It was late. They’d just finished an impromptu game of Scrabble and had cheated like mad! Now they were drinking hot chocolate, with a tot of brandy in it, like Dora used to have when she lived in Spain. They sat in their dressing gowns, sitting either end of the settee, Dora with her legs curled up, Marjorie with her legs crossed. Dora was smirking.
‘So come on, Marjorie. Out with it! Did you sleep with Raymond?’
‘No, I bloody well did not,’ puffed Marjorie. ‘That’s not what Raymond and I are about. The date, if you can call it that, was actually very nice. It felt ordinary or perhaps that’s not the right word. Raymond is easy to talk to, as you know. So it just felt like a natural, comfortable progression of our friendship. We’ve already decided to go on the London trip but – oh stop, Dora! I can see your face. We will be sleeping in separate rooms. I don’t actually see us as girlfriend and boyfriend. But it’s just so wonderful to be taken out by someone again. Courting we used to call it. But I don’t think it’s even that. Anyway, never mind about me. Now, what about your flat?’
‘Oh, it’s just perfect for me, Marjorie. And it’s just big enough to have the occasional party and I fancy doing that. Two good-sized bedrooms. An eat-in or party kitchen, so that’s good. And a parking space. I don’t have my own car yet but Mum says she might give me hers.’ Dora grinned.
Marjorie had noticed how much more relaxed Dora was now since she was starting to sort her life out. Her face was almost Botox free and she swore she wasn’t going to be doing that any more. Her mother and Philippa would be coming to her fiftieth birthday at the community centre and Dora was going to try and introduce them to as many people as possible.
‘They’ll never remember all our names!’ Marjorie laughed.
‘Probably not but they’ll get to see that I have done something about making new friends. It’ll make my mother happier knowing that. Plus she said she’d wanted to see what our get-togethers were all about. Philippa says she wouldn’t mind joining the club and even wants to have a go at the computer course, so there you go. I’ve spoken to Eileen about my birthday and she was saying they were going to do a Christmas bash for the Afternoon Tea Club but since the community centre is fully booked in the immediate run-up to Christmas, she asked if I’d be okay if they held the meeting before my party. Then, afterwards, we would carry on with my festivities. She said, if I agreed to that, they could pay half of the meal costs. I thought that was quite good of her. But what do you think? Do you think it’d work out?’
Marjorie shrugged. ‘As long as you don’t mind, I don’t see that it matters. You’re holding your birthday bash with people we’ve mainly met because of Eileen and her mum, anyway. So in a way you’re sort of indebted to them. And if you hadn’t met the people from the Afternoon Tea Club, you probably wouldn’t be having the same kind of birthday party.’
‘Yes, you’re completely right. That Afternoon Tea Club has been the making of me, I have to say. I was still drifting along, wondering what to do about things, without it, and now I’ve got everything because of it, including all my new and wonderful friends. Without all of you it’d just be me, Philippa, Mum and Jodie! Very bland, apart from Jodie. So I’ll tell her I’m okay with it then. She said they wouldn’t be taking up much of our time.’
‘Right, well, being as we’re on the subject of birthdays, my fiftieth birthday present to you is—’
‘Oh God, Marjorie, I don’t have any need for gifts at my age. I’ve got everything I need or want but I’d really like it if you could help me out by just coming furniture shopping with me, at some point, for my new little pad, as this will be my first time, ever, shopping for furnishings. Could you do that?’
‘Well, that’s a given, Dora. But I do want to give you something for your fiftieth. And I hope you don’t think I’m being outspoken here—’
‘As if, Marjorie!’
‘But I’d like to pay for us both to go to one of those health spas for the day, finishing off with you getting your hair cut shorter with a few highlights at a hairdressing salon. Now that alone will knock at least a decade off you. A chin-length bob would look fantastic on you and be so much easier to manage rather than styling it into a bun every day. What do you think?’
Dora screwed up her face. ‘Well, I will admit something to you, dear friend. I was pissed when you told me about my pink lippy months ago and yet I never wear it now, you know. You were right, back then – it did make my problem with the Botox stand out. I looked proper dreadful. And, you know what? Yeah! I’d really love going to a spa with you. I used to do that a lot when I was younger. And that’s another thing I haven’t done in years. So, yes. Love to. Plus I’ve already been wondering what to do with my hair and I like the sound of a bob. Nice and simple. Mum’s paying to have my teeth whitened. So I should look pretty amazing with all of that. So thank you, Marjorie! Thanks heaps!’
With tears in her eyes, Dora got up, put her mug down and threw her arms around Marjorie.
‘In fact, thanks for everything you’ve done for me. You’re a real friend.’
