‘But he didn’t go home once it was better.’ Sophie waggled a finger her way.
Lottie bit her bottom lip and grinned. ‘We love each other. We don’t like being apart.’
Ginny’s heart warmed for her friend.
‘What’s your new fella like, Gin?’ asked Sophie.
‘He’s not my fella! I’ve only just met him.’
Sophie raised her palms. ‘Well, you can still describe him.’
Ginny tried to control her smile. ‘He’s taller than me.’
Lottie laughed, then slapped a hand to her mouth. ‘Sorry.’
Ginny shook her head. ‘Yeah, I know, everyone’s taller than me. Anyway, he’s new here, looking to settle so he can be close to his grandmother, who, by the way, is Babs from next door to Mum’s, would you believe?’
‘I didn’t even know she had kids, let alone grandkids,’ said Sophie.
‘I think her daughter died young. I don’t have any memory of her being around, and Babs didn’t talk about family.’ Ginny thought back. ‘Mum might have mentioned it once.’
Lottie sighed. ‘Aww, at least she’s got someone to visit her in the care home. Any word on a home for your mum yet, Gin? It’s taking ages, isn’t it?’
It felt longer than ages. It felt like forever, and Ginny was slowly losing hope a place would ever become available. She had visualizations of carrying her mum to the bathroom while needing carrying herself.
‘I sent more emails again. I was told there was a vacancy at one care home but it was private, and I can’t afford that. Mum didn’t buy her house, so it can’t pay for private care.’ Ginny didn’t want to add that what she pays Suzanne had eaten away into her savings.
Sophie looked at Ginny. ‘It would be easier if you had a partner to help you.’
‘I kind of like being on my own sometimes,’ said Ginny, holding her own hand.
Sophie leaned back on her lounger and sighed. ‘Yeah, but it’s also nice when you’ve someone to cuddle when needed.’
‘Someone you can trust,’ said Lottie. ‘Who loves and respects you so much.’
Ginny wondered what Will was up to while she was enjoying her spa day with friends. They hadn’t made any plans to hang out, and they certainly hadn’t spoken about their steamy Halloween night.
Will, the new kid, was starting to take over her days. Perhaps it was time she accidently on purpose strolled by Seaview B&B to see if she could spot him standing on one the balconies. Her nose wrinkled at the thought. Maybe it was best to see if he popped into the café again.
Sophie stretched. ‘Ooh, I’m so looking forward to dinner tonight at the pub.’
‘Me too,’ said Lottie. ‘I told Sam to meet me down there.’
Just in case she bumped into Will at the pub, Ginny decided she’d have a facial and get her hair sorted after a quick swim. She so hoped she’d bump into him again at some point.
‘Ooh,’ said Sophie, ‘we need to talk Christmas already.’
Lottie scoffed. ‘Really? It’s November.’
‘The food bank is going to get extra busy this time of year, Lott.’ Sophie nodded at Ginny. ‘Samuel told me to expect more donations closer to the time. It’s when people are at their most generous.’
Ginny raised a finger. ‘Ooh, we should do something so we can raise money to buy a few chickens to add to the food parcels. Store them in your shop, Soph. Maybe we can make them look like Christmas hampers. That’ll be cheerful. Can we use some ribbons and cellophane from Berry Blooms, Lott?’
‘Sure. I’ll put some red and green ones to one side. Ooh, maybe silver. I can make some bows.’
‘Are you busy making Christmas wreaths in your shop already?’ asked Sophie.
Lottie shook her head. ‘No. I’ve just been making some poppy wreaths for Remembrance Sunday. Councillor Seabridge is holding a short service down by the memorial column, then Father Stephen will be continuing the service at church. We’ve still got some poppies for sale in the flower shop. Make sure you buy some.’
