The Undomestic Goddess Read Online Free PDF Page A

have a
     message. Your mother has been held up at her chambers.
    Oh. I try to hide my disappointment. But I can hardly complain. Ive done the same thing to
     her enough times. So... what time will she be here?
    I think I see a flash of pity in his eyes.
    I have her here on the telephone. Her secretary will put her through... Hello? he says
     into the phone. I have Ms. Tennysons daughter.
    Samantha? comes a crisp, precise voice in my ear. Darling, I cant come tonight, Im afraid.
    You cant come at all ? My smile falters. Not even... for a drink?
    Her chambers is only five minutes away in a cab, inLincoln s Inn Fields.
    Far too much on. I have a very big case on and Im in court tomorrow No, get me the other
     file, she adds to someone in her office. These things happen, she resumes. But have a nice
     evening with Daniel. Oh, and happy birthday. Ive wired three hundred pounds to your bank
     account.
    Oh, right, I say. Thanks.
    I assume you havent heard about the partnership yet.
    Not yet.
    I heard your presentation went well... I can hear her tapping her pen on the phone. How
     many hours have you put in this month?
    Urn... probably about two hundred...
    Is that enough? Samantha, you dont want to be passed over. Youve been working toward this
     for a long time.
    Like I dont know that.
    Still, I suppose I should be glad shes not badgering me about whether Ive got a boyfriend.
     Mum never asks me about my personal life. She expects me to be as focused and driven as
     she is, if not more so. And even though we dont talk very often anymore, even though shes
     less controlling than she was when I was younger, I still feel
    apprehensive whenever she rings.
    There will be younger lawyers coming up behind, she continues. Someone in your position
     could easily go stale.
    Two hundred hours is quite a lot... I try to explain. Compared to the others
    You have to be better than the others! Her voice cuts across mine as though shes in a courtroom. You cant afford
     for your performance to slip below excellent. This is a crucial time Not that file! she adds impatiently to whoever it is. Hold the line, Samantha
    Samantha?
    I look up in confusion from the phone to see a girl with long swishy blond hair, wearing a
     powder-blue suit, approaching the table. Shes holding a gift basket adorned with a bow,
     and has a wide smile.
    ImLorraine , Daniels PA, she says in a singsong voice I suddenly recognize from calling
     Daniels office. He couldnt make it tonight, Im afraid. But Ive got a little something for
     youplus hes here on the phone to say hello...
    She holds out a lit-up mobile phone. In total confusion, I take it and press it to my
     other ear.
    Hi, Samantha, comes Daniels businesslike drawl. Look, babe, Im snowed under. I cant be
     there.
    Neitherof them is coming?
    Im really sorry, Daniels saying. One of those things. But have a great time with Mum, wont
     you?
    I take a deep breath. I cant admit she blew me off too. I cant admit that Im sitting here
     all on my own.
    OK! Somehow I muster a breezy tone. We will!
    Ive transferred some money to your account. Buy something nice. And Ive sent some
     chocolates along withLorraine , he adds proudly. Picked them out myself.
    I look at the gift basketLorraine is proffering. It isnt chocolates, its soap. Thats
     really lovely, Daniel, I manage. Thanks very much. Happy birthday to you ...
    Theres sudden chorusing behind me. I swivel round to see a waiter carrying over a cocktail
     glass with a sparkler. Happy Birthday Samantha is written in caramel on the steel tray, next to a miniature souvenir menu signed by the
     chef. Three waiters are following behind, all singing in harmony.
    After a moment,Lorraine awkwardly joins in. Happy birthday to you ...
    The waiter puts the tray down in front of me, but my hands are full with phones.
    Ill take that for you, saysLorraine , relieving me of Daniels phone. She lifts it to her
     ear, then beams at me. Hes singing! she says, pointing