She thought of Jim. It was strange but she hadn’t thought about him for a few days. She felt a little guilty for being happy.
Monica popped in after work and the three of them sat in the garden soaking up the late afternoon sun. As soon as Monica had settled with a cup of tea Tammy ran inside to retrieve the party invites.
‘What do you think?’ she said, looking really pleased with herself.
‘Fantastic,’ said Monica, holding one up. ‘Very professional. We will have to find a DJ now.’
‘I think you can hire a jukebox,’ said Liz trying to be helpful. ‘It might be cheaper than a DJ, although Saturday afternoon is probably a good time. It should be more reasonable than an evening slot. What are you wearing Tammy?’ asked Liz.
‘I don’t know yet.’ She looked at Monica. ‘I need something new.’
‘I could buy your outfit for your birthday,’ said Liz.
‘That’s too generous,’ said Monica.
‘No, no,’ said Liz, ‘I insist. It will save me having to think of something.’
‘No high heels or crop tops,’ said Monica.
Tammy gave her the ‘are you serious face’. ‘I wouldn’t wear a crop top,’ she insisted.
‘Good,’ said Monica.
‘We will only look at clothes up to your neck and down to your knees,’ said Liz seriously. Tammy laughed and raised her eyebrows.
‘What would you like me to get you?’ asked Monica, thinking that she probably already knew the answer.
‘How about a new phone,’ said Tammy, ‘mine’s a bit ancient. I’d like a smartphone so I can FaceTime and send emails n’stuff.’
‘I’ll think about it.’
‘Everyone else has one,’ said Tammy in a whiney voice.
‘If everyone jumped off a cliff would you jump?’ countered Monica, sounding just like her mother. She laughed at herself. She had already decided to buy Tammy a new phone but wanted it to be a surprise. ‘Right, party food suggestions.’
‘I like burgers,’ said Tammy.
‘I’m sure you do,’ said Monica, ‘but we’re not having a barbeque and we have around forty five people to cater for.’
‘How about pizza and salad with a few snack foods and cakes thrown in,’ said Liz.
‘I think my friends would prefer burgers and don’t forget the cupcakes.’ Tammy was making a list.
* * *
On Tuesday when Monica went into work she had decided against speed dating given that Kevin seemed keen on her taking him out. She would put off meeting more frogs for a while longer. She had sent him a text suggesting an early dinner followed by a comedy club in Crouch End. ‘Great,’ came the almost immediate response, which put her back in the happy place she was in prior to her last date. Liz was able to look after Tammy so Monica booked the tickets.
* * *
When Nick came to collect Liz on Wednesday night he looked different. She had been in the living room and watched as his car pulled up outside the house. She studied him as he walked up the path and thought to herself that he didn’t seem at all like a man approaching sixty. He had a real spring in his step. He still had a full head of hair and the greying temples gave him a distinguished look. He was lightly tanned and wearing a chunky jumper over faded jeans and boots. The casual style really suited him. Not that there are many rules relating to clothes for men. They could wear more or less anything.
He was so different to Jim. Jim always wore a shirt and tie, summer or winter, never without a shirt and tie. Even working in the garden he wore a tie.
She wasn’t sure that Nick even owned a tie but she liked the way he dressed, the way he walked, the way he made her feel. He was addictive. She felt a little frightened by the strength of her own feelings. What if Adam really objected, what would she do? She wasn’t sure whether she was ready to rock the boat but Nick made her happy and she didn’t want to go back to being lonely either. She would content herself with being friends for a bit longer.
‘Hiya.’ He smiled as he reached the door. ‘All ready?’
‘I am,’ said Liz, indicating the bag containing all the art materials she thought she would need.
‘I’ve got you a present,’ he said, holding up a parcel. She opened the bag. Inside was a book, ‘How to Draw Everything.’ It was a huge tome explaining techniques and different styles.
‘I hope you don’t mind,’ he said, ‘I know you’re not a beginner but you said you were a little rusty. I thought this might help.’
‘Thanks,’ said Liz a bit lost for words, ‘it’s lovely of you. Well, shall we go?’ Liz put the book on the table in the hall, locked the front door and followed Nick to his car. ‘We can always take turns driving,’ said Liz, ‘I don’t want to put you out.’
‘It’s no trouble. I’m only up the road.’
The car was another big difference. Jim always had a sensible saloon car which he washed religiously every Saturday morning, rain or shine. He also bought a new car every three years. Nick had a battered old Jeep which suited his more rugged appearance.
He was growing on her more every time they met. She really liked his family too, so different to her own. She thought about Adam.
The art group was a mixture of old and young, Liz guessed at ages anything from thirty to eighty. As they walked in the room it had a buzz about it. The teacher looked like she had been dressed from a fabric warehouse and wore a long multi-coloured skirt and a turban on her head. Her batik top had bell shaped sleeves which she constantly folded back up her arms so she could demonstrate without painting herself. Her large dark eyes were underlined with kohl, making them look even larger and her bright pink lipstick bled into the wrinkles around her mouth. She was definitely what people would refer to as a character.
Nick introduced Liz to Angela. Liz was slightly disappointed. She expected her to have an unusual, exotic name like Diandra or Jacquetta. Angela belied her bohemian appearance. She welcomed Liz enthusiastically to her ‘little group’ as she called them before directing her to a desk near the front and proceeding to demonstrate the technique of the week.
Nick smiled at Liz as Angela fussed over her new pupil, guiding and correcting her mistakes. Every now and then she looked over at Nick, who didn’t need lessons. He seemed to be doing his own thing. He would smile broadly and give her work the thumbs-up. After an hour and a half they stopped for a break.
‘Come on,’ said Nick, ‘I’ll take you to the coffee bar and introduce you to some of the others.’
The coffee bar was set up in what looked to be an old office. It had a wooden counter with a proper coffee machine and not the old tea urn that Liz had expected. There was also a glass fronted cabinet containing chocolate bars, biscuits and cakes. A vending machine dispensed fizzy drinks and crisps. Painting and drawings were on every wall and Liz thought she recognised some of the styles she had seen at the exhibition the week before.
Nick bought two coffees and pointed to a table where a couple of seats were still empty, the other two seats occupied by a couple having an animated discussion.
‘I’ll help you,’ said Liz, not feeling quite confident enough to go and introduce herself although she thought that she recognised the woman from the exhibition the week before. When she had her coffee in her hand she followed Nick over to the table.
‘Hi folks,’ said Nick as they sat down, ‘this is Liz, a new recruit. Liz this is Marie and Carlo.’
Liz guessed that Marie was probably in her early fifties and Carlo maybe mid-thirties. They shook hands with Liz enthusiastically.
‘I recognise you from the exhibition last week,’ said Liz. ‘You painted the fabulous nudes.’
‘Thank you,’ said Marie. ‘I sold quite a few paintings that week. Carlo was there too, weren’t you darling.’ She patted his thigh.
Liz looked at Carlo. ‘I’m sorry, I met so many people. I didn’t recognise you,’ said Liz a little embarrassed.
‘Carlo was the subject of the paintings,’ said Marie, waitin
g for a reaction and hoping to shock.
‘Well that explains it,’ said Liz, nearly choking on her coffee. ‘I didn’t recognise you with your clothes on.’ Marie and Carlo laughed out loud causing Nick and Liz to erupt into a fit of giggles. Liz hoped that her initiation was over and she could relax. She doubted she would have been so brave without Nick’s support.
She learnt that Marie and Carlo were a couple and had met six years ago when Carlo was in his late twenties. Marie had advertised for a life model and Carlo had answered the call. He had a fairly ordinary looking face but Marie was not interested in his face and they really hit it off, so much so that after the first week’s work Marie had moved him in.
‘How fabulous,’ said Liz, genuinely interested. ‘It takes all sorts,’ she thought to herself. They drank their coffee quickly and went back to the class.
Lessons finished at nine o’clock and usually moved from the classroom to the pub on the corner.
‘Coming Nick?’ shouted Frank, a man of at least eighty if he was a day.
‘It’s up to you,’ said Nick, addressing Liz. ‘Would you like to go to the pub?’
‘I’d love to.’ She was really starting to feel comfortable. They were an interesting group of people and Liz was fascinated. She couldn’t wait to talk to them.
The pub was only a couple of minutes’ walk away.
‘How did you find this group?’ asked Liz, as they walked along the pavement. ‘You certainly don’t need art lessons.’
‘I didn’t find it, my daughter found it for me. After my second wife left I did a lot of soul searching and began to try to rebuild my relationship with my children and grandchildren. I was spending a lot of time on my own. Heather noticed the ad in the local paper and they were looking for new members, so I came along. It was just something to do initially. I was fairly reluctant in the beginning but I found I really liked it. They are a bit weird and wonderful but they support each other. Angela and the group encouraged me to give up my old job and helped me put on my first exhibition and I’ve never really looked back. The group arrange social events and exhibitions. I feel lucky to be a part of it.’
‘It does have a nice feel to it,’ said Liz. ‘I should have tried something like this myself ages ago.’
‘Well, you’re here now,’ said Nick smiling.
‘Yes, I am,’ said Liz, smiling back and feeling utterly content.
‘Now you just need to practice. I could always give you a hand if you’re interested.’
‘That’s kind of you,’ said Liz. ‘I’m thinking of making my summer house into a studio.’
‘I’d love to help,’ said Nick. ‘What about this weekend?’
‘Great,’ said Liz, without giving herself time to mull it over first.
‘It’s a date,’ he added.
She watched him as he went up to the bar. He was warm and friendly with everyone. She really enjoyed his company but still had a nagging thought in the back of her head that he was just being nice and she shouldn’t read too much into it. She wasn’t sure how to react. Besides, girlfriend sounds very odd when you’re over fifty.
She had even started to think about sex. It was strange because as much as she loved Jim they had drifted into an entirely sexless marriage. They slept in the same bed but boredom had set in years ago and the physical side of their marriage had deteriorated in their late forties.
They still did lots of things together, and he would occasionally hold her hand or give her a hug, but it never lead to anything physical. She told herself that it didn’t matter and it didn’t with Jim. But with Nick she felt butterflies in her stomach whenever she was close to him and it was a little scary.
Chapter 24
‘Found one,’ said Monica, when she popped in after work on Thursday.‘Found what?’ said Liz.
‘A disco,’ said Monica. ‘Hundred quid. That’s not too bad, and he’ll do from three to five. What do you think?’
‘I think it’s a nice little earner for a couple of hours work. How did you find him?’
‘Nadia at work is a mine of information,’ said Monica. ‘She did ask me to go out tonight to a speed dating event in a wine bar but I’m not quite sure it’s me. Besides, I couldn’t have gone. The auditors turned up yesterday so I’m rushed off my feet.’
Liz told Tammy and Monica about the art group and the fact that Nick would be coming over on Sunday to help with the summer house.
‘There’s not really much to do, we’re just adding some cupboards for the art materials and moving all the stuff out of the garage.’
‘Sounds cosy,’ said Monica grinning.
‘Heh, why don’t the two of come for lunch? It’s going to be hot at the weekend, we could barbeque?’
‘Please,’ said Tammy, looking longingly at Monica.
‘We would love to Liz.’ She made a face at Tammy. ‘I need to go to the garden centre at some point,’ added Monica. ‘We need some extra chairs and tables for the party.’
‘Don’t spend too much money,’ warned Liz, ‘the supermarkets are selling patio furniture and bistro sets at the moment and probably cheaper. Plus we can use our kitchen tables and chairs too.’
‘Do you fancy shopping on Saturday?’
‘That would be great,’ said Liz.
‘Has anyone replied to your invitation yet?’ asked Liz, addressing Tammy.
‘I only gave them out yesterday at school,’ she replied, ‘and most of my class mates are coming. Except Holly who will be on holiday, which is a shame, but Lauren’s coming.
I’ve emailed Sasha and I need to send one in the post to Finn and Rory. Will you give this to Nick?’ Tammy was holding an invitation addressed to Nick, Milly and Bradley. ‘Monica is sending out the family invites.’
* * *
Sasha was doing her homework in the den when Adam came in from work.
‘Dad,’ she called, as she heard her mother saying hello.
‘Hang on poppet,’ Adam replied, as he gave Georgina a peck on the cheek. Five or ten minutes passed before he put his head around the door.
‘Need help with your homework?’
‘No dad,’ said Sasha earnestly. ‘Tammy has sent me an invitation to her party at grandma’s. It’s not long now and I want to go. I could stay with grandma.’
‘We’ll see,’ said Adam.
‘No, I don’t want to see,’ said Sasha. ‘We’ll see usually means no. I really want to go. Why doesn’t mum like Tammy?’
‘Mum doesn’t dislike Tammy. It’s just that she doesn’t want you mixing in that area.’
‘You mean she doesn’t want me having mixed race friends unless they are rich and go to a school like mine.’
‘No, it’s not that,’ said Adam.
‘Then why can’t I go?
‘It’s complicated,’ said Adam.
‘No, it’s not,’ said Sasha. ‘It’s not just Tammy. You’re not very nice to grandma. You should be pleased she has met Nick. He is really nice and she likes him. Tammy will be going to secondary school in September and grandma will be home on her own again. Would you prefer her to be lonely?’
‘No, of course not,’ said Adam, clearly flustered. ‘It’s not what you think. We might not be here. I have been offered a job in America so we may be moving at the end of the summer. Won’t that be great?’
‘No it won’t.’ Sasha had tears in her eyes. ‘I don’t want to leave, I like it here. I won’t go,’ and with that she ran out of the room crying.
Adam pulled himself up from the sofa and lumbered into the kitchen. ‘Sasha is upset,’ he said to Georgina.
‘She’ll get over it.’ Said Georgina, without looking up from the magazine she was reading.
‘I think maybe we should go to Tammy’s party at mum’s on the nineteenth,’ said Adam.
‘No,’ said Georgina firmly. ‘I don’t want to encourage her friendship with that girl and New York beckons. It wouldn’t be fair.’
‘We could always put the date back and go
a couple of weeks later,’ said Adam. ‘Besides, I’m not so sure it’s the right thing. I don’t want the kids to be miserable.’
‘What about me being miserable?’ Georgina looked up from her magazine. ‘I’ve got my heart set on New York. They’ll thank us when they’re older.’
‘Georgie, we hardly see mum now. We’ll see her even less if we move and she must be lonely or she wouldn’t be so keen on this guy Nick.’
‘Well, we can do the same as we’re doing for mum and dad and find her a nice home nearby.’
‘You really are a cold hearted bitch, aren’t you,’ said Adam seriously.
‘And you have always been the perfect son,’ said Georgina with a tight lipped smile. Adam winced. Georgina had definitely hit a nerve.
* * *
Monica was happy as she walked into work on Friday. The party was coming together nicely and she had a potential boyfriend again. Life was good.
‘Hiya,’ said Nadia, clearly very pleased with herself. ‘You missed a great night.’ She was beaming.
‘Were there lots of potential mates?’ asked Monica, curious to know if she’d really missed anything.
‘There was the usual desperate bunch, the ones still drinking in the last chance saloon. They try too hard but if you drink enough they start to look better. I did meet one nice guy early in the evening.’
‘Fantastic,’ said Monica. ‘What was he like?’
‘Gorgeous! His name is Kevin and he’s something in IT.’ Alarm bells started ringing in Monica’s head. There must be loads of guys working in IT and Kevin is a common name she reasoned.
‘He was really charming. Apparently he split up with his girlfriend recently and is only just getting out and about again. Her loss is my gain. We got on really well, so well in fact that he has invited me to dinner at his flat on Sunday.’
‘Wow, that’s fast,’ said Monica.
‘What the hell. Life is short and I do love a man who can cook.’
Lavender Girl Page 24