***
Simon turned the TV off. It was that time of night. Raymond had nearly fallen asleep in the armchair, after his brandy. They’d been chatting about the grandchildren and the mischief they, laughingly, got up to.
‘Dianne would have loved all this.’ Raymond had grinned, looking at the latest videos of his family’s exploits on the iPad. It didn’t matter what they did or where they went, it was the amount of giggling he was happiest to see. Simon often brought his father back to his place for a meal and sometimes a sleepover and they spent a lot of time reminiscing.
‘So how’s that girl you’re seeing?’ Raymond asked.
‘Ah. Bit like those dates you had recently. Didn’t work out, Dad. Some you win, some you lose, eh? Can’t get all het up about it, though. Have to move on to the next one, don’t I?’
‘Take your time, son. There’s no rush. You’ve got all the family you’ll ever need. It’s just that I think we all need a bit of companionship towards the end of our lives, don’t we. The Afternoon Tea Club helps with that. It’s why I like going. You meet all sorts of people there. I’d love you to come along with me, one time, and meet some of my friends. Or I might throw a little party myself, one day, like Marjorie did, and introduce everyone to the family. They’re kind people. You’d like them.’
‘Sounds good, Dad. And if you fancy having a party I’ll rope everyone in to help. Be quite enjoyable, I would think. So how was your latest date, then?’ asked Simon.
‘Well, it wasn’t a date as such, son. It was more the meeting of two similar minds for a very enjoyable evening out. No one can replace your mother and I wouldn’t want them to. But Marjorie’s had her share of problems too. So it was really nice spending some time with her. At least she didn’t go to the ladies and then disappear on me!’
‘Sorry, dad. Coralia did apologise to me about that but she explained it away by saying it wasn’t a match made in heaven. It’s a bit awkward being as I still have to work with her. But what’s done is done, I guess.’
‘It is, son. I’m fully over it, anyway. And Marjorie is really nice. She’s the perfect person for me to see from time to time, so I hope you’re okay about that.’
‘Yeah, I am, Dad. Whatever makes you happy; just like you say to me. Plus you can love your friends, I guess, without it being a passionate affair and, yes, I’d like to meet all your friends, one day.’
***
‘Hi, Mum. Everything okay? Yes? Good. Well you must be having a good time, judging by the fact I never hear from you any more?’ said Gracie, with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
‘Oh, very funny. But we both know I had to get on living by myself again. Well, actually, it’s more a case that I’ve started living again, thanks to the Afternoon Tea Club. I’ve got a fantastic new group of friends. We’ve been out and about all over the place together. And because of the art class I’ve recently drawn a picture of the bird table and got it framed and it now hangs over the mantelpiece in the lounge. My tutor said it was excellent, as you’ll see next time you’re over. And I’ve even been out on a date night!’
‘My God, you’ve what?’ said Gracie, incredulous.
‘Yes, one of the gents took me out for a lovely pub meal recently. But we’re not dating, per se, sweetheart, so don’t worry. Anyway, love, are you ringing about Christmas?’
Gracie took a deep breath. ‘Yes and no. Well, actually, yes I am. We’d like you to come stay with us for Christmas this year but we might be trotting over to see Steven’s folks in New Zealand the following year. Is that all right with you, Mother?’
‘Of course it is, Gracie. I really don’t mind sharing you, now. I’m getting used to it. I wasn’t happy about it at first, of course. This whole experience has taken me completely out of my comfort zone. But it’s been such a grand, enlightening time for me. So whether I’m on my own or whether I can muster some of the troops for next year we’ll both have grand Christmases whatever we choose to do, Gracie.’
‘Okay then. Well, that’s set my mind at rest. I was a little worried, you see.’
‘Darling, we both know that sometimes our paths will cross, now you’re going to be marrying Steven, and sometimes they won’t. I’ve been so lucky to have you in my life on a daily basis. Lots of parents never get the chance to hold on to their children for so long. I love you no matter where you are in the world. That bond between us will never be broken, wherever we live or whenever we die. Please be reassured about that. And never feel guilty about taking your chances in life or snatching up your dreams whilst you still can. I only want you to be happy. And I’m starting to feel very happy with my own new life, too.’
‘Okay, Mum. I’m so pleased for you. Well, actually, I’m relieved you feel like that about things because I was really worried you wouldn’t be able to cope without me. However, I can see you’re managing to cope just fine and you’ve got some wonderful friends, so that makes me feel much less guilty about having left you,’ Gracie said quietly.
