Probably Elaine, who appears to be an exceptionally proud mother, talks about him non-stop. It’s only surprising that Mum should have retained such a wealth of detail about someone so wholly unconnected with her. I love her dearly, but her biggest fan couldn’t say she isn’t the teeniest bit self-centred.
It also appears that she talks about me quite as much as Elaine does about Alex. I’d always assumed that with Mum, out of sight was out of mind. Perhaps I’ve misjudged her.
In any case, it’s no wonder that, having spent the afternoon with our two mothers, I should have Alex more than usually on my mind. Alex, with his hazel eyes and ready smile.
I can’t quite remember what I was dreaming of when I woke so abruptly. Possibly something to do with the time we painted the village hall together. With Suzy, I remind myself. But it was such a magical day that I scarcely noticed Suzy, although Alex clearly did.
It will feel strange walking back into that hall tomorrow. My water rat and Alex’s riverbank may have chipped and faded or given way to whatever is currently in fashion. It’s probably covered in pictures of Spiderman now.
I’m thinking about getting up when Mum bustles in, already talking at top speed. ‘… so, you see, there’s very little time!’
She gives me a disapproving look. ‘Are you still in bed? Hurry up or half the day will be gone!’
I eye her suspiciously. ‘I missed most of that. Are you talking about something specific? You aren’t planning another makeover?’
‘Don’t be so silly,’ she says. ‘You’ve already bought a dress. Why would you need another one? Unless you mean for tonight? Why didn’t you say something sooner? We could have got you something while we were shopping. You really are the most disorganised girl. And I can’t spare any time this afternoon.’
I hold up my hand. ‘And breathe! I have no idea what you’re talking about. Why would I need another dress?’
She clicks her tongue. ‘For tonight! Honestly, I sometimes think that no one in this family listens to a word I say.’
‘What’s happening tonight?’ I ask.
‘The party, of course!’
‘I thought that was tomorrow?’
She almost stamps her foot. ‘You’re being deliberately obtuse. I’m in no mood for that today. You’re perfectly aware that I’m talking about the drinks party.’
‘Whose drinks party?’ I say despairingly.
‘Robert and Elaine’s! I forgot you’d need something nice to wear for that too. There’s nothing for it. You’ll have to wear something of mine. We can look through my wardrobe after breakfast.’
Without waiting for me to reply, she disappears.
I shower and dress. Perhaps Dad can help me navigate the shoals of Mum’s thought processes.
I find him downstairs eating his usual muesli and reading the paper. Mum is nowhere to be seen.
He lays down his paper when I walk in. ‘How did you sleep?’
I pour myself some coffee. ‘Fine, thanks. Is it my imagination or did Mum appear in my bedroom this morning talking about a party?’
‘That sounds quite likely,’ he says. ‘She and Elaine are in quite a tizz about tonight.’
‘I thought the vow renewal was tomorrow.’
‘It is. Tonight’s the rehearsal dinner.’
He has such a wry expression on his face that I can’t help laughing. ‘They’re doing this in style, aren’t they? I thought only Americans had rehearsal dinners.’
‘Apparently, they’re quite a thing over here now too,’ he says, pouring himself some more muesli. ‘Don’t tell your mother about this, by the way. I’m only supposed to be having one small portion.’
He pulls a face as he holds up the milk jug. ‘She’s convinced I won’t fit into my suit tomorrow. She wanted me to go for a jog this morning. A jog – I ask you!’
He picks up his spoon. ‘I suppose I should count myself lucky. Elaine has had Robert on a low carb diet for the past couple of months. She calls it a bootcamp. Goodness knows why.’
‘Poor Robert,’ I say. ‘Has he lost much weight?’