‘Many times. These bones are old, that’s all. Hopefully, the pain will pass. If not, I’ll make an appointment.’
‘Promise?’ Beth knew from experience that seemingly innocent aches and pains could be a warning sign of something more serious. Rosie had ignored unusual swelling in her breasts for far too long before she’d sought a medical opinion.
‘I promise,’ Flo said, putting Beth’s mind at ease, then gave her a pointed look when the kettle finished boiling.
Once they both had steaming cups of tea in hand, Beth delivered her apology.
‘I’m sorry I haven’t visited since … well, you know. I just needed time to process everything. It was a lot to take in.’
‘That’s understandable, my dear.’ Flo offered a sympathetic smile. ‘And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry I didn’t find a better way to tell you.’
‘I’m not sure there would’ve been a better way,’ Beth admitted. ‘But we can put that behind us now, and when you’re feeling up to it, I’d love for you to tell me more about Pru. If you could share stories about her life, it might help me feel as if I knew her.’
Flo, overcome with emotion, took a moment to answer. ‘It would be my pleasure.’
Understanding passed between them as they exchanged grateful smiles, then settled into companionable silence. Eventually, Flo cleared her throat.
‘So, young lady, tell me how you’ve been. I’ve noticed the Brennan boy spending a lot of time across the road. Have you got him helping with the house?’
‘I do.’ Beth grinned, eager to fill Flo in. She told her all about the renovation plans and how she’d decided to extend her stay in Karlup so she could oversee the work and witness the big unveiling. ‘I’ll be honest, though, I’m not sure what’ll happen after the renovation is finished. I may still end up going back to Townsville, but Pru was right to bring me here. I want to give this place a chance.’
‘Oh, Beth, it’s wonderful to hear that!’ Flo’s eyes filled with tears. ‘Pru would be so happy you’re taking this opportunity. I’m glad we don’t have to part ways just yet!’
Beth’s spirits soared. She’d known Flo would be pleased. Smiling, she raised her china cup to her lips and sipped at her tea.
Flo did the same, then asked, ‘How was your Christmas, dear? Did you do anything special?’
‘I did, actually. The Brennans invited me to spend it with them.’
‘Oh?’ Flo’s brows reached her hairline. ‘And which Brennan invited you, exactly?’
Beth assessed Flo’s innocent expression through narrowed eyes. ‘Mick and Celia did. Why?’
‘No reason. Just that their son is a very handsome young man, and from what I’ve seen of the two of you together—’ she nodded towards her large front window and the direct view she had of Beth’s house, ‘—I thought perhaps he might’ve asked you.’
Beth pursed her lips. ‘You could do wonderful things for this community, Flo, if you joined Neighbourhood Watch.’
‘Don’t judge me, young lady. I’m a lonely old woman with nothing better to do than spy on my neighbours.’
Beth frowned. She hadn’t thought of Flo as lonely since the day they’d met. Had she misjudged the situation?
Only one way to find out.
Gripping the handle of her tea cup, she said, ‘What about you? Did you have plans on Christmas Day?’
‘Me? Oh, no, everyone I know was either out of town or busy with family, but I had a delicious lunch with the craft group on Christmas Eve. Trevor hosted, so that was lovely.’
‘You were alone on Christmas Day?’ Beth knew what it was like to spend the holiday alone when the rest of the world, it seemed, participated in joyous celebrations. ‘Do you not spend it with family?’
Flo smiled sadly. ‘My sister, Olive, and her husband moved east a long time ago. I used to spend the holidays with Pru, but now …’
Beth’s stomach lurched. ‘I’m so sorry,’ she whispered. ‘If I’d known you didn’t have plans, I would’ve come here. Or asked the Brennans if you could join us.’
‘There’s no need to apologise, darling. I was perfectly happy here on my own.’
But Flo’s guarded expression said otherwise. She didn’t like spending Christmas alone any more than Beth did.
Beth didn’t think twice when she said, ‘Why don’t we spend every Christmas together from now on? Even if I end up back in Townsville, I’ll fly over here at Christmastime and spend a few days with you. Would that be okay?’
