“School’s busy and we’ve had lots happening on the property.”

“Of course. You haven’t forgotten about the netball meeting next week, have you?”

Natalie shook her head. She had but she wouldn’t admit it.

“I’ve put your name down to organise the catering for the carnival. We need a level head in charge. Some of those new younger players—”

“I’m sorry, Nancy…I’m not sure if I can be there.” Natalie couldn’t think past tomorrow.

Nancy’s eyebrows shot up. “Surely you won’t miss it. You’ve been a stalwart ever since Kate started playing. How is Kate, by the way? Any babies yet?”

“No.” She shook her head, and from the look on Nancy’s face it was another failure on Natalie’s part that her daughter hadn’t produced a grandchild.

“Grandies are such a delight but I’ve told my girls they can’t rely on me for constant babysitting. I love having the children sometimes but I won’t be a dogsbody. I’m far too busy myself. Next week there’s the community garden meeting as well. That’s something you’d enjoy—”

“I have to get on, Nancy. Excuse me.” Natalie reached forward and tugged the box of powder from the shelf. “If I’m not there please don’t put me down for anything.” Nancy’s look of surprise was comical, though Natalie felt every emotion but humour. “Bye, Nancy.” She backed up her trolley and swerved away, almost running to the checkout.

Back at Olive’s she put three bags of shopping on the kitchen bench. The list had run to more than a few things.

“You’ll unpack it for me, won’t you?” Olive’s voice wavered from the lounge where she sat in a chair watching the end of a pre-news game show.

Natalie bit back her sigh and set to work. The news was on by the time she’d finished. She bent down to kiss Olive on the cheek. It was a robotic kiss forged from years of polite greetings and farewells. “What will you have for dinner?”

“I’m not that hungry.” Olive dragged her gaze from the screen and stood up. “A sandwich will do now that I have fresh bread. Thanks, Natalie. I’m feeling much better.”

There was a beautiful arrangement of roses on Olive’s buffet. They were too perfect to be from someone’s garden.

“What lovely roses.”

Olive glanced around. “Constance called in. She knew I’d be specially missing her father this week.” She forced a smile. “So thoughtful of her to bring me roses. They were Clem’s favourite.”