'Sonia! I don't believe you've heard a word I've been saying!' Sonia started guiltily. 'Sorry, I –' Gillian looked at her more closely, then put the teapot on the table and sat down. 'Is something wrong?' she asked gently. 'You seem a bit – distracted.' 'It's probably nothing. I'll feel better after a cup of tea.' Not wanting to press her, Gillian changed the subject. I don't often see you on a weekday. Have you been visiting a client?' Sonia nodded. She was a private banking manager and spent much of her time calling on clients to assess their financial requirements. They'd been friends from schooldays, and in many ways Gillian felt closer to her than to her own sister. Sonia had been her bridesmaid, but she herself had married only three years ago, at the age of thirty-nine. While rejoicing for her, Gillian had not been entirely happy about her choice. She passed a cup and saucer across the table. Then, sipping her own tea, she studied her friend. Sonia hadn't changed much since she was a leggy adolescent, though she'd acquired a certain grace.
