Monica was in work early. It was one of those rare mornings when the planets aligned and all the lights turned green as she approached them. There were no hold ups at all and better still there were parking spaces left in the car park.
This was so different to the usual routine of driving into the car park, finding no spaces and having to walk back half a mile or so from the parking space she eventually found a few streets away. She considered buying a lottery ticket it was that rare.
She was up to date with work, the accounts had been finalised and Tammy was doing well in school and at home. She felt complete contentment. She grabbed a coffee from the café downstairs before heading up to her office.
Nadia was there to greet her as she exited the lift, looking immaculate as usual. ‘Morning,’ she almost sang the word. She was always so cheerful.
‘Morning,’ Monica called back. It was going to be a good day.
She sat at her desk trying to decide what to do first. She had auditors coming in a few weeks so had plenty to do but her workload was manageable for the moment so no pressure. She decided to give Liz a call as she was curious to know how her evening had been. She dialled the home number but only got the answer phone. She made a note on her blotter to give her a call at lunch time before turning on her computer.
Kevin had sent several emails, most of which were jokes, but one was asking when they could meet up next. Monica decided not to rush into anything. After all there was Tammy to consider now. She accepted his invitation for dinner the following week and decided that she would tell him all about Tammy. If there was to be any relationship between them Tammy would be a big part of it. He would have to like Tammy and, more importantly, Tammy would have to like him.
* * *
On the journey back to the gallery Liz told Nick about how she came to meet Monica and Tammy and what a lifeline they had turned out to be. She really admired the way Monica coped despite having no experience with children. Tammy could be a handful. She laughed as she recalled the day that Tammy had called her a witch.
‘I can’t imagine anyone thinking that you looked like a witch.’
‘You didn’t see me,’ said Liz. ‘I was seriously scary.’
‘I can see that Tammy can be quite forceful.’ He was recalling the Lavender plant Tammy had given him. Apparently it was holding on by a thread.
‘You had better not let Tammy know,’ said Liz. ‘She is very serious about her project.’
‘I wouldn’t dream of it,’ said Nick. ‘If I do manage to kill it I will replace it.’
‘On pain of death,’ added Liz.
‘Scouts honour,’ said Nick, who went on to confide that he had never been good at looking after things. He was terrified of responsibility, which is why he had been such a lousy husband.
‘It took me a long time to grow up,’ he said seriously. ‘It has taken me a few years to get the hang of being a father. In fact, if I’m honest I didn’t get it until my wife finally kicked me out.’
‘How is your relationship with your children now?’ asked Liz.
‘It’s great. We see each other all the time and the kids come and stay. I would even say that they are proud of me and my grandchildren think that being an artist is cool, which is amazing.’
Liz relayed the circumstances of Jim’s death and the reasons behind changing the garden. She also spoke of how sad she was that her relationship with Adam had deteriorated after he married Georgina.
‘It made me angry at first. I admit to blaming Georgina but then I realised that it could only have happened if Adam had let it, and he did. It got even worse after Jim died. I am fairly certain they think of me as a neurotic nuisance.’ She hadn’t actually said this out loud to anyone before. It was something that she had kept to herself. She felt almost ashamed.
She relayed to him the conversation she had with Sasha about Adam’s job prospect in America.
‘I didn’t notice it when Jim was alive, maybe it was always there but just not so obvious because I was busy,’ she said. ‘I am pleased to say that I have decided to stop wallowing in self-pity and start living a bit. I’m only sorry that I will not be able to have a relationship with my grandchildren. I loved having Sasha to stay. She is a wonderful girl and if they move abroad it would be painful, but it’s not something I have any control over.’
‘I’m no expert,’ said Nick, ‘heaven knows I’ve mucked things up more times that I care to admit, but I would say keep in contact as much as you can. The kids are getting older. They will be able to make up their own minds in a few years’ time.’
‘That sounds much too sensible to have come out of your mouth,’ said Liz, trying to lighten the mood.
‘Well, I act my age occasionally,’ said Nick. ‘I have even managed to be organised enough to get my granddaughter’s birthday present. She will be sixteen on Wednesday.’
‘That gives me an idea,’ said Liz. ‘It’s Sasha’s birthday in June. I wonder if you would undertake a commission for me and paint a picture of her as a surprise?’
‘I’ll need a recent photograph if it’s going to be a surprise,’ said Nick.
‘That’s easy,’ said Liz. ‘She loves having her picture taken. Georgina sent me a picture of her riding her horse a few months ago and I took one of her in the garden with Tammy. I’ll give them to you the next time I see you.’
They made arrangements to meet up the following week. Liz promised to take Monica and Tammy to the gallery at the weekend and to have dinner with Nick the following Saturday. She drove back home feeling calmer. She would keep her cool the next time she spoke to Adam. There was nothing to be gained by arguing. What will be, will be.
