by V Clifford
He rubbed his hands roughly over his face. The scuffing sound of two days growth reminded her that she was interrupting his precious weekend.
‘I’m sorry I shouldn’t have bothered you.’ She stood up and went to the door.
‘You know it’s no bother . . . I miss her too. It’ll take time.’
She nodded. ‘But what about Doune? What the hell am I going to do about all of that?’
‘I don’t know but you don’t have to make any decisions about it until you’re ready. She knew you. She knew that it would be in safe hands if she left it in your care. Don’t worry about it. Take your time. I’m always around to help if you get overwhelmed.’
‘You won’t always be. That worries me. I’m so used to doing everything on my own but I’m out of my depth. I’m not sure I want to any more. I want to be able to let someone in. I thought that person would be Sal.’
He yawned and put his hand to his mouth. ‘Sorry. It’s just that . . .’
‘You’re knackered and it’s the middle of the night. Thanks for not blowing me off.’
She went out and drew the door closed behind her. Right now he was a total rock for her. This was unfamiliar ground. Being so out of her comfort zone was not a place she ever wanted to be. He was right - she didn’t have to make any decisions now. She’d feel more in control in the morning when she had sobered up so she returned to bed and counted sheep jumping off the abattoir lorry back into the freedom of the hill.
Chapter Twenty-Four
She pushed open the door to Bella’s. James, her nephew, tottered over to meet her calling her ‘Vivi’. He stopped short when he noticed Mollie. Viv led the dog round to her right side and scooped James into a hug. ‘Hello handsome. You remember Mollie. Once we’ve had lunch we can go for a walk and you can hold the lead.’
He returned to the table where his mum and grandma were already reading menus. Viv pulled out a chair opposite them; no one stood, no one hugged but affection was in the air.
Viv’s mum said, ‘You look rested.’
Viv wasn’t sure what that meant but she nodded. ‘I am. How about you two?’
Without being asked, Mollie slipped beneath the table and curled up. This was her second visit to Bella’s. First time she’d benefited from a large chunk of fillet steak that someone had ordered then couldn’t eat. No hardship for her to return.
‘Mac might show up. I mentioned we were having a family gathering and said he could join us if he had nothing on.’ The bell on Bella’s door tinkled and Mac strode over.
‘Talk of the devil.’
Both Amanda and her mum rose and greeted him with hugs and kisses on both cheeks. He rubbed Viv’s arm and sat down beside her.
‘So, Mrs Fraser, has Viv filled you in on her latest shenanigans?’
‘Call me Trudy. Mrs Fraser makes me sound like a headmistress. But no, she hasn’t yet. I’m all ears, Vivian.’
Viv nudged Mac under table with her knee. ‘Let’s order first, shall we?’
She hadn’t had much of an appetite the day before, but the smell of fresh bread and garlic cooking changed that. Viv turned round to check the Specials blackboard and shot Mac a death stare. She had no intention of sharing her recent work with her family and he knew better than to make the suggestion. He was yanking her chain. But why? Her mother looked slightly smug. Did she already know what had happened? Amanda didn’t need to know.
Bella approached with her pad and pencil. ‘Ready to order?’
In unison Viv and Mac said, ‘I’ll have the special brunch.’
Mrs Fraser glanced at them. ‘Same for me.’
Amanda said, ‘I’ll have the smoked salmon with scrambled eggs. Could I have it divided into two dishes? One for James.’
‘No problem. Be right back.’
Bella brought a bottle of Prosecco and poured it into flutes.
To Viv’s surprise, her mum lifted her glass and said, ‘To Sal!’
They raised their glasses and Viv glanced at Mac, his eyes full as they toasted the short life of their friend.
The End
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