‘Darling, I think we both felt guilty about things. I even felt guilty for imposing on you for so long. But I couldn’t help that I loved living with you. I think, as women, we always feel guilty about something, don’t we, sweetheart? Anyway, let’s forget about all that. At least we’ve both found some happiness again. And that’s the main thing!’
‘Oh absolutely, Mother. So there’s just one other thing I, um, was going to tell you later. But I’m so thrilled about it, I’m telling you now. Oh, Mum!’
‘Oh, Gracie! You’re not …?’
‘Yes, Mother! I’m two months pregnant!’
***
Stacy and John walked back from taking Mrs Michaels home. Stacy hadn’t put Mrs Michaels right one way or the other about the non-existent relationship between her and John. The old lady was on a roll, yakking on about what a handsome couple they made and not to leave getting married too late because they’d want to have babies, of course. John hadn’t dissuaded her, either, because what, at the end of the day, did it matter what Mrs Michaels thought? Let her have her fantasies if she wanted, thought Stacy. She was leaving the area in a few days’ time.
A nippy wind had risen and Stacy was walking fast, with her arms folded, trying to stave off the chill that was penetrating her flimsy jacket. John had offered to give her his tux jacket but she had scowled and told him not to be so silly.
What a pair we must look, Stacy thought, as she walked by John’s side. He looks quite out of place here. Just like he couldn’t find his way to some party.
I can’t wait to get this ridiculous outfit off, John thought. But at least the mare at the side of me knows what’s what now.
***
Stacy virtually ran up the stairs, preferring not to take the lift, even though it was working again, as were the corridor lights. The last thing she wanted was to be stuck in that lift in such close proximity to John. No thank you! She just wanted to find Tibs and get acquainted with her new companion. But John grabbed hold of Stacy’s arm before she could thrust her key into the lock. He was a little of out breath. Walking fast was a different exercise to lifting weights.
‘Just a minute, Stacy. Are you really going to cold-shoulder me for the rest of your life? Is that how you think neighbours should act? And what about next time you get locked out of your flat or the boiler bursts or something?’
Stacy tried to shake him off. But maybe what he was saying made sense. Did her life really have to be one long battle with everything and everyone? She let out a long sigh, as she unlocked her door. Then she turned to face him.
‘Look, John, I’m sorry okay? I’ve had a rough ride lately. You were right in the hospital when you noticed my family’s, um, shall we say quirks? They were controlling and unloving beyond what is normal, all my life. Every birthday was just an ordinary day with only the four of us. No friends allowed. No parties. We were never allowed to go to school friends’ birthdays either. It was like they were shutting us off from the outside world; alienating us from society. My childhood? Well, it was crap! We’ve recently found out my brother’s gay. Not that it’s a problem with me but it nearly caused my parents to split up, due to my father’s ignorance. However, that just might have been smoothed over now. And the cats? Well, they were my bad, sure. Yet even that’s been rectified now, um, thanks to you. But my first and only boyfriend thought he could share me with his mates. So you see I’ve not had good experiences with men. Any men. No one has ever loved me. That’s why I guess I kept the cats. But in the end even they let me down – partly my fault, I know. This little one, though,’ Stacy said pointing down, as Tibs’s head appeared round the door of her flat with a meow, ‘this little one seems a cut above. He seems to like me. He likes you too. So that’s not such a bad thing. They say animals know the merit of man, so I guess that makes you an okay sort of guy.’
Stacy bent down and picked Tibs up. He meowed softly again.
‘Ah, sweetheart. Are you missing your mum?’
Tibs sniffed Stacy’s nose and then licked it. It tickled. She laughed briefly, glancing up at John. He was watching her in a way she couldn’t work out. But he had the most beautiful green eyes.
‘So, okay, I know I’ve been standoffish and horrid when you’ve been so nice to me. And I do appreciate what you’ve done for me. But, well, I just didn’t know how to act with you. No one’s been as kind as you have in a long time.’
Stacy sighed, cuddling Tibs and avoiding John’s gaze, not sure if she was making any sense to him. But it suddenly dawned on her that she would like some human company after all. Perhaps it’s what she had really needed all along.
‘So, anyway, I was wondering, um,’ Stacy began, not sure how to put what she knew she needed to say. ‘Um, would you like to come in and have a drink with me, by way of an apology? I mean I know that might seem a bit forward but I think it might be advisable to get to know you a bit more. Just in case I get locked out of my flat, again, you understand?’
‘Hmmm,’ John said wryly. ‘I thought there might be an ulterior motive for the drink. Well, I’ll come in and help you sort Tibs out, if you wish. Get him settled and then I guess we could take things from there.’
‘Things, John?’
‘Our friendship, Stacy.’