Page 57 of The Seaside Supper Club

‘And hey, thank you all so much. For this …’ Cath scanned the room which was already so much brighter, the light now bouncing off the walls. ‘And I’ll send over some money to help out with the paint and everything. But well …’ She started to fill up. ‘You’re just brilliant. I don’t know what we’d do without you.’

These friends had only been with her for a year, since her traumatic life upheaval and her move to the countryside, and yet she knew already that they’d be friends for life.

‘Group hug,’ said Nikki, downing her paint roller and tray. The others downed tools too, and they made a huddle of love around Cath, buoying her up before she left.

Chapter 23

Two days later, and it was the first chance she’d had, since Will’s surgery, to get back to making her regular visit to the care home. Still feeling a little raw emotionally from this turbulent week, and knowing she’d enjoy his company the most, Cath decided to go and sit with Reggie first.

‘Hello, Reggie, how are you doing today?’

‘I’m grand, lass, and you?’

‘I’m okay.’ It seemed to be the easiest answer.

‘You sure? You look a touch peaky, if you don’t mind me saying.’ Reggie then sweetly added, ‘And how’s that young man of yours?’

And that simple question caught Cath off guard. Her voice was a little shaky as she said, ‘Oh, Reggie. He’s been in hospital, actually.’

‘Well, what on earth are you doing here?’

‘It’s all right. He’s back at home. I’ve been helping these past few days. His daughters are both there now, and his mum and dad are visiting this morning. So, I thought I’d leave them to it.’ Will had only just told his elderly parents last evening, breaking the news gently when he felt well enough to see them without appearing worryingly fragile, knowing they’d want to come over straightaway.

‘Ah, I see. He’s got plenty of nurses and helpers, then. And what was wrong, pet? If you don’t mind me asking? What was he in hospital for?’

Cath felt her eyes misting, and tension tightening her throat. She took a breath before making her response. ‘Prostate cancer, Reggie. It was so out of the blue.’ There, it was said. And oh my, she couldn’t stop a tear or two welling, and spilling over. She swiftly brushed a hand to her cheeks. ‘He’s had to have surgery.’

‘Oh, that’s so very difficult for you all.’ He reached to pat her arm gently. Having lived in the village, Reggie would have known about Will’s family, their terrible struggles with Jane’s cancer, and their sad loss.

Reggie and Cath sat quietly for a few moments. The stillness between them broken only by her sniffs, and her fumbling for a tissue, which she didn’t seem to have. Reggie produced a clean pocket handkerchief and passed it to her. ‘Here, pet.’

‘Thanks.’ She sniffed. Oh my, she was meant to be cheering these elderly folk up, not bringing her troubles in with her, she thought.

‘I’ll go fetch you a cup of tea. You sit there.’ Reggie was slowly getting up to his feet.

‘Oh, I can do it, Reg,’ she countered.

‘No, no, let me help.’ He was insistent, as he got up and headed off to the residents’ small kitchen area.

Betty who’d been watching from across the way, then shuffled over to take up Reggie’s seat, asking Cath if she was okay. And Vera called out to offer her box of tissues, which were duly passed around the day room, chair to chair, like a pass the parcel to stop with Cath.

Linda, who’d caught up with Reggie in the kitchen, then came in carrying the cup of tea that Reggie had made. As well as being concerned about Reggie perhaps spilling some, and hurting himself, she was worried about Cath too. ‘How are you, love? I’m so sorry to hear about Will’s illness and surgery. Send him all of our best wishes. He was such a darling with everyone at the carols and the Christmas lunch.’

‘Oh yes, Will. I remember now. He’s the rather handsome one,’ said Joan. ‘Had a look of the film star Charlton Heston, I thought.’

Cath had to smile, as she snuffled the last of her tears into Reggie’s hankie, apologising for her unexpected reaction. She hadn’t bargained for that flood of emotion. It had taken her very much by surprise. One kind question from Reggie had toppled her like a house of cards. She must have been trying so hard to hold it all together for Will and his family these past few weeks, keeping her own feelings bolted down for all their sakes.

‘There’s no need to apologise, lass. You must be going through a lot,’ said Reggie on his return with a plate of comforting custard creams and shortbread.

After chatting with Reggie over tea and biscuits, and having a few minutes each with Joan, Vera and Betty, Cath felt her emotions settle. And it was soon time to head off.

Manager Julie caught up with Cath at the entrance to the day room as she was about to leave. ‘Oh, hi, Cath, just to let you know we’ve got the minibuses reserved for the third. Twenty-six of our residents have their names down for the afternoon tea event. That’s nearly a full house, how marvellous. What time do you want them to arrive and be collected for, so I can let the company know?’

She then paused, giving Cath a concerned glance, no doubt spotting the blotchy-red eyes, and Reggie’s hankie that she was still clutching, intending to give it a wash at home. ‘Oh, are you all right, love?’

‘Ahm, yes, thanks.’ Cath released a gentle sigh. ‘It’s just been a tricky couple of weeks.’

‘Oh?’