‘You’re right. This feels like closing a book.’
‘That’s because it is in a way. Right, I’m famished. Fancy grabbing some lunch?’ Robby suggested.
Nina pointed down the high street. ‘There used to be a pub on the corner there right on the intersection. It’s got one of those light systems where you can cross diagonally. We used to sit there in the window with a drink and watch the world go by.’
‘Sounds just right.’
About five minutes later, they were outside the pub. It ran through Nina’s mind how the last time she’d been in the pub, she’d been with Andrew. She pushed the thought aside and followed Robby in. After getting a drink and a menu from the bar, they were sitting at the window bar on a couple of stools. Nina’s phone buzzed.
Sophie:How did it go? You OK?
Nina quickly typed a response.
Nina:All done. Officially no longer the owner of an investment property.
Sophie:Congrats! Big step, Neens. Proud of you. xxx
Nina smiled at the message. It was true; she had taken big, huge, gigantic steps, steps towards healing, growth, and a future she was starting to love.
Nina:Thx.
Sophie:How do u feel?
Nina:Fine. Good. I needed it to be done and dusted. Bit sad, but fine. Thanks for caring. xxx
Sophie:Excellent.
Nina:Just at the pub. Speak to you later.
Sophie:Will do x
After spending much longer than they’d thought they would people-watching across the funny junction and watching red London buses pass by over and over again, Nina drained her drink. ‘Phew, that was lovely. Thanks for coming. I appreciate it.’
‘Don’t be silly. Here for you. Ready to head back?’
Nina nodded enthusiastically. ‘More than ready, actually.’
Robby hopped off his stool as Nina stifled a yawn. He smiled. ‘You look exhausted. It’s been a big day already. Tired?’
‘I am. I need to get home.’
7
About a week or so later, Nina was standing in the back of the deli in her apron, loading baskets of dirty dishes into the dishwasher. She’d been called in to help in the deli after a particularly busy secret chowder evening the night before when, at the last minute, Alice, the manager, had been called away. The result of Alice’s emergency had been no clearing up in the kitchen and a lot of mess. Nina was quite the expert at clearing up mess and still helped out in the deli once a week or when needed. She’d already loaded two dishwasher loads, reset the back room, and sprayed the sides when Birdie hustled in. ‘Thank you so much, Neens! I had so much to do at the chemist and then all this. I’m so grateful! Lifesaver.’
‘Not a problem. You know me, I love me a bit of organising and clearing up.’
‘How are you?’ Birdie asked.
‘Yep, good,’ Nina said, standing up straight, putting her hands on the small of her back, leaning back and stretching her neck.
‘Everything okay with you? You seem a bit quiet.’
‘Yes. Lots on my mind.’
‘Like what?’
‘Remember that place I went to look at on the harbour?’
