‘Yes,’ said Nick. ‘I have a son, a daughter and two grandchildren.’
She suddenly remembered that not married didn’t mean not involved so she tagged on an extra question. ‘Do you have a girlfriend?’
‘No,’ said Nick emphatically.
‘Good,’ said Tammy. Interview over she left him to get on with painting.
Monica made coffee and handed Nick the cup as he stood in the doorway surveying Tammy’s bedroom.
‘It needs something else,’ he said. ‘The colours are fine but it will be a bit bland. I would like to paint something on one of the walls if you don’t mind. Don’t worry, there will be no extra charge.’
‘That’s kind of you,’ said Monica. ‘What are going to paint?’
‘I’ll think about it,’ he said, smiling as he drank his coffee.
It was a gorgeous sunny day as Liz accompanied the girls to deliver the Lavender cuttings to residents in their road and the surrounding neighbourhood. The instruction sheets were neatly folded and attached by a staple to one corner of the sandwich bag. It all looked very professional. Liz had emptied a couple of shoeboxes so the girls could have one each to keep the plants upright as they went on their rounds. Sasha and Tammy walked up and down Liz’s road leaving plants on doorsteps before knocking and retreating down the path.
If someone did manage to open the door before they got to the front gate the girls would smile sweetly and explain that the plants were for a school project to help bees. Sasha exaggerated the problem and included the fact that the world would starve if we didn’t do something now to protect them. She could be very melodramatic. Most people were very sympathetic and took the plants in, assuring the girls that they would take good care of them. Occasionally someone would reject it out of hand saying they didn’t have time, suspicious that somewhere along the line the project would involve parting with money.
As they walked Tammy told Sasha that Nick was not married and did not have a girlfriend.
‘Well, that’s something,’ said Sasha, ‘and how old is he?’
‘Nearly fifty eight,’ Tammy replied, really pleased with herself.
‘He could be fibbing,’ said Sasha. ‘Lots of people lie about their age. Mum has been thirty five for a few years now.’
‘We could look him up on the internet,’ said Sasha. ‘See what we can find out about him. We can’t let Grandma go out with him until we’ve checked him out.’
‘I don’t think he has asked Liz out yet,’ said Tammy, reeling Sasha back down to earth. ‘Besides we need his full name and I didn’t ask that bit.’
‘I think Liz might know,’ said Sasha. ‘I heard her tell Monica that she used to work with him so we’ll have to ask her later. Anyway, that can wait. At the moment we need ideas for how we can get people to plant Lavender.’
‘We could try to get some publicity,’ said Tammy hopefully.
‘That’s it!’ said Sasha, excited. ‘We need to let people know.’ Her eyes opened even wider as she visualised the two of them on breakfast television or Talk Radio, not to mention the effect on her profile on Facebook if the project went viral. Her popularity rating would be through the roof. She suddenly stopped in her tracks. ‘We need to contact the press. We’ll look into it when we get back.’
Tammy couldn’t help but admire Sasha’s determination. ’Monica might be able to help you,’ suggested Liz. ‘She works for a magazine doesn’t she? She may know how to put together a press release. Why don’t you ask her tonight? I’m sure she’d like to help.’
* * *
Nick was getting on well with the painting. He was grateful for the fact that there was no wallpapering involved. He didn’t mind painting but wallpapering was not his forte. Liz left Sasha and Tammy writing notes for the press release and popped next door to give Nick a couple of scones she had made the day before.
‘It’s really coming on now,’ she commented, from the doorway. ‘When will you be finished?’
‘Should be done by Thursday,’ he assured her.
‘Did you remember to bring food or would you like a sandwich later?’ asked Liz.
‘I remembered today,’ said Nick, pointing to a Tupperware container on the windowsill.
‘What have you made? It doesn’t look like a sandwich.’
‘It’s not. You may be surprised to learn that I am a very good cook. I made a curry last night and this is the leftovers.’
‘I’m impressed,’ said Liz. ‘I’m surprised that either of your wives could bear to let you go with your painting and culinary skills,’ she laughed.
