‘Yes, I even have all my own teeth, a real catch. Oh, darling Penny, thank you for the pep talk. It’s only that when decades have passed since you’ve done something, you lose confidence. But I suppose as far as she and I are concerned, nothing needs to have changed in the world of dating – we don’t have to do it any differently from how we did then. No swiping right or whatever it is you get up to.’
‘Exactly. Just ask her out.’
‘I admire your rallying cry! I shall! I shall ask her out to dinner.’
‘Oh, good for you!’
We threw our arms around one another jubilantly.
‘Now, Penny, what do you say to another tiny drop of Benedictine?’
I looked in surprise at my empty glass. That had gone down easily.
‘I really shouldn’t…’
‘You most definitely should. Just a whiff, to celebrate my upcoming date with the lovely Daphne.’
‘How could I refuse? I’m glad you’re feeling more in the spirit about the whole thing.’
‘All down to you, dear Penny, all down to you.’ He poured a couple more drinks. ‘Now, what about you?’
‘Me?’
‘Is there a young man? They must be queuing up.’
I snorted. ‘Hardly. I wasted years on someone who never truly wanted me and has now gone off to do God knows what, probably meet someone he thinks is more worthy of him.’
‘Good riddance! Now it’s my turn to encourage you. If he has gone – let him go. Lost years are bitter to remember, but don’t let him waste any more of your time or your heart.’
‘I’m not hankering after him and I’m not going to have anything to do with men anymore. I’m done. I’m moving to India.’
‘Penny, that’s the first time I’ve seen such a stubborn look on your face. You have struck me until this moment as an open, loving person. Forgive me, for I don’t know you well, but I don’t think this is you. I think you want to find love – but it is understandable that you don’t want to be hurt again. The two do not necessarily go hand in hand, and, if they do, sometimes the love is worth it.’
I frowned at him, not understanding.
‘The pain when Celeste died was incendiary, so much that one might think I should protect myself against suffering that way again. But no! I am prepared to risk loving, even if it means losing. Just be careful who you choose, so that if loss occurs, you at least have wonderful memories.’
I sat in silence, emotions raging inside me. William had scraped off the thin layer of protection I had laid over my heart, exposing it in its rawness once again. He was right. I wanted to love and be loved more than anything, but I wasn’t sure my tender heart could take it. Big tears started rolling down my cheeks, and he seized me once again in his hearty embrace.
‘Cry, darling, cry, tears are healing, but then dry them, sleep, and in the morning take one tiny step towards love. Promise me.’
‘Oh, William,’ I sobbed. ‘I promise!’
We hugged for a few more minutes, then, both wiping our eyes, picked up our glasses and beamed at one another with renewed hope. Suddenly, William’s finger shot to his mouth, and he was alert.
‘I think that’s someone on the gravel at the back,’ he whispered. ‘Yes, there goes the door. It must be Lando. Come on, darling Penny, let’s run away before he finds us and tells us off.’
‘Do you think he would?’ I whispered back.
‘Probably. He does it an awful lot these days. Nowthere’ssomeone who needs to find some love in his life. Come on, quickly.’
We drained our glasses, giggling, and scampered upstairs, waving a silent goodbye as we retired to our rooms for a restorative night’s sleep.
Before I dropped off, I looked again at the picture of the sunset Mum had sent earlier. Itwasbeautiful. I sent her some photos of the tree we had decorated earlier and tapped out a quick message:
This is what we’ve been doing today, all good, but the sunset looks gorgeous.
Can’t wait to see it for myself xxx
