Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

Saturday 5 December

Andrea

Andrea smiled as she walked towards her mother-in-law and sister-in-law at the outdoor tables of Bellbird Café. Mimi was leaning right back in her chair, her hands laced together over her stomach and a look of pure relief on her face. Her long curls were twisted up into a knot on top of her head in that effortless way that still somehow looked elegant. If Andrea tried to do that with her hair, back when it was long, she’d have looked like there was a bird’s nest perched on her head. That’s why she always kept it short now — much easier to manage.

Meanwhile, Jill — who was probably the same height standing as Mimi was sitting — was hovering over the double stroller, one baby in her arms and her mouth twisting as she clearly deliberated how she might be able to pick up the other one as well. Andrea could see damp underarm patches developing on Jill’s blouse as she struggled with the decision.

Andrea quickened her pace. ‘Hey,’ she said, ‘you need me to grab . . .’ She broke off as she tried to figure out which one Jill was already holding. ‘James for you?’ she asked.

Mimi grinned. ‘Nicely guessed. Sure, you can pick her up, I don’t think I burped her properly after her feed.’

Jill was still hovering with Elliot in her arms. ‘She needs burping?’ she asked, concern in her voice. ‘Do you want to take Elle and I’ll pick up Jamie?’

Andrea and Mimi exchanged a brief look. Mimi had commiserated with her in the past about the fact that, while well meaning, it was clear Jill assumed that being child-free meant she didn’t know how to deal with babies.

‘All good,’ Andrea said as she reached into the stroller and scooped up James.

‘Well, mind you keep her face in the shade,’ said Jill.

‘You know you’ll get in trouble with Pete if he catches you changing their names,’ Mimi said, arching an eyebrow at Jill.

‘What? What did I say? I didn’t change them.’

‘Don’t you play all innocent with me. Elle? Jamie? We all know you’re trying to girl up their names. For the record, I don’t care, I like shortening them to nicknames. It’s Pete that keeps trying to stick to full names.’

‘Still hung up on not getting his boys?’ Andrea asked as she sat down, lifted James up over one shoulder and began to gently pat her back. Her small compact body was warm against Andrea’s skin.

‘Fuck yes,’ said Mimi.

‘Language!’ Jill put one hand over Elliot’s ear and they all laughed.

‘You’re the worst offender of us all,’ Mimi said. ‘Callie told me you were getting her to explain the meaning of WTAF to you the other day.’