* * *
Finn and Rory were on schedule for the garden transformation. They had managed to lay most of the paths and the base for the summer house and the fountain. Finn had brought a portfolio with him showing fountains they had installed in other gardens so Liz could get a feel of how she would like it to look. She pretty much had her mind made up about the stone until she saw a picture of three steel columns at different heights with water cascading down each of them. It was only slightly more expensive than the stone boulder but it looked so much more sophisticated. It would make a spectacular centrepiece.
She made them a cup of tea and sat at the garden table with them, enjoying the morning sunshine.
‘Well, come on woman,’ said Finn eventually, ‘tell us all about it.’
‘It was nice,’ said Liz, a little guarded. ‘Nick is a nice man, easy to talk to and fun to be with, but he is just a friend.’
‘Saying it doesn’t make it so,’ said Finn. ‘I think he likes you, you look good together.’
‘Do you think so?’ said Liz, feeling a little embarrassed. She marvelled at her own garrulousness. Six months ago she hardly spoke to anyone about anything and now every aspect of her life was open for discussion and she didn’t care.
She told Finn that she was going to join the art group.
‘I didn’t know you painted Mrs B,’ said Rory.
‘I haven’t for a long time,’ Liz replied, ‘but I’m thinking of starting again.’
‘Let’s have a look,’ said Finn. Liz went into the garage and dug out a few of her old canvasses. She had painted the garden as it was before Jim died.
‘This is really good,’ said Finn. ‘I think we should recommend you to our clients.’
‘Thank you,’ said Liz, ‘but I am a little out of practice.’
* * *
Adam was pacing up and down in his office. He had called Georgina and asked her to do a bit of internet research on Nick. He couldn’t quite remember the surname although he was sure it began with R, maybe Robson or Rogers. He did remember that the exhibition was in Crouch End so Georgina didn’t take long to find a list of art exhibitions in London and then narrow it down to Crouch End. There was only one entry, which made the job easy. She found the website for the exhibition but was frustrated to find that although there was a list of the artists, which included a Nicholas Roberts, there were no photographs.
She tapped the name Nicholas Roberts, artist, into the search engine and found that he had exhibited in several places in England and there was a web-site. Georgina opened the tab with the tag line ‘About the artist’ and there in the top right hand corner was a picture of Nick standing next to an easel but it was an old photograph taken several years ago and Nick had never got round to updating it.
‘Adam was right,’ thought Georgina. ‘He is much younger than Liz.’ She called Adam.
Adam had to put it to the back of his mind to concentrate on work. The deadline for America was looming large and he had to think about what to do with the house. He also needed to speak to the children at some point although he was sure that they would love living in America and Georgina couldn’t wait.
The only fly in the ointment was his mother. He hadn’t given her a second thought when he was first approached by the Head of the New York branch but now he wasn’t so sure he was doing the right thing.
Adam was a man who could compartmentalise his life. His wife and children fitted neatly into their slots, his work was under control and he found success easy. His mother and father were happily doing their own thing and did not give him any cause for concern until his father died suddenly and his mother became completely unhinged. Even then he had managed to keep things on an even keel. He wasn’t sure why he felt so put out now.
* * *
During the week that Finn and Rory had been working in Liz’s garden they had worked out a little routine. Liz would make tea and bacon rolls in the morning when they arrived. Tea and biscuits would be dispensed around eleven o’clock. Between twelve thirty and one thirty she would offer them a sandwich and at three thirty when Tammy got home from school they would get more tea and toast or buns, with Tammy and Liz joining them in the garden. Tammy would then help to dig up plants or fetch and carry in the garden until Finn and Rory left just before six.
Today was no exception. Finn was looking forward to seeing Tammy at three thirty as usual. He had a surprise for her. He had prepared a wage packet as a thank you for all her help. She came breezing in through the side gate. She didn’t bother knocking at the front door now she could go straight through to the back. She went over to the table, poured herself some juice and then slumped into one the chairs before letting out a huge sigh.
‘What’s up with you?’ said Liz.
‘I think we need to start planning my birthday party,’ she said seriously. ‘There’s so much to do.’ She looked at Finn. ‘Are you quite sure that the garden will be ready in time?’
‘My word is my bond,’ said Finn.
‘I need to get the invitations out before the end of school.’
‘We’ve still got six to eight weeks yet I think,’ said Liz. ‘Don’t worry. You’re starting to sound a lot like Sasha.’ Tammy pulled a face to reflect her disapproval of Liz’s statement.
‘Will you be able to come to my party with Devlin, and you Rory?’ said Tammy. She was fond of them all but especially Finn as he made a fuss of her.
‘We wouldn’t miss it for the world, sweetheart,’ said Finn. ‘Who else is coming to this party?’
‘I’m inviting my whole class. If they all come that will be thirty children, plus Sasha,’ she looked at Liz.
‘Of course,’ said Liz.
‘And Nick. Do you think he would come?’
‘I’m sure he will if he can,’ said Liz, realising that this was Tammy doing her best to match-make.
‘Plus some of my mum’s family, not sure how many yet.’
‘Now, young lady,’ Finn addressed Tammy. ‘The landscaping will be finished by the end of next week. If Rory manages to finish the lights and the wires in the pump for the fountain,’ he nodded in Rory’s direction. ‘We will also be putting up the summer house. The following week will be the soft planting and then it’s Mother Nature’s turn, and when Mother Nature has a day off I expect you to help water the plants so they will be perfect in time for your party.’
