This London Love by Clare Lydon Page B

often be seen flicking the pages of Cosmopolitan to get the latest beauty tips.
    Meg shook her head. “Nothing yet. I’m doing a run on Saturday and seeing Nathan in the evening, but apart from that, no.” She bit into her custard cream and it took her right back to her childhood. Summers in the back garden playing Swingball with her brother Jamie, and splashing about in the paddling pool. Funny how tastes and smells could evoke so much emotion — Meg could almost taste the summer air, even now.
    “And how is wonder boy?”
    Meg smiled at her mum’s nickname for her best friend. “He’s good, you know Nathan. Nothing phases him, nothing changes. He wants to drag me out into town at the weekend, but I’m not sure I’m up for it.” Meg paused. “But Nathan says we both need an injection of excitement in our lives, so he’s determined.”
    Olivia took a sip of her tea. “I’m with Nathan on this one. And don’t even get me started on the fact you’re still living with Tanya The Terrible.”
    “Mum…”
    “I’ve been very good at not saying anything lately, haven’t I?”
    Meg nodded her head slowly. She had to admit her mum had known when to shut up of late when it came to Tanya, which was very unlike her. Olivia was usually one to get her opinions heard. From being a daily record, she was now down to once a week with her rant, perhaps once a fortnight.
    “But really, that is one situation you need to sort out. Put the house on the market and move on with your life. She’s going to have to accept you’re over eventually.” Olivia’s face hardened at the mention of her daughter’s ex.
    “Oh, she’s accepted it alright, she’s got plenty of new friends and admirers.” Meg couldn’t stop the bitterness creeping into her voice.
    “You see!” Olivia said. “She’s over it, she’s happy as a lark living the life she wants — and what are you doing? Getting in late, avoiding her, shuffling up to your room and then spending all the hours here.”
    Meg stared at the floor, not daring to look up into her mother’s eyes, because she knew what look would greet her. Concern. Pity. Disappointment. And they were the things she really couldn’t bear. And it was at times like this Meg wished she worked in a normal workplace and didn’t have to listen to her mother during the day. And of course, the worse thing about the whole sorry debacle was that her mum was 100 per cent correct.
    “I know, you don’t have to keep telling me.” Meg’s cheeks were burning now. “And stop getting so worked up — it’s not good for your heart.”
    “Don’t worry about my damn heart!” Olivia said.
    “But I do worry.” Meg twisted her hands together.
    There was silence for a couple of moments.
    Then Olivia’s shoulders dropped and she sagged slightly. “Okay, you’re allowed to worry about my heart, but I’m also allowed to worry about what you’re doing with your life. So I’m saying this as your mother but also as your friend. Put the house on the market. Move in with me or Jamie or Nathan for a bit — whoever you like. But just get out of there, get your money and start again. It’s time.”
    Meg looked up at her mum and knew she was right. She would. She would make the decision and move out. And whatever Tanya said, whatever obstacles she threw in her way, she would deal with them. A brief image of a new flat with brand new stainless steel appliances popped into Meg’s head and she allowed herself a fleeting smile, closely followed by a puzzled look. Because leaning up against the cooker, with a smile on her face, was Kate.
    Interesting .

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    15
     
    “Any news, Hannah?” Dawn was standing with a biro poised between her thumb and index finger.
    Hannah swivelled in her chair. “For?”
    “Any of it - the interviews, the runners, the baby feature?”
    Hannah nodded. “The Olympian is in…”
    “Yes!” Dawn said, emphasising her delight with a fist pump.
    “…and