page60 (1/2)

Ruby pulled back the sheet and tried to get out of bed

‘No, no, stay there—you have to have breakfast in bed’

Coral Rossini picked up the tray and ca in to reveal the golden glow from the African sun on her well-tended skin and eyes that were penetratingly bright and clear

Ruby watched her warily What was her tone going to be? Would she hate her, thinking that she had trapped her beloved son? Would she be cool and condescending? Or the same old Coral who had sparkled and charmed every other time she’d seen her?

She put the tray down and sat beside it on the bed, her gaze never shifting ‘It’s your wedding day—and I’m here to look after you But first,’ she said, ‘let’s have a proper chat’ She poured tea from a modern silver pot, one cup each ‘Milk?’ she asked

Ruby nodded, sat up straighter, took the cup, cleared her throat and said, ‘Thanks’

‘Well, I’ll bet neither of us could have io But here we are’

‘Coral, I want you to know that I really and truly did not mean for any of this to happen I hope you don’t think’

The older woman sat back and looked at her carefully ‘No I don’t think So just stop there I have known you since you were a teenager—since Banca Casa di Rossini started to sponsor the co to see you and all your lovely friends rehearsing and perfor means to you’

Coral reached for her hand

‘I know, Ruby,’ she said, quietly ‘I know your mother moved away And I don’t want to pry, but everyone needs aas you want me to be’

Ruby felt her throat burn and her eyes sting as she choked back the surge of eushed forth inside her She pursed her lips hard and nodded ‘Thanks,’ she said, returning the squeeze on her fingers