‘The cooking was a necessity. I soon got sick of beans on toast and takeaways. The painting… You’ve seen nothing yet.’
‘Modest too,’ added Liz, as she left.
Liz went back to get the girls a snack before the three of them went out into the garden to carry on weeding. Liz told them that Devlin and Finn were going to start on the following Monday and Sasha was really disappointed that she wouldn’t be there to see them. She hadn’t spoken to them at all but she already had a little crush on Devlin and she loved the way Finn’s personality filled every space despite the fact that he was only a slip of a thing. You couldn’t miss him, he was imposing.
‘Mum and dad are back on Friday,’ said Liz. ‘Remember,’ she said, looking at Sasha seriously, ‘a positive spin if you’d like to stay again.’
‘Will do, grandma, I love it here.’
* * *
Monica popped in for a coffee after work as usual and Tammy and Sasha collared her as soon as she walked through the door. Sasha wanted to know exactly what she did and how she could help the cause. Monica was not really sure that she could do anything other than possibly advise on the wording for the press release and ring up the local rag to find out who the features editor was.
Sasha was already going global. She thought that they could contact garden centres and ask them to give away plants or provide information on bee friendly gardens. It was hard to believe that Sasha’s motives were entirely altruistic but you couldn’t fault her commitment. She was already planning on how she could set up the Bury St Edmunds branch of the ‘Be kind to Bees Campaign’. All campaigns need a slogan she informed Tammy.
The girls were busy in the office writing the press release. Meanwhile Liz and Monica sat at the table. ‘Are you still on for coffee with Kevin on Friday?’ Liz spoke quietly.
‘I am,’ said Monica. ‘Ooh, while I think about it can I go up and weigh myself please? I feel certain that I’ve lost another few pounds.’
‘Any time,’ said Liz. ‘In fact, why don’t you take the scales home with you? I haven’t used them for years.’
‘Thanks, Liz, but I think I’ll leave them here. I don’t need Tammy starting a daily weigh in. She is obsessive enough about my weight as it is. When I told her the other day that I thought something I was wearing had shrunk in the wash she suggested I take myself to the launderette.’ Liz laughed. ‘It’s like living with Jimminy Cricket.’
Monica came down the stairs grinning. ‘I’ve lost another one and a half kilos. The weight is positively falling off me now.’
‘That’s fantastic.’ Liz was really pleased.
‘I think I’m going to have to go and buy new clothes soon. I’ve gone down a size or more already so I’m running out of things to wear.’ Tammy was highly delighted when she heard the news.
They were all in the kitchen now. Sasha was half sitting on Liz’s lap.
‘It’s my last day tomorrow, gran.’ She made a sad face. ‘Mum and dad are back on Friday.’
‘I know poppet,’ she gave her a hug. ‘How about we all go out tomorrow night? My treat. We could eat somewhere first and then go bowling or skating. ‘Bowling,’ the girls said together.
‘I need more practice. It’s Molly’s party on Saturday and I’d like to win.’
Monica and Tammy said their goodbyes and popped in to see Nick who was just cleaning the brushes before leaving for the night.
‘Don’t touch anything in there,’ he warned Tammy as she approached the door. ‘The paint is still wet. One more day and you’ll be able to sleep in your own room again.’
‘Thanks, I can’t wait,’ said Tammy.
‘I’ll finish up tomorrow.’
‘Don’t forget your plant.’ Tammy noticed that Nick had left it on the windowsill along with his Tupperware box.
‘Oh, no,’ said Nick. ‘Must not forget that.’
* * *
Liz had made chilli and instead of eating at the table as they usually did she put the plates onto trays and took them into the living room where Sasha was watching TV. She placed the tray on the side table and moved it in front of Sasha.
‘Thanks,’ said Sasha, happy to have her grandma all to herself.
‘Are you looking forward to going home?’ Liz asked.
‘Yes and no,’ said Sasha. ‘I am looking forward to seeing my friends and riding my horse but I have loved being here.’
‘I’ve loved having you here,’ said Liz. Neither of them mentioned New York.
* * *
Thursday was another bright and sunny day and Nick, who seemed to get earlier every day, was at the door of Monica’s house before seven o’clock. Monica was relieved it was the last day although by necessity she set the alarm for six thirty during the week anyway. This week she had been forced to make the effort to actually get up. She had to keep her hand away from the snooze button. She usually hit it once or twice before getting out of bed and trudging around in her pyjamas for half an hour before getting dressed. This morning she had sprung out of bed at the first beep, just in case Nick was early. She caught the alarm before it woke Tammy.
She made Nick a cup of coffee and they both stood cupping their mugs at the doorway to Tammy’s bedroom. It looked so different. The ceiling and paintwork were gleaming white and the walls green and cream. Monica had to agree it did look a little bland, but she thought it would look a lot different when the furniture was in.
‘Where are you going to add the wall art?’ she asked Nick.
‘I’m thinking I’d paint a tree on that wall,’ he pointed to the wall to the right of the door, ‘with a brightly coloured bird of paradise sitting on one of the branches.’ There was no window on the wall to break up the space. It was like a huge blank canvass. ‘You can hang pictures where the branches are,’ he added.
‘That’s a great idea,’ said Monica. ‘Tammy has recently picked out some pictures of her mother to be framed.’
‘It will be finished by the time you get back from work,’ Nick added, ‘and if it is not entirely to Tammy’s satisfaction I will paint over it at my expense.’
‘Confidence,’ said Monica. ‘I like that. I hope it’s justified.’ She left Nick painting the alcove as she went off to work and Tammy went next door to Liz.
Liz stayed at home for the morning, just in case Nick finished before the furniture arrived. She got a text message at nine thirty telling her the furniture would be delivered at eleven so she left the girls playing in the garden while she popped next door to see if Nick would be able to let them in.
She was pleased to find him still there. She hadn’t said goodbye the day before. He had just finished painting the contrasting colour in the alcove and was about to start the tree.
‘Are you here for the day?’ she asked.
‘Not sure yet. I was hoping to be finished around two thirty,’ he replied.
‘Did you bring lunch? I’ve got some leftover chilli if you’d like it.’
‘That would be great, thank you,’ he said, putting down the paintbrush. ‘I forgot to bring food today.’
‘The furniture will be here at eleven,’ said Liz. ‘Are you sure it’s not going to be in your way?’
‘No,’ said Nick. ‘I’m only working on this wall now. The rest of the room is all theirs.’
‘That’s great. Tammy will be so pleased.’
‘She’s a great kid,’ said Nick. ‘She gave me a Lavender plant yesterday and made me promise to put it on my windowsill.’
‘Yes, it’s her project at the moment to help bees. She is very dedicated.’
‘Bossy,’ said Nick smiling.
‘Yes, probably. I think Sasha is rubbing off on her. Anyway, I’d better get back to the girls. I’ll pop back around twelve thirty with the chilli, unless you’re starving now.’
‘No, I don’t think I could face chilli for breakfast. I look forward to seeing you later.’
When she got back in she was just in time to take a call from Adam. ‘Hiya,’ she said with a smile in her voice. ‘Are you enjoying yourselves?’
‘It’s a fantastic place and we have had a great time,’ said Adam
‘I’m glad,’ said Liz. ‘Sasha and I have had great fun too.’
‘Mum, we get home around ten o’clock tomorrow so should be with you by lunch time.’
‘Great,’ said Liz. ‘I’ll get you something ready to eat before you drive home.’
‘Thanks, mum, that would be lovely,’ he added warmly, before putting the phone down.
When Liz popped back with the chilli at lunch time she was with Tammy and Sasha. On hearing their voices Nick closed the bedroom door. He didn’t want Tammy to see the room until it was completely finished.
‘Can I look?’ she asked, as soon as she came in.
‘Not until tonight,’ said Nick. ‘Let me finish it first. I might not be here when you get back but you can ring me and let me know what you think. Monica has my number. And Liz, I’ll pop the ladder and dust sheet back this afternoon if that’s okay.’
‘No hurry,’ said Liz. ‘See you later.’
