Page 104 of The Time of My Afterlife

‘You were angry at him for hurting your mother. Be grateful you were given a second chance with him. Some people don’t get that.’

She’s right. I was given another go with Dad. Later I might call him. I smile at her. ‘Thanks, Pearl.’

‘I’m sorry about what happened with Rodney.’ Reaching over, she picks a bottle and pours herself another glass of wine. ‘You’ll be glad to know I have changed my mind.’

‘On what?’

She casts me a mischievous look. ‘I want to go back to Pixie Cove. As soon as possible.’

I glance at her wine glass. ‘You’ve had a few too many of those.’

She shakes her head. ‘I’m serious. I want to see him and this time I won’t let you down.’

I stare at her. ‘You didn’t let us down. Do you really want to see Rodney?’

She places a hand on my arm. ‘I want to see him again. I might not get another chance in this lifetime.’

If she had Rodney in her life, that would be someone else who could care for her. Maybe she could move to Pixie Cove and happily live out her twilight years in his blue house by the sea? I must make this happen. If I can go to the afterlife knowing Pearl is happy and has someone to dote on her I will be okay.

Tomorrow is our last day. I don’t think Florence will want to work in the café. Maybe we could take Pearl to Pixie Cove. We could have a picnic on the beach while Pearl and Rodney get to know each other again.

I need to check Pearl is sure about this.

‘But you got so worried when we went to Pixie Cove the other day?’

She sighs. ‘I’ve been dreaming about Rodney for so long I didn’t want to spoil it. The thought of being on my deathbed and knowing I could have seen him again is a sad one. Clark, I need to see Rodney.’

‘Florence,’ I say reaching out as she passes. ‘Are you in the café tomorrow?’

She shakes her head. ‘No. Laura is going to work the morning shift and close the café at lunch. Why?’

‘Pearl wants to see Rodney Beaver again.’

Florence looks over at Pearl. ‘Is this true?’

Pearl nods. ‘Florence, seeing you and Clark finally together has made me change my mind about Rodney. I need to see him.’

Florence’s eyes flick to the empty wine bottle next to Pearl. ‘Have you had too much wine?’

Pearl giggles. ‘No, why would you think that?’

I pull Florence closer. ‘What about a romantic day in Pixie Cove?’

She smiles. ‘Let’s have some fun.’

I turn to Pearl. ‘We will take you to Pixie Cove tomorrow.’

Pearl claps. ‘Thank you so much.’

Jane rushes past us. ‘Just going to get my podcast equipment. Can I record in your house, Clark?’

‘Yes, of course. What’s going on?’

Jane smiles. ‘I was talking to Sam, and he told me about his friend he wants to track down. They used to travel to work together. I had a brainwave – I can use my podcast to try and reach her.’

‘Hey, that’s a great idea.’

There are voices coming in from my French windows. I look up to see Bread arriving, hand in hand with the woman from the karaoke bar, and behind her is… Margo.