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‘Good thank you,’ June said, her tone instantly more relaxed. ‘We’ve had an excellent day today organising some of the big fundraisers for the new year.’
‘That sounds exciting. I put the finishing touches to our flyers and posters today for the concert and added the charity name.’
‘I hope they’re finished and printed in time.’
Sophie ignored June’s negativity. She was feeling happy, and she was determined not to let her mother get the better of her. ‘We normally make quite a bit of money during the Christmas concert,’ she continued. ‘So I’m hoping we’ll have a sizable donation for you before the end of the year.’
‘That’s kind of you, love.’
‘Well, it’s important to both of us, isn’t it?’
‘It is,’ June said.
‘I’m just glad I can help you out,’ Sophie said. And she realised she meant it. The charity might have meant something to Sophie, but so did her mother’s approval.
‘It’s much appreciated. It’s nice to know we’ve got guaranteed money coming in.’
‘I did something crazy this evening,’ Sophie said, changing the subject.
‘Oh yes?’ June’s interest piqued.
‘I auditioned for a solo in the concert.’
‘You did?’ Her mother sounded surprised.
‘I did. Well, I didn’t plan on it, but a couple of my friends from the choir had signed me up behind my back, so I just sort of went for it. It was great.’
‘Well,’ June said after a long pause. ‘That’s very unlike you, Sophie. You do know that if you get it, you’ll actually have to sing in front of people. Maybe hundreds of them.’
‘I know.’ She realised she hadn’t thought about it all the way through to its conclusion.
‘Anyway, it’s getting late, love, and me and your dad are far too old for staying up past our bedtime.’
‘Sorry, Mum.’
Silence.
‘Mum?’
‘Yes, love?’
‘Can I come over for dinner soon? I’ve got a real hankering for one of your roasts.’
It had been over a year since she’d stepped foot in the family home. She hadn’t been back since it had happened, but something had shifted and she felt like maybe it was time.
‘Of course, love.’ Sophie could hear the joy in June’s voice. She was trying to play it down, though, as expected. ‘We’d love to have you for dinner.’
‘Great,’ Sophie said, feeling pleased to have built a bridge with her mother.
‘Good night, love. Good luck with the audition. Let us know how it goes.’
‘I will. Night, Mum.’
June hung up the phone, and Sophie put hers down on the sofa. She smiled, pleased at herself for being the adult, apologising and making the first move in putting the past behind them, mending the relationship. And June had sounded like she genuinely cared about the outcome of the audition and – dare she even think it? – was proud of her for giving the audition a go in the first place.
Sophie allowed herself to dream and smiled at the thought of getting the solo. It wasn’t the thought of singing in front of people that made her want it. No, that part terrified her. It was the thought of the applause and the acceptance afterwards that she really craved. She imagined the dust motes dancing in the lights that blinded her as she bowed to the crowd after a successful performance. Her fantasy in slow motion, she hoped it wasn’t going to be too dreamlike. For a moment, she hoped it might come true.
Startled back to reality, Sophie reached for her phone again, where an email had popped up:
