Page 18 of Starting Over at Halesmere House
A wave of love for Sandy, chatting easily, made Alice smile. Thank goodness for her aunt; she really didn’t know where she’d be right now without her, Kelly and her sister-in-law, Jenna, who was in daily touch with cherry messages and whatever long-distance support she could offer.
‘We never usually get fed like this at work. Sometimes we’re lucky if we even get a drink, never mind homemade soup.’ Neil had settled opposite Sandy, leaving Alice facing Zac. She didn’t know whether to hold his gaze as though nothing had happened or ignore it. The careful boundaries she’d built since her divorce seemed to be diminishing more every day since she’d arrived.
‘Neil was just saying he’s only been working with Zac since he retired in the summer, Alice.’ Sandy was offering the sourdough around; everyone helped themselves to a thick slice and Neil was first to delve into the butter after Sandy refused.
‘Oh?’ Alice glanced at him. ‘What did you do before?’
‘CID, for my sins.’ Neil rolled his eyes, sourdough halfway to his mouth. ‘When I wasn’t looking after Zac and his sister, Hayley. I was a single parent,’ he clarified. ‘Hayley’s my eldest. She lives in Chester with her partner and their two little ones; they’re both in the fire service. I love having grandchildren – they’re the light of my life. You get to do all the best bits of parenting again without all the sleepless nights and the madness. I’m lucky because Hayley isn’t far from me. Do you have children, Sandy?’
‘Just the one. Marcus, he’s a web designer. No grandchildren, though; he and his partner have moved to Paris and they’re in no rush. Have you decided which day you’re going to do Dow Crag?’ Sandy caught Alice’s eye as she changed the subject away from children.
‘I was thinking next week. Have you done it before?’
‘Yes, a few times. The views down to the coast are exceptional from the summit on a good day.’
‘So you wouldn’t mind doing it again?’ Neil seemed hopeful and Alice shared a brief smile with Zac. Something was definitely afoot between their two relatives.
‘Oh, definitely not. There’s always something new to see.’
‘Maybe if you’re free we could tackle it together? Long as Zac doesn’t need me for a job?’
‘Dad, you’re meant to be here for a break! You know how much I appreciate the time you put in but you’re free to come and go as you please.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Certain. Go hike.’ Zac nudged Neil’s shoulder with his and his dad laughed.
‘Marvellous.’ Neil glanced at Sandy again. ‘Is there a day that works best for you, Sandy?’
‘Wednesday? Monday is my regular day off, but I’ve swapped it around this week. Perhaps I could show you my pottery studio as well before you leave?’
‘I’d really like that.’ Neil looked a bit like Christmas had come early. ‘Maybe I could have a go; I’m making time for new hobbies since I retired. That working malarkey’s hard going.’
‘Definitely you should have a try. I’m usually in the studio in the afternoons when I can get away. If my light is on, pop over.’
‘I will, thanks very much.’
‘I was thinking how you and I have had similar careers, Neil,’ Sandy remarked. ‘I was a prison officer for twenty-five years before I retrained for the ministry.’
‘A prison officer to the church? That’s quite the switch.’ Neil paused eating and Sandy laughed.
‘Unexpected but here I am, and I love it.’
‘So how long have you been at Halesmere?’
‘Two years next March. It’s my first parish after curacy in the Scottish Borders and I always knew I wanted a rural one. I love being outdoors, gardening or walking.’ She gave Alice a loving look. ‘Gardening’s something Alice and I share a passion for, but she’s far more gifted and creative than me. I’m very grateful to have her living so close now.’
‘Zac tells me you moved here from Sheffield, Alice?’ Neil clearly loved making conversation and she nodded, after giving Sandy a smile for the compliment she really wasn’t sure she deserved.
‘Yes, I ran a haulage company with my dad but after he passed, eventually I was ready for a change. Max has been kind enough to offer me the flower meadow at Halesmere and let me loose in their gardens.’
‘I’m sorry for your loss.’
Alice caught the glimpse of understanding in Neil’s eyes; everyone knew what loss felt like. ‘Thank you. It was very sudden but somehow you do get used to it.’ She noticed Zac’s bowl was empty. ‘Would you like more, Zac? There’s plenty left.’
‘Please, it’s so good. But I’ll get it; you haven’t finished yet.’ Zac shoved his chair back. ‘If you don’t mind me helping myself?’
‘No, go ahead. It’s in the Aga – the oven gloves should be there somewhere.’
