Competition

Eight

'We come bearing gifts,' I said as Lauren opened the door. I held up a white net-a-porter bag grinning. 'You'll love it.'

'Oh Cilla,' she said unenthusiastically. 'You really shouldn't have.'

I rolled my eyes as Howard and I stepped into my sister's house.

'You must be Howard,' Lauren said looking at Howard. 'I'm Cilla's terrible older sister Lauren.'

'Howard,' Howard nodded. 'You have a lovely home.'

'Yeah, lovely,' Lauren scoffed. 'Considering I have three kids.'

'Lauren,' Joseph called. 'What do you want me to do with the wine...' he came up the short steps and stopped. 'Oh Priscilla, it's good to see you; you must be Howard.'

'Yes I am,' Howard nodded with a little half-wave.

'Why don't you help Joseph,' I suggested taking Lauren by the hand. 'And we'll just set up the dining room and check up on the kids.'

Howard nodded and as he left my side, he kissed my ear lobe and gave my bare arm a little squeeze before joining Joseph in the kitchen.

'Your verdict if you will,' I said as Lauren readjusted the table candles. 'What do you think?'

'He's very good looking,' Lauren replied. 'But I've only just met him, so I can't say for sure what I think of him.'

'Do you like him so far?'

Lauren shrugged. 'Now what monstrosity did you bring me this time? You know what the boys are like on a Thursday afternoon after Joseph's fed them too many strawberry bootlaces.'

I picked up the white bag I had brought with me and held up a graphic print silk jersey Matthew Williamson dress.

'I do like this,' Lauren said taking the dress from me and looking it over. 'What brought this on?'

'The last time I had to borrow some of your clothes,' I replied. 'Honestly, we need to have a girl's day out where I can show you some nice places to shop; or, for heaven sakes just look online. It's really not that difficult.'

Lauren looked at me for a moment. 'Thank you Cilla. I love it.'

'You're welcome,' I smiled. 'How are the boys?'

'Asleep,' Lauren replied. 'They were all excited about seeing you tonight, but I told them it was too late for them to be staying up.'

'They're big boys, you know,' I replied. 'They shouldn't be having curfews.'

Lauren looked at me. 'That's a nice dress.'

'Elizabeth and James,' I replied. 'Don't you just love the purple colour and big sleeves? I just had to have it.'

'I should check on my husband to make sure he hasn't killed dinner.'

Lauren left the room and was replaced by Joseph.

'You look nice,' he said walking over to the stereo and putting in a Metric CD. 'Would you like to dance?'

I took Joseph's hand and we started slow dancing to the music.

'What do you think of Howard so far?' I asked.

'He's nice,' Joseph replied. 'He makes you happy.'

I nodded. 'For now, I guess.'

'And what does that mean?' Joseph chuckled. 'Are you planning on getting rid of him?'

'No,' I replied. 'Nothing lasts forever, does it?'