Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella

Ooh. I love rose quartz.

“They’re on sale,” says the assistant, following my gaze.
“Really nice.”

“Right. Yes.” I nod thoughtfully.

The thing is, we’re supposed to be tightening our belts at the
moment.

We had a big talk when I came home from hospital, all about
cash flow and bank debt and stuff. And we agreed that just
until Luke’s business is more stable, we wouldn’t buy
anything unnecessary.

But I’ve been wanting a rose quartz necklace for ages. And
this one’s only fifteen quid, which is a real bargain. And I
deserve a little reward for winning the investment competition,
don’t I?

Plus I can use my new online Indonesian overdraft, which
Luke doesn’t know about.

“I’ll have one,” I say on impulse, and reach for a string of the
iridescent pink beads.

If Luke finds it, I’ll tell him it’s an educational toy. Which the
mother has to wear round her neck.

I hand over my Visa card, tap in my pin number, and slide the
bag containing Vogue onto the pram tray. Then I tuck my
lovely necklace right under Minnie’s blankets where no one
can see it.

“Don’t tell Daddy,” I murmur in her ear.

She won’t say a word.

I mean, obviously she can’t speak. But even if she could, I
know she’d keep quiet. We’ve got a special bond already,
Minnie and me.

I wheel the pram out of the shop and look at my watch.
There’s no hurry to get back, especially if they’re still tidying.
Anyway, Minnie will want feeding soon. I’ll go to that Italian
café where they don’t mind.

“Shall we go and have a nice cup of coffee?” I turn my steps
toward the café. “Just you and me, Min.”

As we walk past the antique shop I catch a glimpse of my
reflection and can’t help feeling a tiny jolt at the sight. I’m a
mother pushing a pram. Me, Becky Brandon (née
Bloomwood), an actual mother.

I turn into the café, sit down at the table, and order a decaf
cappuccino. Then, gently, I lift Minnie out of the pram,
cradling her soft downy head. I unwrap her pink-and-white
blanket and feel a swell of pride as two elderly ladies look
over from the next table and start saying to each other, “What
a dear little thing!” and “What a smart outfit!” and “Is that a
real cashmere cardigan, do you think?”

Minnie starts making her snuffling “Where’s the food?” noises
and I give her tiny cheek a kiss. I’m the Mother with the
Fabbest Baby in the World. And we’re going to have a blast. I
know it.

Bambino

975 Kings Road

London SW3

…for children of all ages…
Miss Minnie Brandon 5 January 2004
The Pines
43 Elton Road
Oxshott
Surrey
Dear Miss Brandon,
Congratulations on being born!
We at Bambino are delighted to celebrate your arrival into the
world—and would like to mark it with a very special offer. We
hereby invite you to become an Infant Gold Card Member of
the Bambino Club!
As an Infant Gold Card Member you will be entitled to:
• exclusive preview afternoons to try out new toys (with a
carer!)
• a complimentary juice at every visit
• 25 percent off your first shopping spree with your Gold Card
• annual Christmas party for all Gold Card holders
• …and much more!
Joining could not be simpler. All Mummy or Daddy has to do
is fill in the enclosed form—and their little princess Minnie
will have her first-ever Gold Card!
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Ally Edwards
Marketing Manager

Acknowledgments

My heartfelt thanks to the endlessly wise and supportive Susan
Kamil.

Huge thanks also to Irwyn Applebaum, Nita Taublib, Barb
Burg, Sharon Propson, Carolyn Schwartz, Betsy Hulsebosch,
Cynthia Lasky, Cathy Paine, and Noah Eaker. To my fabulous
agents, Araminta Whitley and Kim Witherspoon; to David
Forrer and Lizzie Jones. As ever, a big wave to the Board and
to my expanding family: Henry, Freddy, Hugo, and Oscar.

And finally thanks to the real “must-have” obstetrician, Nick
Wales, who aided the delivery of latest baby and book—and
the “must-have”

maternity nurse, Michelle Vaughan.

Also by Sophie Kinsella

Shopaholic

CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC (2000)
SHOPAHOLIC TAKES MANHATTAN (2001)
SHOPAHOLIC TIES THE KNOT (2002)
SHOPAHOLIC & SISTER (2004)
SHOPAHOLIC AND BABY (2007)

Novels

CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET? (2003)
THE UNDOMESTIC GODDESS (2005)
REMEMBER ME? (2008)