“I’m ecstatic beyond belief. I’ve always wanted to act,” commented Edna. “I have to thank Rebecca,” she added, but would not elaborate on who “Rebecca” is.
What a disaster. I never got to meet Nenita Dietz. I never got to meet anyone. When I got outside, I was so flustered, I almost ran all the way to the exit, looking behind me all the time for the men in dark jackets. I didn’t even buy any souvenirs, so the whole thing was a total waste. And then Luke wanted to hear all about it, and I had to pretend I’d had a brilliant time.
As I get Minnie ready for Little Leaf the next day, I’m still downcast. And my misery has been increased about a million-fold because we’ve had an email saying Alicia wants to address all the parents today about a fund-raiser, so could we all please stay behind after drop-off for an informal gathering.
Which means, after managing to avoid her these last few days, I’ll have to face her again. I don’t know how I’m going to keep my cool.
“What shall I do?” I say to Minnie as I plait her wispy little locks into a braid.
“Cup of tea,” replies Minnie seriously, and passes me a plastic cocktail glass. We’re sitting on the terrace outside, which is where Minnie chooses to get dressed most mornings (I can’t blame her, with this lovely sunshine), and all her teddies and dolls are sitting around, with a cocktail glass each. As Luke steps out of the house, briefcase in hand, he looks aghast at the sight.
“Is this Alcoholics Anonymous for teddies?” he says.
“No!” I giggle. “They’re our garden cocktail glasses. Minnie found them in the outdoor kitchen. They won’t break, so I let her play with them.”
“Daddy, cup of tea,” says Minnie, handing him a cocktail glass.
“OK,” says Luke. “A quick cup of tea.” He crouches down and takes the glass from her. A moment later, his gaze focuses on the teddy in front of him. Damn. I know what he’s seen. I should have hidden it.
“Becky,” he says. “Is that bear wearing my Asprey cuff links? The ones you gave me?”
“Er …” I assume an innocent expression. “Let me see. Ah. Yes, I believe it is.”
“And my Cartier watch.”
“So it is.”
“And that doll has got my old college tie on.”
“Has it?” I’m trying not to giggle. “Well, Minnie wanted to dress her toys up. You should be flattered she chose your things.”
“Oh, really?” Luke grabs his watch off the bear, ignoring Minnie’s protests. “I don’t notice you volunteering any of your priceless jewelry.”
“Your cuff links aren’t priceless!”
“Maybe they’re priceless to me because they came from you.” He raises his eyebrows at me and I feel a little flicker, because although I know he’s teasing me, I also know he means it.
“Drink tea, Daddy!” says Minnie sternly, and Luke puts his cocktail glass to his lips obediently. I wonder what all his board members in London would say if they could see him now.
“Luke …” I bite my lip.
“Uh-huh?”
I wasn’t planning on bothering him with my problems, but I can’t help myself. “What am I going to do about Alicia?”
“Alicia,” says Luke tersely, and raises his eyes to heaven. “God help us.”
“Exactly! But here she is, and I’m going to see her today at preschool, and everyone thinks she’s marvelous, and I want to yell, If only you knew what an evil witch she is!”
“Well, I wouldn’t do that,” says Luke, looking amused. “Not in public.”
“It’s OK for you! You’re really good when you meet people you don’t like. You just go all calm and stony. I get flustered.”
“Just think dignified. That’s my best advice.”
“Dignified!” I echo despairingly, and Minnie perks up.
“Digna-dive,” she enunciates carefully, and Luke and I both laugh, whereupon she says it again, beaming back at us. “Digna-dive. Digna-dive!”
“That’s it,” says Luke. “Digna-dive. I have to go.” He rises to his feet, swiping his Asprey cuff links off the teddy bear as he does so. I take a pretend swig of my tea, wishing it were a real cocktail, and that Luke could take the day off, and that Alicia lived in Timbuktu. “Sweetheart, don’t fret,” says Luke, as though reading my thoughts. “You’ll be fine. Chin up, eyes flinty.”
I can’t help giggling, as that’s exactly how he looks when he’s angry with someone but isn’t about to make a scene.
“Thanks.” I put an arm round him and kiss him. “You’re the most digna-dive person I know.”
Luke clicks his heels and bows like an Austrian prince, and I laugh again. I truly do have the best husband in the world. And I’m not biased at all.
As I arrive at Little Leaf, I’m resolved. Luke has inspired me. I’m going to be totally serene and not let Alicia get to me. Minnie prances off straightaway to play with her friends, and I head for the parents’ lounge, which is where Alicia is apparently giving her talk. I can hear a vacuum cleaner operating inside, so I assume the room isn’t ready yet and lean against the wall to wait. A few moments later I hear footsteps, and Alicia appears round the corner, immaculately dressed as ever in yoga wear and holding what looks like a brand-new Hermès bag.
OK, here I go. Chin up. Eyes flinty. Stay calm.
“Hello,” I say, trying to sound detached yet engaged, yet unflustered, while maintaining the moral high ground. All in two syllables.