Transcript

EXTRACT ONE [LILY]: Did the bakery have your mum's cake ready? [CHRIS]: Yes, but the message on top was wrong. It said 'Happy Birthday, Maria', and my mum's name is Marina. I noticed before they closed the box, thankfully. [LILY]: Could they change it? [CHRIS]: The person at the counter scraped off the last letter and piped it again. You can see where the icing is a little thicker, but Mum won't mind. I was more worried they'd have to make a new cake. [LILY]: Was it the right flavour? [CHRIS]: It was chocolate, as ordered, although they'd added strawberries on top. I didn't ask for them, but Mum likes fruit and they didn't charge extra. The box is wider than I expected, so it only just fits in my fridge. [LILY]: How are you getting it to the restaurant? [CHRIS]: My neighbour's driving me. I was going to take the bus, but one sharp turn would probably send the strawberries across the lid. I've put the cake on a flat tray in the hall, where nobody can put heavy shopping on it until it's time to leave. EXTRACT TWO [SAMIRA]: Did you book the bikes for Sunday? [JOEL]: Yeah. The shop had the city bikes we wanted, but only one was available in a medium size. They suggested a larger frame for me, and I tried the same model in the shop to make sure I could reach the brakes. [SAMIRA]: What about helmets? [JOEL]: Actually, they're included, and so are small repair kits. I added baskets because we'll be carrying lunch and jackets. The baskets cost a little more, but I'd rather not wear a heavy backpack all day. [SAMIRA]: Can we collect them early? [JOEL]: From half past eight. The shop opens at eight, but they need time to check the tyres and adjust the seats. I've booked a train that gets us there at twenty past, so we shouldn't be waiting long. [SAMIRA]: And if it rains? [JOEL]: We can cancel without paying until Saturday afternoon. After that, they keep half the fee. I'm not checking the forecast every hour yet. If it's light rain, we'll still go; there's a small café about halfway round the route. We can stop there. EXTRACT THREE [DAISY]: Is your landlord coming to inspect the flat today? [BEN]: Tomorrow morning. I thought it was today and cleaned the kitchen before work, so at least that's done. He mainly wants to look at the damp patch near the bedroom window. [DAISY]: Has it got worse? [BEN]: Not since I moved the wardrobe away from the wall. I've taken photos every few weeks, and the latest one looks slightly better. Still, the paint has started to lift, so I want him to see it before winter. [DAISY]: Are you worried he'll blame you? [BEN]: Not really. I reported it in the spring and kept the email. He's usually reasonable, although he takes ages to arrange repairs. I'm going to ask for a date rather than letting him say someone will come 'soon'. [DAISY]: Anything else on your list? [BEN]: The bathroom tap drips, but that's minor. I've put a towel under it at night because the sound annoys me. Oh, and one smoke alarm needs a new battery. I bought the battery myself, but the cover is stuck and I don't want to break it. [DAISY]: Let me know whether he gives you a proper date. [BEN]: I'll tell you. If he doesn't, I'll follow up while the visit is still fresh.