Something to do

When 50-something Tess takes voluntary redundancy, an unexpected opportunity arises...

- A short story by S Bee

Angie glanced at the clock on the wall. “I'm so sorry Tess, but I'll have to go soon.”

I nodded. I understood that time was not on Angie's side.

The cafe was short-staffed - hence the delay with our lunch - and my friend needed to return to work.

We'd worked for an energy company and we'd dealt with difficult customers in a call centre. Angie still did. It was a stressful occupation, so I didn't exactly envy her.

When our lunch finally arrived, Angie gulped back her tea and wrapped her sandwich in a large napkin, to take away.

She then shrugged on her jacket. “I'm really sorry about this but we'll meet as usual, next Friday lunchtime.”

I smiled. “Don't worry about it. I know how it is. Take care. Bye!”

Angie waved as she headed for the door.

My mind flew back... me, Angie and Lisa had started work at the same time at Energo.

Being the same age and married, the three of us had hit it off and every Friday, as a little end-of-week treat, we went to a cosy cafe for a nice lunch.

Then, eight months ago, Lisa had made an announcement.

“My husband and I are moving to the dales to run a B&B. Call it a midlife crisis but we want to do something different. We've put the house on the market. I'll work my notice here, and when the house sells, we'll be off!”

Crikey. A brand new life and gorgeous scenery to boot... how lovely!

“We'll miss you so much!” I cried.

She wiped away tears. “I'll miss you two, too!”

Angie and I were sorry to see her go. However, once she'd settled in, Lisa invited me and my hubby Tom to stay - plus, Angie (and her hubby) of course.