‘I will,’ said Tammy.
‘Good. Now let’s get on with it, we still have some bricks to move.’
Finn and Rory worked hard for another hour or so with Tammy in tow. At a quarter to six they packed up their tools and Finn called Tammy to give her the wage packet. She held the envelope in her hand for a few minutes before opening it.
‘Come on,’ said Rory, ‘what are you waiting for?’ Tammy felt suddenly embarrassed.
She opened it slowly and was delighted to see the money inside but she didn’t take it out. Instead she closed the envelope immediately and gave it back to Finn. ‘I can’t take it,’ she said. ‘I don’t deserve it.’
‘Will you let me be the judge of that?’ said Finn, pushing it back into her hands. ‘It’s not much for all your help and you definitely deserve it. I won’t take it back.’ He turned his head to one side.
‘Thank you,’ said Tammy, before giving Finn a big hug.
‘You’re welcome, sweetie.’ Finn had tears in his eyes. He was such a softy. ‘Come on Rory, time to hit the road.’ He said goodbye to Liz. ‘See you on Monday,’ they shouted as they got into the van. ‘Be good,’ shouted Finn to Tammy. ‘Don’t spend it all at once.’
Monica was just pulling up as the van sped off. Tammy was really excited when Monica arrived and so pleased with herself. ‘Time for tea?’ asked Liz.
‘I have,’ said Monica, feeling relaxed. She was getting so organised. Dinner had been prepared the night before and only needed heating up.
‘Great, I’ll put the kettle on.’
Liz bought the tray out to the garden as it was still quite warm outside.
Tammy told Monica about the pay packet. ‘Can I keep it?’ she asked.
‘I guess so,’ said Monica. ‘I think Finn would be offended if you gave it back.’ Tammy gave a happy little squeal as she opened the envelope and took out the money to count it.
‘Twenty five pounds!’ she exclaimed.
‘Wow,’ said Monica, ‘you are a lucky girl. That is so generous. What are you going to do with the money?’
‘Not sure yet.’ said Tammy. ‘I think I’ll just save it for now.’ Liz poured the tea.
‘Well?’ asked Monica.
‘Well what?’ said Liz, knowing exactly what Monica was referring to.
‘How did it go? Are you friends?’ She made the speech-mark sign with her hands as she said the word friends.
‘We are.’ Liz smiled. ‘I had a wonderful time. Nick is great company and we laughed a lot.’
‘It’s a good sign,’ said Monica. ‘You need to be able to laugh with someone. What was the art like?’
‘There was a real mixture of styles, some of it was terrible. I hate it when you have to read an essay to understand what you’re looking at.’
‘I know what you mean,’ agreed Monica.
‘Other pieces were fantastic.’ She relayed the story of the full frontal assault on her eyeballs as she was confronted by the reclining man. Monica and Tammy both laughed.
‘Did you like Nick’s paintings?’ asked Tammy.
‘He’s very versatile,’ said Liz. ‘His portraits were really good. I wasn’t so keen on the abstract stuff but it seems to sell.’
‘Are you seeing him again, friend or otherwise?’ asked Monica.
‘I am,’ said Liz. ‘He’s taking me out to dinner soon.’
‘Progress indeed,’ said Monica.
‘Can we talk about my party now?’ interrupted Tammy. ‘It’s going to be sick.’
‘Sick?’ repeated Monica.
‘Great,’ Tammy translated. Tammy ran inside to get a pad.
‘She’s very organised isn’t she?’ said Liz.
‘You have no idea,’ Monica smiled.
‘I want to invite everyone in my class,’ she announced as she came outside again.
‘How many is that?’ asked Monica.
‘Thirty, if they all come, but I think that some of them may be on holiday. I also want to invite Sasha and Leo, Finn, Devlin and Rory. Oh, and Nick of course and anyone else you can think of.’
Liz didn’t want to mention her row with Adam in front of Tammy. She felt fairly certain that Adam would not be speaking to her for a while. In any case, knowing Georgina she doubted that Sasha would have been allowed to come to the party anyway. She felt really sad at the prospect of not seeing her granddaughter again.
‘I think we may be looking at around forty five people,’ said Monica. ‘What do you think?’
‘Wonderful,’ said Liz, ‘the more the merrier. I am really looking forward to it. What will we feed them?’
‘I thought about a barbeque at first,’ said Monica, ‘but that entails someone cooking all the time and I’m hopeless so I thought maybe a buffet instead.
‘Cupcakes,’ Tammy announced. ‘I’d like cupcakes instead of a birthday cake.’
‘Well that’s easy,’ said Liz.
‘I thought we’d have a disco too,’ said Monica. ‘Perhaps we can rig up the summer house as the chill-out area. That’s what it’s called isn’t it Tammy?’ asked Liz.
‘That would be great said Tammy, as she sat on Monica’s lap. It’s going to be wicked.’