Page 6 of Tis the Season
I cocked my head. ‘From the charity shop? They can’t do that.’ While volunteers came and went over the years, Joyce was Compassion Corner’s single die-hard. She’d been there so long she was seen as part of the fixtures and fittings.
‘They can and they have.’
‘But why?’
‘Because not content with dropping in to annoy me time and time again, Richard decided to give pro bono advice on how to better run the place.’
‘Oh, Joyce, he didn’t.’
‘Oh it doesn’t end there. Fed up with his advice being ignored, this afternoon he took it upon himself to put his words of wisdom into practice. You know, change things around a bit.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘Although when I say “a bit”, he caused complete chaos. The whole shop was a mess. It’s no wonder the manager reached boiling point.’
I pictured the scene. Finding it funny-not-funny, I put a hand up to my mouth to hide any hint of amusement.
‘I don’t blame her. What choice did she have? Letting me go was the only way she could get rid ofhim.’ Joyce drank yet more wine. ‘I keep thinking I should pack him off to Nial’s.’
My eyes widened. ‘In Australia?’
‘Well if he won’t listen to me, he might listen to his son and I know for a fact time apart would do us good.’
‘But sending him all that way… Isn’t that a bit extreme?’
‘I know Olivia wouldn’t mind, and the kids would love to see their granddad.’ Joyce let out a dry laugh. ‘Of course, I’d have to drug him first. Getting Richard on a plane of his own free will is nigh on impossible. Why do you think we holiday in Cornwall?’
‘Youcould go? Give yourself a break.’
‘And leave Richard on his own? You really think he’d cope?’ Joyce chuckled. ‘The man would wither away and die.’
I reached over and squeezed her hand. ‘Things will get better.’
Joyce took a deep breath and exhaled. ‘Thank you.’
‘What for?’ I asked.
‘For being here. Without Compassion Corner, this club of ours will be the only thing keeping me sane.’
I smiled. It had been clear from our first meeting back in the summer that Erin and Joyce had no interest in wool crafts. Glasses of vino and a good natter were more their thing and admittedly, I loved them for it. ‘That place can’t operate without you. They’ll be begging you to come back before you know it.’
‘Even so, I don’t know what I’d do without you and Erin.’
Catching sight of the pub door opening, I looked over to see Erin make her entrance. ‘Speak of the devil,’ I said.
CHAPTER3
Bounding through the pub door, Erin put a hand up to acknowledge us and made her way over. ‘Apologies for the tardiness, ladies. There are some big changes taking place at the office and I ended up staying later than planned.’ She took off her coat and hung it on the back of her chair. ‘Still, I’m here now.’ She sat down and picked up her drink. ‘Cheers, everyone.’
Thinking Erin could teach my boyfriend a thing or two, I scoffed. ‘I wish Gideon understood the concept of better late than never.’
Joyce sighed. ‘I wish Richard was still doing overtime.’
With her glass already at her lips, Erin lowered it again. ‘I can see tonight’s going to be fun.’
‘Don’t mind me.’ Joyce downed the last of her wine. ‘My problems are nothing a divorce lawyer can’t sort.’
Erin laughed. ‘And you wonder why I choose to stay single.’
‘In my case, I may as well be on my own. Gideon’s not exactly attentive these days.’
‘If you’re both trying to make me jealous,’ Joyce said. ‘It’s working.’
