Love-40 by Anna Cheska Page B

a game for the well-heeled and that kids were hardly likely to flock to CG’s just because it boasted an upper-crust restaurant. Erica had reiterated that much depended on the sort of young people one wanted as part of the club, and Liam had replied with a set of expletives roughly grounded in his particular form of Socialism. It looked, to Suzi, like stalemate.
    â€˜Bring in those type of youths,’ Erica said, her large face flushed with emotion, ‘And you get language. ’
    â€˜Oh, yes. Language,’ Deirdre repeated.
    â€˜Language?’ drawled Amanda. ‘Is that a disadvantage or a plus point?’
    â€˜Language that offends our neighbours,’ Erica elaborated. Her eyes were blue and flinty, bordered by sparse gingery lashes. Suzi wondered if William Raddle ever looked into them and whispered sweet nothings. It wasn’t an image she wanted to dwell on. ‘Their gardens back on to the tennis courts, remember,’ Erica added. And it was true that the far hard courts were separated only by a fence from three or four of Pridehaven’s more desirable properties up on the hill.
    â€˜Language?’ Liam jeered. ‘What sort of a bigoted, elitist view is that? Swearing belongs to the real world at least.’
    Erica wagged a knobbly index finger. ‘Ah, but do we want to be part of that world?’
    â€˜It’s the one we bloody well live in.’ Once again, he thrust his hand through his hair, creating a look that was growing more demented by the second, Suzi observed. And on he went. ‘We don’t live in some upper-class protected bubble where one breathes clean air, takes tea at four in the afternoon, patronises anyone who earns less than £ 50,000 a year and is scared to say the word “shit”.’
    Although Liam might have been describing Amanda Lake’s own background, Suzi couldn’t help noticing the almost imperceptible touch of Amanda’s hand on Liam’s arm that apparently indicated her support. And Suzi would like to bet that Nick Rossi had noticed it too. Suzi didn’t know what was going on between Liam and Amanda, but she did know that Liam was playing with fire – when he should be getting his own life in order.
    â€˜And they damage the nets. Smash their rackets into the tape when they lose a point. In temper. I’ve seen them.’ Erica accepted the coffee Deirdre offered her and took a cautious sip. ‘They’re always knocking balls over because they’re so…’ she shuddered, ‘ wild, and they even bring their bicycles on to the court when there’s really no need.’
    â€˜Yes.’ Deirdre nodded with enthusiasm. ‘They bring their bicycles on to the courts, you know. And there’s no need.’
    Erica glared at her.
    Suzi decided she’d had enough. ‘So shall we vote on raising fees?’ she suggested brightly.
    Liam scowled.
    â€˜Very well,’ said their chairperson, with a brief and resentful baring of teeth. ‘For? Against?’
    The show of hands indicated a stalemate as Suzi had forecast. Liam, Suzi, Amanda and Beryl voting against Erica, Deirdre, Margaret, Diana and Nick. After a brief hesitation, Simon (always uncannily aware of the club’s best financial interests), voted on Amanda’s side.
    â€˜Why not put it to the club members?’ Liam suggested. ‘That’s democratic.’
    Erica did not look overjoyed at the prospect of democracy. ‘At any rate,’ she said, addressing Liam. ‘Even you can’t object to more tennis activities in the summer to raise money for the club.’ She went on rapidly – as if concerned he might. ‘Any ideas from the floor?’
    â€˜We’ve already got the open competition,’ Suzi said, resisting the temptation to look at her watch.
    â€˜And the children’s tournament.’ Erica’s expression softened. ‘Christabel will be entering again