Cocktails for Three Read Online Free PDF

in no time!”
    â€œHey, baby,” said Roxanne, addressing Maggie’s stomach humorously. “You are aware that your mother is the most organized woman in Western civilization?” She pretended to listen to the bump. “It says it wants to have someone else. Tough luck, kid.”
    â€œAnd listen, Candice,” said Maggie, turning to her kindly. “Don’t let Justin lord it over you just because he’s in charge for a few months. I know it’s a difficult situation for you . . .”
    â€œDon’t worry,” said Candice at once. “I can handle him.”
    â€œJustin the bloody wunderkind,” said Roxanne, dismissively. “You know, I’m glad we can all be rude about him now.”
    â€œYou always were rude about him,” pointed out Candice. “Even when I was going out with him.”
    â€œWell, he deserves it,” said Roxanne, unabashed. “Anyone who comes to a cocktail bar and orders a bottle of claret is obviously a complete waste of space.”
    â€œCandice, they can’t seem to find your coat,” said Giles, appearing at Maggie’s shoulder. “But here’s yours, Roxanne, and yours, darling. I think we should get going, otherwise it’ll be midnight before we get back.”
    â€œRight, well,” said Maggie in a shaky voice. “This is it.”
    She and Candice looked at each other, half grinning, half blinking back tears.
    â€œWe’ll see each other soon,” said Candice. “I’ll come and visit.”
    â€œAnd I’ll come up to London.”
    â€œYou can bring the baby up for day trips,” said Candice. “They’re supposed to be the latest accessory.”
    â€œI know,” said Maggie, giving a little laugh. She leaned forward and hugged Candice. “You take care.”
    â€œAnd you,” said Candice. “Good luck with . . . everything. Bye, Giles,” she added. “Nice to see you.”
    Giles opened the glass door of the bar, and after one final backwards glance, Maggie walked out into the cold night air. Roxanne and Candice watched silently through the glass as Giles took Maggie’s arm and they disappeared down the dark street.
    â€œJust think,” said Candice. “In a few weeks, they won’t be a couple any more. They’ll be a family.”
    â€œSo they will,” said Roxanne in indeterminate tones. “A happy little family, all together in their huge, fuck-off happy house.” Candice glanced at her.
    â€œAre you OK?”
    â€œOf course I’m OK!” said Roxanne. “Just glad it isn’t me! The very thought of stretchmarks . . .” She gave a mock-shudder then smiled. “I’ve got to shoot off, I’m afraid. Do you mind?”
    â€œOf course not,” said Candice. “Have a good time.”
    â€œI always have a good time,” said Roxanne, “even if I’m having a terrible time. See you when I get back from Cyprus.” She kissed Candice briskly on each cheek and disappeared out of the door. Candice watched her hailing a taxi and jumping in; after a few seconds, the taxi zoomed off down the street.
    Candice waited until it had disappeared, counted to five— then, feeling like a naughty child, swivelled round to face the crowded bar again. Her stomach felt taut with expectation; her heart was thumping quickly.
    â€œI’ve found your coat!” came the voice of the coat-check lady. “It had fallen off its hanger.”
    â€œThanks,” said Candice. “But I’ve just got to . . .” She swallowed. “I’ll be back in a moment.”
    She hurried through the press of people, feeling light and determined. She had never felt so sure of herself in her life. Maggie and Roxanne meant well, but they were wrong. This time, they were wrong. They didn’t understand— why should they? They couldn’t see that this was the opportunity she’d