them to believe that somehow, despite being together for ten years they were still that same, smitten, giggly couple with their own secret world? Or did she think her moaning about Simon’s lack of enthusiasm would simply bore people? She could just see them now, rolling their eyes as she told them Simon had left the toilet seat up again. She couldn’t resist a giggle at the thought of it; it was just so unlike Grace to complain about things. She’d always been the sort of person to get on with it. She dealt with things alone, but perhaps she was to blame for letting Simon get away with treating her this way for far too long now? Had he taken advantage of her ‘no problem’ nature? Maybe, if it continued this way, there would be no going back.
Ten minutes later, Grace was walking into Tidemans admiring the beautiful gold and red Christmas decorations and pretty fairy lights, thinking about what presents she was going to buy everyone and knowing she’d have to start soon. They were spending Christmas day with Grace’s family and she couldn’t wait. Last year had been Simon’s turn for them to spend it with his family (they swapped every year so it was fair) and as much as Grace had enjoyed herself, she couldn’t help but feel Christmas just wasn’t the same when she wasn’t with her own parents and sister. It reminded her of being young again and she loved the thrill and excitement when everyone handed out their presents and drank Buck’s Fizz with their breakfast. It was the little things. She loved them all being together again and, she had to face it, she felt comfortable enough to just lay and snooze on the settee after her Christmas dinner at her parents’ house.
Just as she was thinking about some gorgeous new dresses she’d seen in the kids’ department that were perfect for her niece, Poppy, she spotted Rachel at the till. Grace knew instantly that something terrible had happened as her eyes swept over Rachel’s hunched shoulders, red, puffy eyes and pale complexion. It was their job to wear Pop Cosmetics make-up and to sell the products, and if Rachel hadn’t been able to face applying any make-up that day, then it must be serious. After all, it was a requirement to wear make-up, not an option.
‘Morning,’ Grace said hurriedly. ‘Rachel, are you okay? What’s happened?’
Rachel looked frail and fragile, as if she might easily break into a million pieces if Grace touched her. She looked ill. Grace watched in alarm as Rachel’s face screwed up and she reached out to hug her, worried that Rachel may crumple into a heap on the floor.
‘Mark broke up with me,’ Rachel sobbed. ‘He’s been having an affair with Bianca.’
Grace was stunned and she couldn’t conceal it, her mouth hanging open in horror. ‘What? You’re joking? Oh Rach, I’m so sorry. That’s just despicable. How on earth could they do this to you?’
Rachel rubbed her eyes with her fists roughly. ‘I just can’t believe it and I can’t stop crying. I’m heartbroken, Grace. I’m really, truly heartbroken and I’m fed up with crying. I’ve hardly slept, I’ve just cried all night long. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were no more tears left in me.’
Grace hugged her again tightly. ‘I bet you’re heartbroken. That’s completely understandable. I promise you’ll get through this though, Rachel. You’re so strong. Everything is going to be okay.’
Grace stood there listening as Rachel explained the story. When Judy, the store manager, came over with a concerned expression, telling them they needed to be at the morning meeting, Grace took control of the situation and asked if they could miss the meeting and just be ready in ten minutes when the store opened. Judy didn’t look too impressed, but Grace knew that she trusted her, so she accepted it would all be sorted and left them to it.
‘It’s just awful, Rach. I really can’t believe it. How dare Bianca still try to lie, even right at the end when you found Mark’s coat? She’s certainly no friend of yours,’ she tutted, shaking her head in disgust.
‘I just don’t know what to do,’ Rachel said helplessly. Her eyes were large and round and she looked like a young child who had lost her mum in the supermarket. ‘I’m back home with my parents and I just can’t believe it. They’re gutted for me, tip toeing around and constantly asking if I want cups of tea and I’ve only been there one night. The fact they’re being so nice to me just makes me feel worse; I feel like even more of a let-down.’
Grace frowned. ‘You are not a let-down, so stop saying that,’ she told her gently. ‘You were with the wrong man, that’s all. He’s shown his true colours. Thank goodness you’ve found out now rather than in a few years after marriage and a baby or something. You will be happy again, I promise. This pain is only temporary and I really do believe there’s someone a million times better out there for you.’
Rachel nodded. ‘I know I’ll get through this. I have no choice, but it’s so difficult. I really believed I’d be with him forever.’
Grace looked into the distance thoughtfully. ‘Can I be really honest with you?’ she ventured gingerly.
Rachel looked up at her and sniffed, ‘Of course you can.’
Grace hesitated, wondering how truthful she really should be. ‘It’s just, I know you say you loved Mark and I’m sure you do, but I could never really see you two together. I always felt like you hit a certain age, met Mark and just settled. He’s a nice guy, well maybe not so much now he’s cheated with your best friend—’ she snorted ‘—but I find him a bit … well … boring.’ There, she’d said it.
Rachel gave a light laugh, ‘Yes I suppose he is really, but he’s what I want. What I thought I wanted anyway.’
‘Exactly. He’s what you thought you wanted. But I don’t think he was ever the one at all. You’ve never really seemed that happy or excited with him. I remember what you were like with that guy Justin before you met Mark…’
‘Great, so now you’re reminding me of Justin who completely pied me after our date. Another rejection,’ she replied in mock annoyance with a glimmer of a smile.
‘Come on, you know what I’m saying. You’ve always talked about Mark like he was an old friend rather than your boyfriend and deep down, I think you know you weren’t really all that happy with him. Being happy with someone is what life is all about,’ Grace told her boldly. ‘Life is too short to be anything but.’ As Grace said the words, she thought of her own marriage. Was she happy with Simon? She hated to think it, but she wasn’t sure she really was anymore. He didn’t make her feel special. He completely shut her out when she tried to talk about it as though she was an annoying wasp buzzing round his head. How could she be giving this advice to Rachel, but living unhappily with her own husband? She was a hypocrite and she hated herself for it. A complete fraud.
Rachel looked down at the floor. ‘Perhaps you’re right.’
‘I am right. Let Mark and Bianca have each other! What a wonderful relationship they’re going to have, already built on deceit and lies. She’s actually done you a favour. Now come on, let me put some make-up on you. It’ll take time to feel better, of course it will, but I’m going to make sure you don’t scare off any of the customers in the meantime,’ Grace said, deadpan.
‘Cheeky cow!’ Rachel laughed loudly, softly punching Grace’s arm. ‘Thanks Grace. I didn’t have the energy to get ready today. I was scared I would cry all my make-up off. Talking to you has cheered me up though. Maybe I was just desperate to settle down? It’s all so confusing at the moment.’
‘Just no more crying,’ Grace reprimanded her like a school teacher. ‘I swear to you, you’re going to be fine.’
The day went by quickly,
