The Sisters by Nadine Matheson Page B

medium rare fillet steak however whilst Lucinda went for a smoked garlic hollandaise sauce, Jessica chose a classic peppercorn sauce.
    ‘And now that daddy is sick,’ Lucinda said ignoring Jessica’s tone, ‘It’s more important that we’re close by.’
    ‘That would be a first. You barely called when he was ill the first time around and now you sit here telling me that you want to be with the family. Do me a favour Lucinda…’
    ‘I did what I could. I mean for Christ sakes, he wasn’t dying and I was going through a divorce. I couldn’t just pick up and leave.’
    ‘You’re just making excuses.’ Lucinda took a bite of her steak and as she ate she tried to focus on the bigger picture. She wanted something from her sister and she wasn’t going to get it if she fought back, but she was the oldest and she wasn’t used to just sitting back.
    ‘Jess as much as I prefer arguing with you as opposed to sitting here in complete silence I didn’t invite you out to dinner to spend the entire evening being a target board for all of your digs.’
    ‘If that’s how you felt you could have sent me an email.’
    ‘Dad wants us to behave like sisters so it’s the very least we could do for him. You haven’t spoken to me for five years, Jess. The only reason that you’re sitting here now is because dad is ill. At least being out in public, sitting at a table, forces you to be civilised.’
    ‘Don’t pretend for one single minute that you’re here because of dad. You’re not doing this for dad, Lou. I know you. You always have an agenda for everything you do,’ Jessica said angrily. Her raised voice caught the attention of the diners around them. Lucinda sat back and waited for the moment to pass. If she jumped too much then Jessica would know that there was more truth to that statement then she realised.
    ‘I have no agenda Jessica,’ Lucinda said slowly as she cut into her steak.
    ‘I don’t believe you and I don’t trust you.’
    ‘Are you going to be like this for the whole dinner? Because quite frankly, sweetheart, you’re behaving like a spoilt brat,’ Lucinda said finally having enough of her sister.
    Jessica opened her mouth to answer but stopped. ‘Are you paying for this?’ Jessica asked as she reached for the side dish of sweet potato chips.
    ‘I suppose so. Why, is that a problem?’
    ‘No. Not for me. It’s just that I read that Paul had gone bankrupt.’
    ‘Paul’s business isn’t my business.’
    ‘I’m just making conversation.’
    ‘Well change the subject.’
    They sat eating with nothing more said between them. Jessica felt grateful for the food. In fact if it wasn’t for the fact that her head had been spinning from the effects of vodka on an empty stomach, when she’d entered the restaurant she’d never have sat down to eat. They used to be close as sisters. Yes, they’d fought like cat and dog when they were younger but Jessica had always known that Lucinda would defend her to the ends of the earth. Being so physically close to her now but with none of the warmth and love that once was, Jessica would have to be made of stone to admit that it didn’t hurt.
    ‘I know that dad wants us to be one happy family but I doubt that’s going to happen.’
    ‘You’re not even going to try?’
    ‘Why should I be the one who has to try after what you done? You’re delusional, Lucinda.’
    ‘I’m delusional? None of what happened was my fault and you know that,’ Lucinda said sternly. ‘For the love of God, Jess, why can’t you just let it go and move on?’
    ‘Unfortunately, I can’t let go of my own flesh and blood stabbing me in the back.’
    ‘When are you going to stop walking around with bloody blinkers on? I didn’t stab you in the back. I’ve never stabbed you in the back. Why are you here if you really feel that way?’
    ‘Because I reckon that enduring an hour with you is much better than putting up with mum and dad having a go at me because I won’t make