Me: Can I ask you something, please?
Nell: Certainly.
Me: Have I done anything wrong?
Nell: Why would you say that?
Me: It’s only that I was upstairs and went into the bedroom and Poppy gave me one of her long stares.
Nell: Did she now? Was she busy?
Me: I don’t think so.
Nell: Interesting.
Me: And now I’ve come downstairs and you’re giving me one of your looks too.
Nell: Am I?
Me: Yes. I mean in your case it’s not that unusual because you often look at me in mild dismay but both you and Poppy? It’s made me wonder.
Nell: Maybe we should discuss this with Poppy over lunch?
Me: That might be a problem.
Nell: Why?
Me: Kev and I are going out to lunch. It’s the first time in so very long and we are awfully excited.
Nell: I don’t suppose you are going to The Cottage Hotel, are you?
Me: Yes, actually we are.
Nell: My favourite place? The one I haven’t been to in over a year? The hotel featured in your first book?
Me: Well, yes. You see restrictions have finally been lifted and they are opening again.
Nell: So?
Me: So what?
Nell: So when were you going to tell me?
Me: Tell you what?
Nell: That I’m not invited.
Me: Well, that’s the thing.
Nell: Here we go.
Me: You are invited.
Nell: I am?
Me: Of course you are, Nell. Kev and I never go to lunch at The Cottage Hotel without you. It’s only when we go inside that we can’t take you.
Nell: So I’m included?
Me: Yes.
Nell: Where’s my handbag? I need my iBone.
Me: Why?
Nell: To text Dorothy that I’m going out to lunch. Good news must be shared.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
