The Friends We Keep(13)

“Oh for God’s sake.” Evvie shook her head. “That’s just because you’ve got brothers and you like being taken care of. You’re both ridiculous. And I don’t want to work here anymore. If the Golden Lion can’t take me, I’ll find something else. I can’t stand him, and I don’t want to be in the same room as him ever again.”





seven


- 1986 -



We’ve brought you both something! Charlie, run out to the car and get the bags, will you?”

Maggie’s mother was tall and jolly. She must have looked just like Maggie when young, and had matured into a handsome, strong woman, her face makeup-free and full of character, weathered from the outdoorsy life. She hadn’t met Evvie before, but as soon as she walked into the room, she gave her a big hug as if she had known her all her life.

“It’s so great to meet you, Mrs. Hallwell,” said Evvie.

“You can call me Mrs. H.,” she said. “That’s what Maggie’s school friends have always called me.”

Maggie’s father then seized Evvie by the shoulders and kissed her on each cheek, Maggie’s younger brother Charlie flashing her a big grin as he shook her hand.

Maggie was beside herself with joy at her parents visiting, meeting her friends and seeing her new life, and Evvie felt a pang. Her own mother hadn’t been there, and didn’t seem all that interested in coming. Evvie knew she loved her, that she was hugely proud of her daughter being in college, but she was just so busy with her own life now.

Charlie came back in with a large bag, which Mrs. H. took, pulling out two identically wrapped parcels, throwing one to Maggie and the other to Evvie. Inside were soft plaid pajamas, a pair of Swiss slipper socks with leather soles, a huge bag of Liquorice Allsorts, and a small teddy bear.

“I know the teddy bears are silly,” said Mrs. H. “And you two are far too grown-up for toys, but I couldn’t resist. And, Evvie, I have no idea whether you’ve been brought around to Liquorice Allsorts—personally, I can’t stand them—but I took a chance.”

“I’m not as addicted as Maggie but I love them. Thank you. And now”—she looked at Maggie—“I can finally get to eat the round ones!”

“Enjoy them while you can. Mummy! These are amazing!” Maggie pulled the slipper socks on immediately. “I love them!”

Evvie felt tears stinging her eyes. She didn’t know what to say, unused to such generosity from anyone, let alone strangers.

“Thank you so much,” she said, blinking back the tears. “This is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”

“I’m sure that’s not true,” said Mrs. H., who looked surprised but delighted when Evvie immediately gave the teddy bear pride of place, propping him on her pillow.

“So what’s the plan, Pa?” Maggie flopped down on her bed, raising her legs to admire her new slippers. “Do you want a tour of the university before a very expensive lunch at the Dinham Arms?”

“We’d love a tour, and we’ve booked a table. We thought perhaps we could all go for a nice long walk before lunch. There’s meant to be some lovely walking trails around here. Evvie, you’re welcome to join us.”

“Evvie won’t join us,” Maggie said. “She’s allergic to exercise.”

“Maggie!” Evvie berated her, although it was true. “I like to walk.”

Maggie raised an eyebrow. “How long is the trail, darling Pa? Four miles? Six?”

“Six point six eight,” he said as Maggie shot Evvie a knowing look.

“Okay. Point taken. That’s not a walk, that’s almost a marathon. I’m out. Anyway, I’ve got a ton of homework to do.”

“Liar,” said Maggie, and they both laughed.

“Look.” Maggie’s mother drew a map out of her bag, unfolding it on Maggie’s bed to show her. “We’ve got your hiking boots in the car and there are some lovely hills on the walk. We’ll all work up an appetite!”

“Will you meet us at the Dinham Arms?” Maggie looked at Evvie hopefully. “Go on. It’s meant to be the most delicious food ever.”

“You’re absolutely welcome,” said Mr. Hallwell. “It would be our pleasure.”

“If I get my essay written, I would love to.”



* * *



? ? ?

Maggie took her parents on a tour of the campus, then a quick drive through town to show off their favorite coffee bars before they all headed to a car park a couple of miles outside of town. They pulled on their hiking boots, looping their arms into backpacks filled with water bottles, maps, binoculars, and packets of chocolate digestives just in case anyone got hungry, and off they went, through the gate marked Long-Distance Footpath.

They started off at a clip, Maggie’s father, Ted, and brother ahead, she and her mother striding behind, chatting as they walked until they went uphill and their breathing became more labored.

Down through a huge meadow, with views of the Iron Age hill fort of Barbury Castle in the distance, they kept going until they spotted a couple of benches at the top of another hill, strategically placed to catch one’s breath and enjoy the view. There was another hiker there, drinking tea out of a thermos, looking out at the view.