Page 23 of It's Now or Never

‘That sounds?—’

‘—brilliant.’ He didn’t even give me the chance to finish my sentence, but I might have opted for the same word in the circumstances. ‘I’ll pick you up at seven thirty then. How does that sound?’

He kissed me on my cheek, right there in the middle of the herbaceous perennials, sending a thrill of longing through me that I wouldn’t normally have associated with flowerbeds.

It sounded pretty good to me. I looked around, flushed with excitement, wondering if anyone had noticed our public display of affection. I wasn’t surprised to see Matt over on the other side of the nurseries scowling, unable to hide his displeasure. Perhaps it was just as well I was leaving tomorrow after all.

11

That night, after work, I was on my way round to see Gramps when my mobile buzzed in my pocket. I pulled the car over to a safe spot on the side of the road, before answering the call.

‘Hello, sweetie,’ breezed Angie’s voice down the line. ‘Don’t suppose you’re free tonight? Seems like ages since we’ve had a proper chinwag. Fancy some sparkling wine and a couple of DVDs?’

‘Umm, you’re not allowed fizz in your condition, remember?’

‘Sparkling apple for me, but I have some of the proper stuff for you. We could have a cheeky look at some of those dating sites, if you want. I could do with a giggle. I like to keep abreast of what’s new on the market, even if I’m no longer in a position to buy.’

‘Oh, I’d love to, Angie,’ I said, laughing, ‘but I’ve got a red-hot date tonight, so won’t be able to make it.’

‘Really? Oh my god! Why didn’t you tell me?’ Angie’s excitement fizzed down the line. ‘Who is he? It’s not Alex, is it?’

‘Actually he’s a very distinguished older guy. Suave, charming and very eligible.’

‘Squeeeeee.’

I laughed. ‘Oh Ange, don’t get too excited, it’s only Gramps. I’m surprising him by popping round and cooking dinner. A celebratory meal to mark me leaving Browns tomorrow.’

‘Oh, you tease! You honestly had me going there, but aren’t you the perfect granddaughter? That’s such a lovely thing to do.’

I unclipped my belt and loosened my tensed shoulders into the back of the seat, wondering if I’d imagined a note of wistfulness in Angie’s voice.

‘So how’s married life?’

‘Just peachy. Well, it might be if I got to see my husband occasionally. I’m usually asleep in bed by the time he gets home at night.’

‘Oh, that’s tough.’

‘Yeah, I just hope it won’t be like this when the baby arrives. I know Tom has to put in the hours for his job, but it would be nice to have a bit more time together. I suppose I’m just feeling a bit deflated after the wedding and honeymoon.’

‘Welcome back to reality, darling! Have you spoken to him about it?’

‘No. I’m trying hard not to appear needy and clingy. He always hated that before. It was one of the things we argued about. I know Tom’s career has to come first. It’s only now, with the baby on the way, I’ve realised how hard that is at times.’

‘Yes, but it should be different now, Angie. You’re married. Tom must appreciate that both your lives have to change in some way. He has to compromise as well as you.’

She hadn’t said as much but I suspected the after work drinking sessions which had always played such a big part in Tom’s city career were still very much in evidence.

‘Oh, don’t mind me, I’m just having a whinge. I’m feeling fat, spotty and unloved at the moment.’

‘It’s only your hormones,’ I said, sounding like I knew what I was talking about. ‘But honestly, Ange, you should lay down a few ground rules. Talk to Tom. Get him to agree to a couple of nights a week when he makes an effort to get home at a reasonable time. It isn’t a lot to ask for.’

‘Yeah, you’re right. Besides, I’m sure everything will fall into place once the baby arrives.’

I wasn’t so sure about that and was still thinking about my conversation with Angie when I pulled up outside Gramps’ bungalow. I had my doubts as to whether married life would change Tom or if he wouldn’t just carry on in the same way as he’d always done.

Still, she’d known better than anyone what she was letting herself in for. And she’d told me they’d smoothed all those problems out so I hoped I was just worrying unnecessarily.

I climbed out of the car and retrieved my shopping bags from the boot.

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