Page 54 of The Winter We Met
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Stepping from foot to foot, to keep myself warm, I waited outside Willow Court. Seb was right, but what could be up? I doubted Oliver’s job was under threat. He never heard from his parents so it couldn’t be family stuff. He wasn’t in a relationship, nor had any money worries.
Unless he did. Anyone could be hiding a gambling problem, or debt. Perhaps jet-setting, successful Nik pressed all the wrong buttons.
I relaxed my jaw suddenly aware I’d been clenching my teeth. Lynn waved through the glass door. I shook my mini umbrella and collapsed it before sticking it in my winter coat pocket. I stood by the radiator for a few moments, the warmth relaxing me.
Betty grimaced. ‘I want to go outside. It’s not right that strangers are being let in.’
‘It’s raining and cold outside, Betty. A proper wintry evening. I’d stay in if I were you.’ I signed in and entered the lounge. The big terracotta curtains were drawn and Lynn had found time to put up fairy lights along the top rails reminding me of the shops in Springhaye and Amblemarsh that were already in full Christmas mode, with windows decorated and staff wearing festive shirts. Nik held court in the middle of the residents, an open newspaper in his hands – it had to be theGazettethat had come out today. He was reading out loud with Glenda by his side listening intently to every word. She must have been in seventh heaven, having spent the afternoon with him as well. Oliver had finished work at four and said he’d bring Buddy over. Sure enough Gran’s knees were home to the chin of her favourite dog. Oliver was behind the hatch, whistling as he set out plastic cups. He’d prepared eggnog in advance and refrigerated it. Alf stood on the other side of the hatch deep in conversation with him.
Everyone had a copy of the paper. I took off my hat and coat and lay them over an empty chair. Buddy looked up and his tail wagged. I went over and kissed his head as Nik finished. And then I kissed Gran’s.
‘What about me?’ asked Nik, pretending to be hurt.
‘I’d need stilts to do that.’
Everyone laughed as he bent down.
‘Anyone else?’ I said, hoping no one had seen my blushes.
‘No, but allow me young lady…’ said Fred. I went over to his chair and he took my hand and in a very gentlemanly manner kissed the top. Then he shook his copy of the newspaper. ‘Damn fine article, we were just saying to Nik. You two did a grand job. Hopefully the offers of help will roll in.’
‘I’ve just had a lovely email. A local mum from America loves baking and has said she’ll make us eggnog pie and spiced rum fruitcake.’ I had no idea how I’d manage alone, sifting through all the messages, if we were inundated. Gran still seemed in low spirits.
‘I loved the quote by you Alice,’ said Nancy, ‘talking about how we were one big family.’
‘We certainly didn’t choose each other,’ she said and everyone nearby laughed. I looked around. Where was Pan?
I read the article, along with the hamper competition. ‘You all look great in that photo,’ I said.
‘What does it feel like to be local celebrities?’ asked Nik.
Going by the lively chat it felt fantastic.
‘I’ve never been in a newspaper before,’ said Nancy. ‘Lynn has said she’ll photocopy the article for us so that we can send copies to family.’
Everyone pored over the photo, Fred frustrated that his poor eyesight meant he couldn’t see the funny expression everyone said he was pulling.
‘How was the trip to Liverpool?’ I asked Nik, tapping one foot to music from a Christmas CD.
‘Awesome. Junior Magic definitely needs to explore artificial intelligence. And it’s inspired me regarding the side venture I’m considering. How about dinner out tomorrow night, on me, and I’ll tell you all about it? In fact, you could visit my flat, if you prefer, and I’ll cook you real Aussie fayre.’
I beamed.
‘Who’d like to try some eggnog?’ called Oliver in a loud voice. ‘I’ve also concocted an alcohol-free version and I’m happy to take on board suggestions for any favourite drinks you’d like at the party. Here’s a cocktail I’ll be making – a Snowflake Martini.’ He lifted one in the air. The sky-blue liquid looked beautifully wintry with white flakes stuck around the plastic cup’s rim.
‘Is that sugar around the top?’ someone asked.
Oliver shook his head. ‘I’ve dipped the rim in honey and then pressed the cup into flaked coconut. This drink contains Blue Curacao, vodka and a splash of pineapple juice. I’ve not made the mixture too strong. It’s a lovely refreshing drink and perfectly fits in with the party’s snowy theme.’
‘What exactly is this eggnog stuff?’ asked Fred. ‘I’ve always thought it looks damn sickly.’
‘I bet Glenda could tell us – she’s so well-travelled,’ said Nik.
Glenda‘s eyes shone behind her cat-eye glasses. Oliver stared at Nik for a moment before nodding.
‘I did spend one Thanksgiving in New York,’ said Glenda. ‘My boss and I were there on business. It was just another November day to us and we were going to spend the day in our sister branch in Manhattan, but a client insisted that we go to his. He showed us both how to make it with egg yolks, sugar, milk, double cream, bourbon and what was the spice…? Nutmeg. That was it.’
