‘I’ve got something to tell you,’ Rachel began.
‘Sounds ominous…’
‘I’m going out with Andy Lowry on Friday night. On a date,’ Rachel added, just in case her mother was in any doubt.
‘You’re doing what?’
‘I’m going on a date with Andy Lowry.’ Rachel was almost 30, but her dark eyes held all the defiance of a teenager, as she looked back at her mother. Sharon struggled to know how to react, her face a picture of total astonishment. Rachel was a grown woman, not a child to be corrected and told to listen to her mum. And yet… ‘Is that wise?’ she asked carefully.
‘I have no idea,’ Rachel admitted. ‘But I’m doing it and I’d like you to babysit.’
Giving herself time to think, Sharon watched Maddy and three other little girls racing around the play area. The children’s shrieking laughter filled the air. ‘I mean, after all that trouble last time, love…’
‘What trouble?’ Rachel demanded. ‘There wasn’t any trouble – just you and Gran predicting doom and disaster if I kept seeing him.’ Her voice was rising and she caught herself. ‘Sorry, Mum. I don’t mean to sound defensive, but I knew you’d react like this. You stopped me from seeing Andy once before but this time I know my own mind.’
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest