‘Come on, I’ll show you round.’ He opened an adjoining door. The office was spectacular. It had huge floor to ceiling windows which looked amazing but apparently made the room far too hot in the summer and freezing cold in winter. In the centre of the room was a very modern semi-circular oak desk with a big black leather chair facing towards the wall. An assortment of chairs and side tables were scattered about the room.
She pictured Adam in this huge office and it suddenly seemed like a very lonely place. He looked tired.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t get round to calling you back.’
‘Don’t worry,’ said Liz kindly, ‘I’m here now. I know how busy you are,’ Liz reassured him, ‘which is why I thought it would be easier if I popped in to see you. I wanted us to have a chat. Have you got time for lunch?’
‘Hardly ever,’ said Adam, ‘unless it’s to impress a client.’
‘Pretend I’m a client,’ said Liz. ‘You look like you could do with a break.’
She gathered up her coat and the pair of them headed to the lift. Passing Evelyn on the way Adam instructed her to shift his one o clock appointment to one thirty as he was taking his mother to lunch.
For a few seconds Liz got a glimpse of the old Adam. He seemed a little more human than usual.
Outside it was a beautiful day. He led the way along the pavement to a small café where a couple of tables and chairs had been placed outside. It wasn’t quite noon so there was no rush. They ordered the food and drinks and sat in the sunshine. There was a little bit of an awkward silence after they ordered and Liz decided to be the first one to speak.
’Adam, I’d like to apologise for not telling you about my plans for the garden. I realise that it must have been a shock and I’d like to explain.
‘After your father died I think I had a bit of a breakdown. I retreated into the house and I can see how hard that must have been for you. I couldn’t bear to look at the garden, it held such terrible memories for me and it would have stayed exactly as it was if Tammy hadn’t been so curious and then so keen on helping me change it. It seemed to me to be the answer I was looking for.’
‘You could have told me what you planned to do Mum. I wouldn’t have tried to stop you.’
‘You’re right, Adam. I should have let you know how I felt but I hardly see you. We haven’t exactly been close over the last few years. I didn’t think you’d care. We barely talk nowadays.’
Adam must have thought he had the moral high ground so he tagged on, ‘And what about Nick?’
‘What about Nick?’ said Liz indignantly. ‘Where Nick is concerned I have nothing to apologise for. He is an old acquaintance and a really good friend. We met up again a few months ago and I really like him. I would love you to meet him to see for yourself.’
‘Why would I want to meet Nick?’ Adam sounded more like a petulant teenager. ‘You don’t need my permission.’
‘No, I don’t,’ Liz agreed, ’but your good opinion is very important to me. I have been very lonely since your Dad died. I have only started getting back to my old self since meeting Tammy and Monica. I’m sure that you would not prefer me to be on my own? Especially with your planned move to America. Were you going to tell me or just surprise me with a change of address card?’
Adam looked embarrassed. He knew the moral high ground had slipped from his grasp. He didn’t ask how she knew. He guessed it must have been Sasha.
‘She didn’t mean to tell me Adam, so please don’t be cross with her, but we were chatting one day and it just came out. She was very unhappy about it.’
‘I had my reasons for not discussing it with them,’ said Adam defensively.
‘I’m sure you did,’ Liz sounded sympathetic. ‘Have you discussed it with them now?’
‘Yes, and Sasha does not want to go.’
‘How about Leo?’
‘He seems quite excited at the prospect of moving.’
‘And Georgina, is she keen?’
‘She can’t wait. She’s already scoping out apartments and planning her shopping sprees.’
‘Will this be a permanent move Adam?’
Adam nodded before speaking. ‘The contract is for five years initially. I’m not sure after that. I’ll see how it goes.’
‘Why didn’t you tell me?’
Adam looked sheepish. He thought for a few minutes before saying, ‘Because I felt lousy about it and wasn’t sure I could cope with your reaction.’
‘Well, I have known for a while now Adam and I haven’t fallen apart.’ Adam said nothing.
‘When are you planning on leaving?’ asked Liz
‘If it all goes according to plan I should be flying out at the end of August with Georgina following me nearer to Christmas with the children. It’s a great opportunity and Georgina has her heart set on it.’
‘Do you have to go?’ asked Liz.
‘No, but if I don’t go it may harm my career.’
‘Well, only you know what’s best. You do not need to worry about me; the children are your main concern.
Still, if you’re not going until the end of August there is nothing to stop you coming to Tammy’s party with Sasha and Leo, and if you are not free perhaps you would let Sasha and Leo come to stay for a few days. Sasha and Tammy are good friends and it would mean so much to Tammy and to me.’
The food arrived which stopped the flow of conversation momentarily. They both thanked the waiter as he put down the plates but as soon as he left Liz continued. ‘Please try to come on the nineteenth Adam, I would love you all to be there. I don’t see nearly enough of you.’
‘Georgina is absolutely adamant that she does not want to encourage Sasha’s friendship with Tammy.’
‘Tammy is a lovely girl and they get on so well. I can’t see what possible harm it could do. Promise me you’ll come.’
‘I can’t promise, mum.’
‘You could Adam, if you wanted to.’
‘I’ll try. Can we eat lunch now?’ he smiled. ‘I have to be back in the office in twenty minutes.’ They ate the rest of the meal in silence. Liz wanted to talk about Nick but sensed that Adam did not want to hear any details. Instead she talked about Tammy’s party and the disco that Monica had hired.
She told Adam all about Monica’s amazing weight loss and about the garden and how spectacular it looked. Lunch over, Adam called for the bill as Liz picked up her coat. ‘Come on, I’ll walk you to the tube station.’
When they got to the station to say goodbye Liz hugged him briefly which made Adam feel awkward and self-conscious, the way a small boy does at the school gates when his mother gives him a kiss goodbye.
‘I love you so much Adam, and I’m very, very proud of you. Whatever you decide please don’t be afraid to talk to me. Let’s be honest with each other.’
‘I love you too Mum,’ he said as she walked through the barrier, although not loud enough for her to hear him.
* * *
Friday was the last day of school and Tammy wore a crisp white shirt which was part of the uniform. It would be the last time she wore this particular shirt as all of the pupils in class seven would be autographing them for posterity.
‘You never know, one of us might be famous one day,’ she told Monica as she got dressed in her uniform for the last time. ‘I hope it’s me.’
School finished at two o’clock. It was a gorgeous day and rather than wait at home Liz thought that she would walk up to the school gates. She arrived just in time to see all of the children in Tammy’s class proudly sporting their shirts, now covered in graffiti. She waved as soon as she saw Tammy who looked really pleased to see her.
‘Don’t forget to remind your friends about the party,’ Liz mouthed the words as Tammy was too far away to hear. Tammy looked puzzled so Liz did a little dance and a mime of someone pulling the string of a party popper. Tammy laughed. She knew exactly what Liz meant, because she ran around frantically reminding her friends to come to her party.
They walked h
ome in the sunshine hand in hand. ‘What shall we do for the next few weeks?’ Liz asked. ‘I thought we might go to the seaside one day. What do you think?’
‘Yes, please,’ said Tammy. ‘Is Sasha coming?’
‘Not sure,’ said Liz honestly, although she hoped that her meeting with Adam had made it a little more likely.
‘Monica said I could go out with Molly and Lauren to the park in the holidays. I am nearly eleven you know.’
‘How could I forget,’ said Liz. She swung her hand forward and back.
* * *
Monica had a lull in her workload as the forthcoming audit had been cancelled. She decided to take a couple of days off work before the party and a week or two at the end of the summer recess so she could spend some quality time with Tammy.
Nadia continued to be completely loved-up. It was depressing. Even worse, whenever she spoke about the object of her affection now it was always preceded by the word ‘my’, as in ‘my Kevin is so handsome’, ‘my Kevin is so clever’, ‘my Kevin is such a good cook’.
Monica avoided conversations with Nadia about her Kevin whenever she could possibly help it in case Nadia discovered that she knew him too. It was bad enough having to listen to how great he was all the time without Nadia suspecting that Monica could confirm all of these things, having known him. Monica realised she didn’t know him at all and was beginning to wish they had never met.
Liz and Tammy both spoke to Sasha all the time on the telephone or email. One evening during their usual internet exchange Sasha told Liz that the local Gazette had contacted her because they were looking for an article for a filler and had picked up her letter about the Lavender plants. She had given them Monica’s number. She wasn’t sure if they would actually ring but they might.
‘How wonderful.’ Liz was really impressed with her granddaughter who now seemed so grown up, not at all the spoilt brat she had first encountered at Easter. ‘Has dad said anything more about New York?’
‘He spoke to me and Leo a few weeks ago, gran,’ said Sasha. ‘I told him I don’t want to go but Leo was really excited at the idea so it’s one for and one against. Actually two for, mum is really keen. I think she has found a residential home for grandma and grandpa. I don’t think they will be moving with us to America.’
‘It might not be as bad as you think, darling,’ Liz tried to reassure her. ‘I promise that I will visit as often as I can.’
‘Thanks gran,’ said Sasha, ‘perhaps you could bring Tammy too.’
‘I’m sure she’d love it,’ said Liz. ‘Has mum or dad mentioned the party?’ Liz had her fingers crossed.
‘No, nothing. I have spoken to Dad about it. I’m not even going to try to work on mum.’
‘Oh, I’ve got some great news about Nick. He has been commissioned to work on a television programme about iconic art. Apparently he did a portrait for some TV executive a year or so ago and when they were looking for someone to co-present the programme he thought of Nick. He’s had an audition and according to Nick he’s a natural. The first programme goes out in September and he will be off filming in Suffolk next week. Isn’t that exciting?’
‘Wow, gran, he’ll be famous.’
‘I’m not sure about that,’ said Liz, ‘but apparently there will be an article about the programme in one of the Sunday magazines soon so it will probably generate some commissions. He has had his photograph taken by a professional photographer. He really deserves to do well.’
‘Does this mean the tree in Tammy’s bedroom may be worth something one day?’
‘You never know,’ said Liz. ‘It worked for Banksy.’
During the holidays Tammy and Liz visited Rory at his new studio although Finn was too busy with work to accompany them. They stood at the entrance to the workshop, looking around. Rory was hand turning a chair leg on a lathe. The radio was on in the background and he hadn’t heard them come in. He was singing away to Bohemian Rhapsody, nodding his head from side to side in time with the music.
Tammy made a big effort to clear her throat, loud enough to drown out Freddy Mercury. Rory looked up, startled for a second, before registering them. He pulled the goggles up onto his forehead, his face turning a little pink as a big grin replaced the song on his lips.
‘Sorry about that,’ he said, apologising for his fairly bad karaoke performance. ‘Come in, come in. How are you?’
He was really pleased to see them. Tammy had bought him a Lavender plant and Liz had made muffins. ‘Mrs B, I’ve missed you,’ said Rory, stuffing his face.
‘You have to guard this plant with your life,’ said Tammy, placing it on the windowsill.
‘I will, I will,’ Rory promised.
Tammy got out her notebook. ‘You are still coming to my party, aren’t you?’ the expression on her face daring him to say no.
‘I am, said Rory. ‘Look,’ he pointed to the calendar on the wall where he had circled the date in red pen and written ‘Tammy’s birthday’ underneath. ‘You see, I’m all organised.’ Tammy smiled.
* * *
Nick was away the following week so Liz didn’t go to the art group. She wasn’t quite confident enough to go by herself yet despite the fact that she had been practising with Tammy in her studio and improving rapidly. Monica came in most nights after work and the three of them sat in the garden chatting.
The party was only a week away now and both Liz and Monica had started planning and prepping. Tammy did a ring round of her friends. Lauren’s mother had offered some fold up garden chairs and Nick’s daughter Heather had also promised the use of all her garden furniture. Nick would be collecting it a day or two before the party. So they were all set.
* * *
Chapter 27
Sasha already had her outfit planned as she prayed for a miracle that would make her mother change her mind. It was no good working on her dad. She knew from a very early age that her mother made the decisions in the house and mostly her dad liked it that way. But now, for the first time in her eleven years, there was tension at home. Her parents were not the lovey-dovey pair that made them different to her friend’s parents. They were arguing a lot more than usual and she hated it.
She considered going on strike and not speaking to her mother at all but that only lasted until Georgina took her shopping and she saw something she wanted. Her mother was being extra nice and spoiling both of them more than usual in her attempt to win allies.
Sasha would normally have relished this state of affairs and made sure that she took full advantage but she was too unhappy to get any pleasure out of materials things. Leo, on the other hand, was highly delighted each time he got the latest game as he was completely missing the bigger picture.
Adam had not spoken to his mum since they met for lunch. He didn’t know what to do or say. He was still undecided about New York. He had tried discussing it with Georgina but she was convinced that it would be for the best. Adam knew that if he didn’t take the job he may risk missing out on future promotions or even being frozen out completely.
Nick got back from Suffolk the Wednesday before the party, a bit too late for the art group so instead he took Liz out to dinner. He was keen to tell her all of his news. Apparently filming was due to start late autumn with the first programme scheduled to go out in December. The line-up looked really impressive with actors and politicians signed up to talk about their favourite pieces of art. ‘We even do a bit of painting together.’
‘It sounds wonderful,’ said Liz. ‘I am thrilled for you.’
‘I must admit the timing is perfect. I was running out of work and this will definitely help to pay the mortgage for the time being. I expect I’ll also get some more work off the back of it, especially when the article comes out. If it goes well I might consider moving.’
‘Oh. Of course you’ll be really busy now.’ Liz looked disappointed and bowed her head slightly, a little embarrassed. Nick realised immediately what was going through her head and lifted her chin so he could look int
o her eyes.
‘Liz, I wouldn’t go far. I’d hate to be away from you. In fact, I was hoping that you would move with me, maybe even consider France. I wanted to ask if you would come with me next month for a holiday. I’d love to show you the house.’
Liz looked visibly relieved. The tension in her shoulders ebbed away and she held his hand. ‘Yes, I will,’ she said smiling, without a second’s hesitation. ‘I’d love to.’
‘Great, that’s fantastic.’ He signalled the waiter for the bill.
The pair of them were now grinning inanely at each other and walked out of the restaurant arm in arm.
* * *
The next few days were a flurry of activity. On Monday Tammy went out with Lauren and Molly shopping in the town and then to the park. Liz took the opportunity to go to the cemetery. She hadn’t been for a few weeks. The truth was that she no longer needed to be there all the time and she was thinking about Jim less and less. She had stopped living in the past.
‘I will always love, you my darling Jim, but I can’t mourn you forever. It’s time to say goodbye. I will still come and see you from time to time but I intend to start a new life. I am in love with Nick.’ She stopped and repeated the words. ‘I am in love with Nick, am I? Yes I am.’ She laughed. ‘I hope you understand.’ She watered the plants and placed a red rose on the plaque before leaving.
* * *
Monica had some news about Kevin and couldn’t wait to relay the information to Liz so she rang her from work.
It turned out that Kevin was still married to Alice. Nadia found out that the flat belonged to one of his friends. Kevin was only looking after the flat while his friend was working away in Dubai. Unfortunately for Nadia the friend came back unexpectedly while Kevin was back in Chester.
Kevin’s friend was not that happy to have a new flatmate and informed her that Kevin had a house in Chester which he shared with his wife Alice. He had let him use the flat whenever he was working in London. Needless to say the relationship came to an abrupt end when Nadia broke Kevin’s nose with a frying pan on his return. She was now living in the flat with Brian who had decided not to go back to Dubai. It was love at first sight. Monica was pleased that she’d had a lucky escape.
Lavender Girl Page 27