Edith offered to bring her breakfast in the dining room, but smiled warmly as a nervous Sara asked softly if she could remain in the kitchen, her promises not to get in the way bringing a huge grin on the other woman’s face. “It would be nice to have some company”, she declared breezily, joining Sara for some tea as the younger woman demolished a full breakfast before giving a groan.
“I am going to get fat on your cooking Edith”, her eyes twinkled, “but it is sooooo good” Edith laughed back. The backdoor opening heralded the arrival of Edith’s husband John, a kindly happy man who gave Sara a hearty handshake. “Darius asked me to show you the cars when you have a moment...said you would want one to get about”
Sara raised her eyebrows in surprise, delighted that he remembered her request from the previous evening. “He also had this delivered for you, said you were to keep it on you at all times”. Sara opened the box which was slid across to her; a large smile filled her features seeing the top of the range smart phone within. She pulled it out, playing with all the buttons and options as the other two shook their heads.
“Can’t get the hang of those things”, Edith declared as she once more moved over to the sink. “Get no privacy these days” Sara held down the comment that this was the whole point of giving the phone to her. He wanted her at his beck and call 24/7 and now she had no excuse not to be where she was told to be. Still looking at the phone she had not minded as she downloaded ringtones and synched it with the contact lists on her other phone. Holding down the laugh as she placed the device in her bag she knew that she truly was a geek.
Looking at her watch she frowned, jumping to her feet. She had an appointment at two, one that she could not miss. Making a mental note to drop in to see her mother while she was out, knowing that the older woman would otherwise use her absence as an excuse to visit her, especially when she realised where Darius Garelli lived. John led her to a large garage, Sara making an appreciative whistle as the ‘estate’ cars came into view. She only ever owned a car once, a small sedan which was ten years old and prone to breaking down and she wandered around the luxurious sport and muscle cars, her teeth savaging her bottom lip.
“They are ...big”, she finally managed as John gave a small laugh, before moving to the very back of the garage. “What about this one? Darius bought it for an old lady friend of his”, pausing at the realisation of what he said, his features flushed with embarrassment as Sara gave him a reassuring smile “It is OK John, Darius is a man of the world”, instantly seeing the look of relief on the kindly man’s face as he opened the door to the small yellow sports car.
“This is much more of a woman’s car Miss”, he spoke. “Sara”, she corrected, John giving her a grin back. “Why don’t you take her for a spin?” he said softly as another door on the other side of the garage opened, Sara nodding enthusiastically.
The car was a dream to drive and she felt glamorous as she drove to her appointment. Dressed in designer slacks and top, Sara looked amazing, instantly seeing the difference in the way she was treated by all but the most important person she was there to meet. This made her feel better, her mind softly musing as she drove the car to her mother’s house - perhaps she could pull it off after all.
Pulled up outside the colonial home which her mother and father had owned all of her life, she groaned, spotting her sister’s car, tempted to drive off. However, with a sigh she knew that she would need to speak to them, needing also to check on any progress from the detective. The choice was also taken out of her hands as the front door opened and an excited David charged towards her. She only managed to get out of the car as he launched himself into her arms, his small hands encircling her neck.
“Aunty Sara!” his voice so full of genuine pleasure at seeing her, as she scooped him up into her arms, hugging him tightly making loud squeezing noises as he giggled hysterically.
“Oh my God...look at you!” Angela’s voice was stunned, Sara placing the small boy back on his feet. “Are those new clothes? Who did your hair? Where did you get the car?” The questions all tumbled from her open mouth as she stared at her younger sister. Sara moved inside, her voice clipped. “Yes they are new clothes...can’t remember the name of the stylist ... and where do you think?” her answers short and direct as she glowered at her sister. With that she moved into the kitchen where she knew she would find the other woman, her welcome smile not hiding the glint of greed as her eyes swept down her youngest daughter.