just before 11 a.m. the next day. Ailsa was holding the door open before they even got out the taxi. She hugged Mia. “Abby’s in the kitchen doing her penance, she told me what she said to you Mia, I’m sorry.”
Steph hugged her. “Her penance?”
“Yes, I’ve made her cook everything.” She raised her eyes. “You know how much she enjoys that. She’s made enough to feed a small army. She should be grateful actually I’ve drawn the line at that, she probably deserves the stocks. God, I don’t know what got into her, must be the stress of the party, engagement and wedding plans, not that that’s any excuse, given how horrible she was to Mia. Talk of the devil.”
At that Abby came out the kitchen, drying her hands on a dish towel, she looked embarrassed. “Hey guys thanks for coming, I’m not sure I’d have been quite as forgiving Mia after what I said to you.”
“Abby it’s okay...”
“No, it’s not, it was unforgiveable. I was a jealous brat, you’d think I was 6 and my best friend had been taken away.”
Steph reached around Mia’s waist pulling her towards her. “Actually, she thinks you look down on her because she’s a nurse, and how should I say has been .... generous with her affections in the past.”
“Hey!” Steph yelped as Mia slapped her gently. “Full disclosure is required, we need everything out in the open.”
“That’s all very well if it’s your innermost thoughts.”
Abby pulled her into her arms. “Oh god Mia I’m sorry, come here. I don’t know what came over me last night. I love you you know that, or at least I hope you do, and I think you’re the best thing that’s happened to Steph, fortunately even she was bright enough to realise it.... eventually”
“With your help I believe, I heard what you did, your trip to London. I understand the conference wasn’t that useful.”
Abby looked guilty. “It was nothing.”
“It wasn’t nothing, I’m not sure we would have been together now if not for you. So, I think we’re even.” She put out her hand. “What do you say?”
“Okay, deal.” Abby shook her hand formally, then grinned and hugged her again.
Ailsa grinned. “I blame the gin too.”
“They all looked at her.”
“For last night, I’ve always said gin makes her mean.”
Abby looked guilty again. “You’re probably right, I’ll not drink it again babe.”
“Good, I’ve poured it down the sink.”
“Mia, no excuses I really am sorry, there’s nothing wrong with being a nurse, nothing at all, god I cut hair, such a service to society, and surely Steph told you what a slapper she was when she came out. I wasn’t there but I’ve heard enough from her and Janie, it wasn’t pretty. I’ve had my moments too.... what can I say I’m irresistible?”
At that Janie appeared, having let herself in, hugging them all. “Hey, did I hear my name mentioned, I hope you’re not casting aspersions on my good character, I was almost a nun compared to you lot. That’s what happens when you’re wing woman to an amazon, no one noticed me. Anyway, I’m hoping I’ve missed the apologies, I’m starving, and carbs and a hair of the dog is just what I need.” She handed Ailsa a magnum of cava. “I won that in a works charity raffle, it’s chilled and ready to go. Perfect for mixing with fresh orange, at least then I can convince myself it’s part of my five a day, alternatively add a strawberry or two, it would be just as good.”
Mia laughed. “See, you’ve just confirmed it, your jobs are much better than mine, our best raffle prize ever was bath bombs. The hospital administrator nearly had a stroke, bombs in the hospital can you imagine.”
“Well at least she’d have been in the right place.” They all laughed. Ailsa grabbed Abby and turned her around, pushing her towards the kitchen, smacking her bottom. “Right serf back in the kitchen, if you know what’s good for you.” She looked back and winked at the others. “Seeing as I’m madly in love with you I’ll take pity on you and make our drinks, Mimosas everyone?”
Fifteen minutes later they were sitting at the table sipping Mimosas, a spread of sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms and potato scones in front of them. Toast and croissants were piled high, with butter, marmalade, jam, chocolate spread and honey available, next to a pot of tea and a carafe of coffee.
Abby raised her glass. “To forgiveness and friendship.” Smiling as they all followed suit. “Dig in.”
“Actually, just before we start, I want to say sorry too Abby, to you and Janie. I know that you’ve got my best interests at heart and I was a rotten friend for a time there.”
Abby rubbed her shoulder. “That’s okay babe, we know you’re like an ostrich whenever strong emotions are around. We’re just glad Mia managed to pull your head out the sand before she gave up on you, lesser women would have given up long ago.”
Janie nodded, reaching for some food. “Agreed, anyway enough about you lot, I’m expecting you to focus on me, I need a date for a posh wedding I’m attending soon.”
Steph couldn’t stop herself. “Oh whose?”
Ailsa laughed. “Hey, ours obviously! It will be the event of the century won’t it babe? But ooh that’s a challenge and a half ladies.”
Abby nodded. “One that I’m sure we can rise to, right girls?”
Mia smiled. “Oh yes, count us in, maybe even a nice Spanish chick.”
“Spanish sounds good thanks, not so sure about the nice though.” Janie winked. “Believe me that’s not required.”
“Hey enough of that I don’t want you all leaving me for Europe.”
Ailsa smiled, kissing Abby’s lips gently. “Don’t worry babe I’m not going anywhere.”
The next few hours were spent eating, drinking and planning a hen night. Abby and Ailsa loved the idea of a Spanish beachfront venue and said they were happy to leave the search in their capable hands, and once they thought they found something they could visit. Steph and Mia promised they’d try and rent a large house in Gibraltar with plenty of room for visitors, and they all promised to visit soon even if just for a long weekend.
They kept talking into the early evening despite Abby falling asleep from too little sleep, her efforts at cooking which had been highly commended, and one too many cocktails. She woke to find her friends gone and cuddled into Ailsa on the couch, both covered in a blanket, Ailsa snoring gently on her shoulder.