Page 72 of Broken Beyond Repair

“Do you struggle to move on from a character? Do you bring them home with you?”

“I try not to, but I find with every character I play I take a little bit of them away with me, their perspective of the world, how they deal with things. It develops your own character in a way.” Beatrice came to a stop. “Let’s turn back.”

Sydney’s thoughts turned to the character inNancy. What had Beatrice taken away of her?

“Can I ask you something?” Sydney said as they began to tackle the slight incline of the driveway.

“You’ve done nothing but ask questions for the last four weeks. Why ask for permission now?”

Sydney fell silent. This was a personal question but with an intent behind it; she needed to know the answer for herself this time, not for the book. They hadn’t even discussed the subject since Sydney became aware of such a personal piece of information about her employer.

“Go on,” Beatrice encouraged her.

“Does Alison know?”

“About what?”

“Your…” Sydney struggled to find the right word. She didn’t want to say ‘sexuality’, unsure of what that was.

“No, she doesn’t. Just you and Peter.”

A wave of relief came over her to know there was nothing between the two women other than friendship.

“Do you think he’ll sign before his time is up tomorrow?”

Beatrice paused for a moment before answering. “I’m not holding my breath.”

CHAPTER28

Beatrice woke on the morning of Alex’s birthday to the news she’d feared would never come. An email from her solicitor confirmed Peter has relented on the divorce and signed with a few minor additions she could live with. Desperate to share the news with Sydney, and to thank her, she made her way downstairs after a quick text to Alison.

Before she reached the bottom of the stairs, Alison’s name was already flashing up on her phone. She swiped at it with her thumb.

“Alison… I can’t tell you what a relief it is,” Beatrice said as she hobbled across the entrance hall, her morning legs struggling to walk with the heavy boot.

“Well, I have Sydney to thank for that… yes… it was all her,” Beatrice continued as she entered the kitchen to find her clever assistant making coffee.

“I must go. I’ll catch you up on it tomorrow. It’s Alex’s birthday today… yes, I’ll pass that on, and your card.”

Beatrice hung up and placed her phone on the worktop as Sydney twitched her head at her.

“He’s signed, Sydney. He’s blooming well signed.” Beatrice clenched her fists and shook them.

Sydney jumped with joy and shot towards her, stopping awkwardly short of embracing her. Beatrice couldn’t resist wrapping her arms around her and squeezing her. There was so much to thank her for.

“I can’t believe it! Thank you.”

Sydney’s arms squeezed her back. She didn’t want to let go; to lose this moment. As Sydney’s body loosened, she realised it would be awkward to hang on any longer. Without thinking, Beatrice kissed her cheek as she pulled away. It was innocent, yet it took her assistant by surprise.

“What a relief. I’m so pleased for you.” Sydney smiled as she regained her composure. “Coffee?”

“Please,” Beatrice said, noticing Sydney’s cheeks redden.

She perched herself on a stool at the kitchen island, making sure to tuck her walking boot onto the crossbar for support. As she sipped her coffee, she noticed how clean the kitchen was.

“Have you been cleaning the kitchen all morning? It looks cleaner than when it was installed.”

Sydney smiled at the compliment. “Youhave something special planned for Alex today.”