‘He’s not blackmailing me, Gran, they’d only be flatmates. He can’t afford the rent by himself, so he needs to let the first person who applies have the spare room. And that might be a girl.’
Patti was pretty certain that Sebwasemotionally blackmailing her granddaughter. He was well aware that those good looks and lazy smile of his could charm the girls, that and the fact that he was the lead singer in an indie band. Kit had her head screwed on and would think this through, she told herself. Patti nagging her wouldn’t change anything.
‘Then let him. You do what’s right for you,’ she said firmly. Youngsters didn’t like being lectured, so thinking it was best to change the subject now, she gave Kit a smile. ‘Thanks again for helping us do our Instagram account.’
‘I don’t mind. It’s a fab idea and Sandra’s nice. I’m so pleased that you’re thinking so positively, Gran.’ Kit leaned over and gaveher a big hug. ‘I was worried at one time that we were going to lose you.’ Her voice caught in her throat.
‘Not me, I’ve got a lot of living to do,’ Patti replied. ‘Haveyouever thought of doing a bucket list?’
‘Not really. I mean, I’d like to travel, who doesn’t? Maybe even work abroad for a bit. Me and Carly were talking about volunteering in an animal sanctuary abroad together once we’ve finished uni.’
‘That sounds a wonderful idea,’ Patti agreed.
‘Seb doesn’t want me to go…’ Kit’s voice trailed off.
‘It’s not up to Seb though, is it? It’s your life, your decision,’ Patti said firmly. ‘Why don’t you look into it?’ She picked up her phone. ‘Let’s google it and see what we can find.’
Half an hour later, Kit had a list of places looking for volunteers that Patti had shared with her from her phone, and her eyes were sparkling with excitement. ‘I can’t wait to show this to Carly. Thanks so much, Gran.’
She hugged Patti and left, a spring in her step.
Well, hopefully that will put all thoughts of moving in with Seb out of her mind, Patti thought with satisfaction. She’d found that it always worked out better to show people another solution, or path, than to try and talk them out of something. All Kit had needed was a little nudge to think about what she wanted to do with her life, not what Seb wanted to do. A whole new horizon had been opened for her.
A video call came in.
It was Mary, her brother Keith’s wife. Patti got on well with her and they often had a Facetime chat. She grabbed her iPad,preferring to use the bigger screen for video calls, and hit the accept button. ‘Hi, what’s it like over there in sunny Spain?’
‘Sunny and not too hot. Why don’t you come over for a week or so and see for yourself,’ Mary said. ‘We would love to see you, it would really cheer Keith up.’ Mary and Keith had both asked Patti several times to go and stay with them. They’d moved to Spain five years ago when they both retired and Patti hadn’t visited yet. She was too scared to fly, but had considered driving and taking the ferry over until cancer came along and upturned her life.
‘I’d love to come. I’m just… trying to build myself up to it.’
‘Please do. It would do you the world of good. And it would do Keith good to spend a bit of time with you.’ Her voice broke a bit. ‘I need you to come, Patti. I’m so worried about Keith. He’s still not his normal self. I’ve tried to talk him into flying over to see you, but he’s scared of taking the risk after his heart attack, even though the doctor said it’s perfectly safe for him. He’s really quiet and disappears into his shed for hours. I can’t get him to go anywhere.’ Her voice was laced with worry.
Patti was sad to hear that. Both Mary and Keith had thrown themselves into the social life when they’d first moved to Spain, they’d got a great bunch of friends and were always talking about the day trips they went on, nights out, or gatherings around each other’s houses. Keith was usually a sociable person, it wasn’t like him to shut himself away. She knew the heart attack had shaken him up but was surprised that he’d retreated into himself so much.
‘I will come over very soon,’ she promised.
She had to pluck up the courage and do it. Keith and Mary had flown over a few times to support her when she was going through cancer treatment. Now it was time for her to return thefavour. And sooner rather than later. Something about Mary’s tone had worried her.
11
SANDRA
‘The estate agent is coming around to value our house on Thursday and said that she could fit you in too.’ Don had dropped by after work later that day, whilst Sandra was weeding the back garden. ‘I think you should do it, Mum, then you will know what you can afford to buy.’
Sandra stood up, rubbing her knees, then turned to look at her son’s anxious face. He really had got the bit between his teeth over this.
‘Surely you don’t want to be rattling around in this house by yourself when we’ve gone?’ Don continued. He looked around at the slightly overgrown garden. ‘All this is too much for you. You shouldn’t be on your knees weeding at your age.’
‘I like gardening. And yes, I know I haven’t kept on top of it, but I’m feeling a lot more positive now and the weather has brightened up, so I’ll be spending more time out here.’ She’d decided that today. She and Brian used to spend hours out here, potting plants, weeding, mowing the lawn, deadheading flowers but she’d let it go a bit. Meeting Patti again had given her a newlease of life and made her determined to get on with things. Tidying the garden was a start.
‘I know it’s a big step, Mum, but that apartment really would be ideal for you. You should grab the chance before it’s gone.’
For goodness’ sake, she had told him repeatedly that she didn’t want that perishing apartment! ‘Don, I am not moving into an apartment! I know you mean well but I’m not being pushed into this so will you please stop going on about it!’ she snapped.
Don recoiled as if he’d been slapped across the face. ‘Pushed! That’s a horrible thing to say!’ He thrust his hands in his pockets and jutted his chin out. ‘Christ, Mum. I’m just trying to look after you! That’s all I’ve ever tried to do. There’s only me to look after you since Dad died. Becky’s too far away to do anything useful.’
He looked so upset that Sandra felt awful. She hadn’t meant to react like that, but she had to be firm with him. She reached out her hand and touched his arm. ‘I know that, love, you and Laila have been wonderful.’
