‘It’s like when I’m gardening, I’m always reminded that there’s joy to be found even in challenging times.’
‘When Fran and Sienna were born they were premature and needed to spend a few weeks in intensive care. That was so hard for Raff and Ellie. I remember visiting them in hospital and thinking about all the other children who were spending time there, how frightening it must be for them to be away from home in somewhere so clinical. Maybe I could contact some hospitals, too, and donate artwork to the children’s wards?’
Alice beams at me. ‘I think that’s a lovely idea.’
Later, as we’re saying goodbye to the last of today’s attendees, Tricia rushes over and clasps both of my hands in hers.
‘Dad loved that so much. Thank you. Seeing him engage in something that doesn’t frighten him, or remind him that he’s not totally with it these days, has been wonderful.’
Alice nudges me as we pack up. ‘That was really sweet. I feel all warm and glowy inside.’
‘Yeah, me too. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel, opening up my studio to so many people. Glowy is definitely the right word for it. Shall we celebrate with some food in town?’
‘You had me at celebrate.’
Together we wind our way through Sheffield’s city centre, settling on burritos and carrying them into the Peace Gardens. We find an empty bench by the water fountain in front of the town hall and sit in easy silence as we eat, me demolishing a pulled pork burrito while Alice scoffs a beef brisket version in record time.
I think of all the stories I’ve heard today, all the people on the cusp of change, and I know that I’m in the same boat. Watching the water splash close to our feet as we eat, I realise that I’m content with Alice. All my life I’ve been searching for what Raff has and yet ever since I’ve met Alice, I’ve found there’s so much more to life than those things. I know she doesn’t want marriage or kids. Or at least, not yet. And the truth is, I still do. But right now, the most important thing in my life is having Alice by my side. Maybe my future doesn’t look so certain after all, but as long as Alice is in it, I don’t think I mind that.
Wine Tasting
Alice
TGIF I think to myself as I shut up the flower shop and dash home to get ready for date night. It’s been another busy week with long days in the shop as well as working on The Hitch with Nat each night. The hope, the excitement and the nerves of setting up a new business jangle constantly in my mind, jostling for space. I’m used to being busy but even I’ve questioned whether I’ve gone too far this time and bitten off more than I can chew. To summarise, I am ready for a wine or three, not to mention some time with Zach. I’m more grateful than ever that I have his support when I’m super busy, and for the fact that he manages to keep me level when I’m trying to juggle a thousand things.
I arrive at the bar to find him stood outside in a light-weight jumper tonight. My whole body feels like it’s breathing a sigh of relief at the sight of him, like a beacon, and I bound over.
‘I’m guessing it’s W for wine tasting,’ he smiles, pointing towards a sign by the entrance. It reads ‘WINE TASTING, 7 p.m.’.
‘Well done you,’ I grin, realising how good it feels to see him again. Our volunteering was very sweet and noble etcetera but I’m secretly pleased to have him all to myself today for purely selfish purposes. I rest my head against his chest and breath in his citrus scent. Once inside we’re shown to our table and Zach listens intently as our wine expert leads us through the instructions for tonight’s tasting like the adorable geek that he is.
As we work our way through ‘the world of wines’ our glasses are filled with a small measure of each and we sniff, sip and discuss each one.
‘I like them all,’ I giggle after the third mini tipple. Our sommelier Andre is heading back over to our table and I’m learning that he really approves of creative ways to describe the smells and tastes.
‘This one smells like a warm summer’s breeze,’ I say confidently.
‘Very good,’ Andre nods in his clipped South African accent.
I flash Zach a look and he smiles back, looking impressed. I don’t think he’s twigged that I’m winging it. He jots downwarm summer breezeon the notepad we’ve been given and I feel another rush of affection towards him. As we move through the continents, Zach and I settle into the kind of easy chat that, I’m learning, comes with a long-for-me relationship. I’m breaking into new territory with Zach and the months we’ve spent together are really clocking up.
‘Notes of wildebeest.’
‘Sorry, what?’ Zach looks confused.
‘This Argentinian Malbec. I’m getting strong wildebeest vibes.’
‘Speaking of wildebeest, my nieces turn six soon and I have no idea what to get them.’
‘You can’t compare your nieces to wildebeest!’
‘Theyarewild.’
‘I love that about them. Kids can be kind of boring these days but Fran and Sienna are full of energy. Such little personalities already.’
‘Like someone else I know.’
‘So now you’re callingmea wildebeest?’ I laugh, pretending to look affronted.
