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This time Nikki did reach out and touch his arm. She held it there for as long as she dared. As she dropped her hand, he reached out and took her fingers, squeezing them, just for a moment. What was he demonstrating? Appreciation? Affection? She couldn’t be sure. But it felt good to be touched like that. She didn’t want him to let go.
34
On Thursdays, Helen often babysat for Suzanne and Graham so they could have a date night. This evening, they’d gone out to Salacia with Tamara and Duke. Suzanne had heard from Tamara that she had got the contract to do the Pier, and this was a celebration to seal the deal.
Suzanne had been on cloud nine when they came back. Tamara and Duke had fêted them with champagne and said how excited they were by her plans.
‘She said they were fresh and witty with a nostalgic twist that didn’t take itself too seriously. Way more uplifting than the pitches from her London designers. And I’d captured the spirit of Speedwell, instead of trying to turn it into something it wasn’t.’
Helen was thrilled for her, but also a tiny bit afraid that it was a big challenge.
‘Don’t worry, Mum,’ said Graham, who could sense her anxiety. ‘Suzanne’s got me to bounce off. We went over and over her quote with a fine-toothed comb and I sent my guy in to do a massive survey to make sure there’s no nasty surprises. There’s nothing she can’t handle. This is going to be good. For both of us.’
Helen felt reassured. The two of them made a great team, with a combination of Graham’s experience and steady hand, and Suzanne’s creative flair. She went home with a sense of pride and satisfaction. All her children were settled and doing well, and as a mother, she thought, you couldn’t ask for anything more. Graham and Suzanne were making the most of the opportunities in the town, Jess was hugely respected at work and Nikki was going from strength to strength with the weddings. OK, so Jess and Nikki were both single, but she knew they were that way because they were strong and independent, not because they couldn’t get a man. In time, they might each find someone, and it was worth waiting for the right person.
No one knew that better than she did.
She slipped into the silk nightdress that she’d ordered online. Was it ridiculous, to buy glamorous nightwear for a man she hadn’t even met, and might not even like, and might never share a bed with? No, she thought. Because actually, it wasn’t for him at all. It was for her. She deserved to slink about in something gorgeous, even if it was for her own benefit. She looked at herself in the mirror and nodded approval. It was deep navy with splashes of hot pink flowers and suited her, perfect for her skin tone and her hair and her eyes, and in the lamplight there was no sign of a crepey cleavage or bingo wings, just smooth, glowing skin.
It gave her confidence as she slipped under the duvet and picked up the iPad that was charging on her bedside table. Even though he wouldn’t see it – they hadn’t progressed to video chats yet – he would hear something in her voice. She loved the way he made her feel. It wasn’t seedy or sleazy. She just felt … recognised. Seen. Appreciated. Not just as a mother or granny or committee member. For herself.
She smiled as she pressed the WhatsApp icon and began to type.
You awake?
The answer was immediate. Nope. Fast asleep.
She grinned. Ha ha. I’ve just got back from babysitting.
Talk? he asked, and she felt a skitter of pleasure.
Sure.
She only had to wait a couple of seconds for him to call. She gave it three rings so as not to seem too keen, then answered.
‘So you’re in bed already?’
She blushed and smiled. ‘I am.’
‘I wish I could learn from you. I’m hopeless. Never in bed before midnight. Sometimes one or two. I get embroiled.’
‘What are you up to, then?’
‘Digging out pieces for an autumn concert at a local stately home. I’m in charge of the programme. It’s getting the balance right that’s the bugger. Familiar but not too clichéd. Crowd- pleasers but nothing hackneyed. It’s quite a challenge.’ He gave a theatrical sigh. ‘Woe is me.’
Lying back on her pillows, swathed in silk, Helen suddenly felt emboldened.
‘So what do you think about meeting up then?’
There was silence for a moment. Had she been too forward? They hadn’t discussed meeting since he’d suggested it the other night. Should she have waited for him to mention it? Eventually he spoke.
‘I can’t think of anything I’d like more.’
Helen felt relieved.
‘Perhaps just for lunch. Nothing too formal.’
‘Well, why not? But where? I mean, I’d happily come down to you, if that’s easiest. Or we could meet halfway. Maybe on the edge of Dartmoor.’ He laughed. ‘You can tell I’ve given it some thought.’
