15 Marbles

I am not a big drinker, but I don’t mind a good cocktail every once in a while. My usual go-to drink is a Margarita.

But this one is about Martinis – the French ones in particular.

Every time I see Martinis on a menu, my brain automatically hears it in a James Bond voice:

A Martini – shaken, not stirred.

And I am no James Bond, so I usually look away. 😂

But recently, I caught up with an old friend, L, for dinner. She asked if I had ever tried a French Martini.

I said no.

She insisted I try one.

So, somewhat hesitantly despite her encouragement, I ordered one.

Now, let me tell you a little about my friend L.

I have known her for more than 15 years. We met at kindergarten pick-up when her twins and Miss A attended together. She also had a toddler then, and I was pregnant with Miss An.

She had her hands full but ALWAYS had a smile and a kind word to offer.

The girls were in the same classes across various years of primary school, and we slowly became more than acquaintances.

There is something about knowing people who have watched your kids grow up. People who have watched you stumble and find your way through different phases of motherhood, while finding your footing in a new place – a new country for me, a new city for her.

Over the years, the girls have grown apart, but we have grown closer – navigating our own lives while raising smart, strong-headed daughters.

Anyway, back to that night.

Cocktails were ordered, and I absolutely loved my French Martini.

The perfect combination of sweet and sour, with a hint of fruit. I thought guava. L told me it was raspberry. 😲 Very nice regardless.

And just the right amount of alcohol to reach that happy feeling.

I realised belatedly that it was my first drink since surgery.

Of course that was a milestone!

Before we knew it, hours had passed, drinks were drained, many stories and confidences shared, and we had to call it a night.

But not before L promised to host a French Martini afternoon tea.

Typically, like all mums would know, we checked our schedules and realised the next free weekend for both of us was a couple of months away.

At least it wasn’t a couple of years. 😃

So now I wait dreamily for that afternoon, a few months from now.

An afternoon soirée in our loungewear, sipping cocktails or tea and continuing our conversations from the other night.