Read Online Ice and a Slice by Della Galton - Free Book Online

place.
    This was, as far as SJ could see, a complete and utter waste of both the students’ and her time.
    “I couldn’t agree more,” said Harry, one of the art tutors, who SJ bumped into when she took her register back to the office. “If they give us much more paperwork there won’t be time for teaching. And my course isn’t even an exam subject. Totally ridiculous.”
    “SJ, did you see that letter in your register file?” called out the receptionist in between taking phone calls.
    SJ hadn’t, but she pulled it out now.
    Harry glanced at it over her shoulder. “Fan mail?” he joked. “Or someone having a whinge?”
    SJ blushed. “One of my ex students has just got into Oxford. He’s writing to thank me.”
    “Hey – isn’t that something. You should frame that one.”
    SJ stuffed the letter into her bag, pleased despite herself. Letters like this one made up for the paperwork. By the time she had filled in her time sheet and walked back out into the lunchtime sunshine the last vestiges of her hangover had disappeared.
    She was almost home when she remembered the text from Tanya. Yesterday, in the mood of relief, confession and sisterly solidarity, she’d promised Tanya faithfully she wouldn’t lie about her drinking – well, not to Tanya anyway.
    When she got back she phoned and confessed she’d gone slightly over the top the previous night, but qualified this by saying there was bound to be a certain adjustment period.
    Tanya sighed. “I meant what I said yesterday, you know. I’ll help in any way I can. Do you want me to come over later – so I can keep you on the straight and narrow?”
    “That’s very sweet of you, but I’m busy. It’s my Poetry and a Pint night.”
    There was a small silence which, to SJ’s over-sensitive ears, sounded accusing, and she felt the need to fill it with an explanation.
    “It’s work, not pleasure. I’m teaching so I can’t drink too much. I mean, the pint’s practically metaphorical. Honestly, Tanya, I’m not that irresponsible. I mean, I’m glad I went yesterday – obviously – but I don’t think I need any more sessions. It’s not as though I’ve got a serious problem. Thanks for the offer anyway,” she added, pleased with herself for being so open and honest.
    “What did Tom say?”
    “Not much. He’s just been promoted.”
    They talked about Tom’s promotion for a while and then SJ managed to change the subject before she gave herself away and let it slip that she hadn’t yet said anything to Tom.
    “Anyway, enough of me. We sorted all my problems out yesterday. Haven’t you got any?”
    She wasn’t expecting Tanya to say yes, but her friend gave the slightest of hesitations and suddenly her instincts told her she was right on target.
    “It’s something to do with all those texts, isn’t it? Oh, Tanya, I’ve been really selfish. What’s wrong? Why didn’t you say anything yesterday?”
    “Because we had other things to discuss,” Tanya said. “And my problems are minor compared to yours.”
    “Mine are minor, too,” SJ said, torn between guilt that she’d been so selfish and relief that she wasn’t the only one with a problem. “Do you want to talk about it now?”
    “I can’t on the phone.”
    “What if I come round? I don’t have to go out until later.”
    “No, don’t worry. It’s nothing urgent. Besides, I’m working. We can talk about it next time I see you. There’s no rush. It’s not the sort of thing that’s going to disappear overnight.”
    Intrigued, SJ agreed that next time they met they’d devote the entire time to Tanya’s problems and her friend laughed nervously.
    “We probably won’t need to, but thanks, you’re a good friend.”
    SJ hung up, feeling uneasy. It wasn’t like her beautiful, self-assured friend to have serious problems. Not ones that involved text messages from someone who SJ was suddenly sure wasn’t Michael. Briefly, she considered the possibility that Tanya was having an