Another Night, Another Day Read Online Free PDF Page A

decides Michael. If anyone will understand, it’s Ali. His neighbour’s trade has taken a nosedive since the opening of a Tesco Metro a hundred yards down the
road – luckily they’ve not much room for flowers.
    ‘Fired.’ He flings the trays of roses onto the pavement in frustration. He cut the stems short especially for the hotel restaurant – how on earth can he sell dozens of such
blooms now?
    One by one he lifts the precious arrangements from the vehicle and lays them by the door. As he struggles with the display he made for reception, he feels his skin prickling with resentment.
    ‘Here, let me help you,’ says Ali, and together they lower the amaryllis to the ground.
    ‘Tim could have bloody tried the landline,’ says Michael as he finishes explaining. ‘I’m sure I would have heard that.’
    ‘He should have made sure he spoke to you in person,’ Ali nods.
    ‘You know what he said before Christmas? “Off the record, Mike, it’d be smart to feature more traditional flowers in the arrangements you do for us. You’re the creative
one, of course, but I thought you might appreciate the steer, as the boss, you see, he’s got a penchant for roses.” What bullshit. If Lawrence is so wedded to roses, what the hell were
giant peonies doing on reception?’ Michael kicks an empty box.
    ‘That Tim is a tosser.’ Ali’s family are from Rajasthan, but working alongside Michael has broadened his vocabulary. ‘Why didn’t he say to this Mr Lawrence he
already has a supplier? You have been doing those arrangements for many years.’
    ‘Over a decade. Wouldn’t have occurred to him to stand up to Lawrence – pigs would sooner fly.’
    ‘We all have businesses to run,’ says Ali. ‘But even if he did want to replace you, he could have given you some notice. To show such disrespect – it is not
kind.’
    Michael sighs. Twenty years ago no one would have dared treat me so badly, he thinks. I was a big shot locally then, though no one would guess it now. Once I had several outlets close to Hove
Station . . . When did it all go wrong?
    * * *
    As Karen and Molly are leaving the Co-op, Karen catches sight of a figure walking ahead.
    ‘That looks like Lou,’ she says, recognizing her friend’s spiked crop and parka. ‘Do you want to run and see?’
    Molly doesn’t need asking twice. ‘Lou! Lou!’
    Lou turns round. Her anorak is unzipped over her domed belly. ‘Molly!’ She beams, clearly as delighted to see the little girl as Molly is to see her. ‘Look at
you
in
your uniform!’
    Even from where she is standing with her bag of shopping, Karen can tell her daughter is thrilled to have the chance to show off.
    ‘Hi,’ says Karen, when she’s caught them up. ‘What are you doing here?’ Lou lives in Kemptown, a couple of miles away.
    ‘It’s my day off and I’ve been to Pilates. There’s a class in West Hill Hall for mothers-to-be.’
    ‘You got time to come to ours for a quick catch-up?’
    ‘Sure.’
    Back at the house, Karen offers her friend a cup of tea.
    ‘I’m fine with water,’ Lou says, taking a seat at the pine kitchen table alongside Molly. ‘Don’t you worry, I’ve got some here.’ She pulls a bottle from
her bag.
    How organized, thinks Karen. Lou’s always so good at looking after her health. I must make more effort. I’ve put on weight since Simon died, and I was hardly slim in the first place.
She riffles through the utensils looking for the tin opener to open some baked beans for her daughter’s lunch, but can’t seem to find it anywhere.
    ‘So how was Christmas at your mother’s?’ she asks.
    ‘Well, I’d been dreading it – you know we don’t usually see eye to eye. My sister was horribly judgemental. Banged on about how selfish it was for me to have a child
because I’m gay.’
    ‘Oh, God.’ Karen shakes her head.
    ‘I’m used to it. The extraordinary thing is that Mum had a real turnaround. She even ended up defending me.’
    Eventually