Heart of Ice by Gl Corbin Page B

dreaded the calls. Much as she loved her mother, she resented being checked on. What could she say to reassure her mother that she was okay? Nothing – her mother would see through her empty words.
    “I'm going to Jody's tonight – for dinner. Yes I'm looking forward to it.” It was much easier to lie on the phone than face to face.
    Her mother always managed to conjure up news of a relative or neighbour to fill the ten minute calls. Sarah barely knew half of the people her mother talked about.
    “Okay. Take care. Love to dad.” Sarah checked her watch. It was probably too early for a glass of wine, but she poured one anyway. David had hated her to drink during the day.
    “Fuck you David!” She raised her glass, and took a long drink.
     
*******
     
     Sarah had a bottle of wine in one hand and a bunch of flowers in the other. Judging by the noise coming from inside the house, Jody's kids weren't in bed yet.
    “Sarah. Come in.” Jody took the flowers. “They're lovely thanks.”
    The kids came charging through the hallway; one in pursuit of the other.
    “Stop running! Sorry about that. My mother is taking them for the night. She should be here any minute – I hope.”
     
    Twenty minutes later, the house was much calmer; the kids had been collected by their grandparents.
    Eddy, Jody's husband was in charge of cooking.
    “He loves to cook,” Jody beamed. “He puts me to shame.”
    The two women were in the small living room.
    “Another?” Jody had the wine bottle in her hand.
    “Not for me.” Sarah had already polished off a half bottle at home. She would have to take it steady if she wasn't going to make a show of herself.
    “Dinner will be twenty minutes.” Eddy stuck his head around the door. “I hope you aren't a veggie Sarah.”
    “No chance. Card carrying carnivore – that's me.”
    Jody and Eddy had so little, and yet so much. Sarah knew their finances must be stretched to the limit, and yet they had permanent smiles etched on their faces. But then, why wouldn't they? It was plain to see how much they loved one another and the kids.
    “Don't mention I.C.E. to Eddy,” Jody whispered. “He worries.”
    “Doesn't he know?”
    “He knows about the takeover. It was in the paper. He doesn't know that I.C.E. are asset strippers.”
     
    “I'll get it.” Jody was already on her way to the door. Sarah had a horrible sinking feeling in her stomach. Surely Jody wouldn't have...
    “Sarah. This is Stewart. Stewart this is Sarah.”
    Neither of the guests seemed sure of the protocol. Air kisses? In the end, they settled for a rather weak handshake.
    “Stewart works with Eddy.” Jody had a huge grin on her face.
    This was the reason Jody had been so insistent Sarah came tonight. If she had realised, Sarah would definitely have declined the invitation.
    “Sarah, will you pour Stewart a drink while I check how Eddy’s doing.”
      “I'm sorry about this,” Stewart whispered. “I take it you didn't know I would be here.”
    Sarah shook her head.
    “I'll kill Eddy. He said he had told you. I would never have...”
    “It's okay. I wouldn't blame Eddy. This has Jody's hallmark all over it. She can't bear to see me by myself.”
     
*******
     
    Jody had made sure Stewart and Sarah were seated next to one another.
    “Stewart has been divorced for two years.” Jody was in full matchmaking mode.
    Sarah wondered if it would spoil the atmosphere if she reached across the table and throttled Jody.
     
    As the evening wore on, Sarah managed to relax. Stewart was a quiet man, shy almost. David had been gregarious, always the life and soul. After the meal, Jody had refused Sarah's offer to help with the washing up.
    “Do you have children?” Sarah asked.
    “No.” Stewart looked a little sad. “We had talked about it, but... What about you?”
    “No. Thank goodness. I can barely look after myself.”
    “Eddy said you have a degree in Psychology.”
    “Yeah – for all the good it's done me. Milners