For a few moments they sipped their tea in silence, enjoying each other’s company. Then, as she replaced her cup and saucer on the tray, Karen began to tell Jenny all that had taken place between her and Jimmy Martin. Jenny remained silent throughout apart from the occasional understanding nod or murmur of sympathy. By the end of Karen’s story she was holding her hand in a mute attempt to comfort her. ‘Aren’t you going to say “I warned you”, or “I told you so”,’ Karen asked heavily. Jenny squeezed her hand. ‘No, of course I’m not. I’m sorry it turned out so badly for you but you needed to find out for yourself. It’s all part of growing up and being able to recognize what will work and what won’t. So often when we come face to face with the real world it turns out to be quite different from our dreams.’ ‘You did warn me,’ Karen gulped. ‘True, but as I’ve already said, you have to find these things out for yourself. I’ve discovered that I am not cut out to take in lodgers,’ she admitted with a sad little smile.