* * *
Monica was back from work early so she went to the flat first. She was keen to see Nick’s masterpiece before she saw Tammy. Nick was in the kitchen cleaning his brushes and the door to Tammy’s room was shut.
‘All finished?’ she said airily as she breezed in.
‘I am,’ said Nick. ‘Come and take a look.’ He put the brushes down and went ahead, opening the door with a theatrical sweeping gesture. ‘Ta da!’
‘Wow!’ She stood at the threshold to take it all in.
The furniture was now in place in the room and although the bed wasn’t made up it looked gorgeous. Nick had even put the blind up at the window. The sofa fitted neatly into the alcove and the bed was now framed by a huge stylised tree. Nestling in one of the branches near to the trunk Nick had painted a beautiful bird with long flowing tail feathers in different colours. It looked spectacular. The trunk of the tree grew out from the skirting board on the wall at the bottom end of the bed with the branches leaning up and over towards the headboard.
Monica had tears in her eyes. ‘Tammy will love it, I can’t thank you enough. I think I’ll make up her bed and put down the rug before she sees it. You’ve done a fantastic job. How much do I owe you?’
‘Just pay me for three days,’ said Nick. ‘The tree is on me.’
‘How come you’re not busy?’ said Monica, tilting her head to one side to get a view of the tree from a different angle. ‘You’ve done such a great job.’
‘I’m not a decorator, Monica, I’m a painter.’
‘I know,’ said Monica, confused as to what the difference was.
‘Painter as in artist,’ Nick clarified.
‘Aaahhh,’ said Monica. ‘Hence the fantastic tree. I think Liz thinks you’re a decorator.’
‘I thought that was the case,’ said Nick, ‘but I don’t have much work on at the moment and anyway, I would like to be a friend.’
‘My friend or Liz’s friend?’ asked Monica pointedly. Nick appeared to blush.
‘Both,’ said Nick, ‘but particularly Liz.’
‘That’s fantastic,’ said Monica, really pleased.
‘I’m having an exhibition of my work next weekend. I thought I might ask Liz if she’d like to come along to the press preview on Thursday evening so she can see what I really do. You’re welcome to come too.
Bring Tammy if you can.’
‘Unfortunately I’ve got quite a bit of work on at the moment with a new venture the magazine are planning, so you may get Liz all to yourself,’ said Monica smiling. She had no intention of being a gooseberry. Nick left Monica making up the bed and went next door to drop off the ladder and dust sheets.
‘Thanks for your help, and the food,’ he said, when Liz opened the door.
‘No problem. Have you time for a cuppa?’
‘No, not today,’ he replied apologetically. ‘I have to get something sorted out.’
‘Oh, well perhaps we’ll meet in the garden centre.’ She was a little disappointed. She enjoyed talking to Nick.
‘I’d like that,’ he replied. He paused before adding, ‘Liz, I wondered, since you’re interested in painting, if you’d like to come to the preview of an art exhibition next week. It’s nothing too pretentious, just a few people exhibiting their work. I’ll be one of them. It’s on Thursday evening.’
‘You kept that under your hat,’ said Liz. ‘I’d like that. Where is it?’
‘I have all the information here.’ Nick fumbled in his pockets for a flyer, which he was unable to find despite patting down all the pockets in his jacket and jeans. ‘Sorry, I must have left it in the car.’ He smiled as he asked for paper and pen so that he could write down the address.
‘What time?’ asked Liz, scanning the paper and not finding the information.
‘It opens at seven thirty,’ he replied, ‘but I’ll be there from seven so come as soon as you can.’
‘OK,’ said Liz. ‘Thank you. I will probably see you next week.’
When Monica popped in to collect Tammy Liz told her about Nick’s invitation and the fact that she had more or less accepted but was now having second thoughts.
‘Don’t panic,’ said Monica. ‘It doesn’t sound like you’ll be alone. He’s just being friendly. He did mention it to me too but I’ve got loads of work on. Why not go? You might actually enjoy yourself.’
‘He is younger than I am,’ said Liz.
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