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‘I’m so sorry, you two.’ Their faces smiled back at him from the photo. The wind had whipped Elizabeth’s hair across her face. Freckles dotted her nose and cheeks. Jamie was looking at his mother, laughing. His hair was thick and wild.
Mack carefully put the picture back, picked up his book from the floor and put it on the small table next to him. Lifting himself out of his chair, he slowly made his way to the kitchen to put his almost empty glass in the sink. Tomorrow he’d have to make a start on a stock count to see what could be sold off.
Flora had kindly offered to help Mack with whatever needed to be done to wrap up the business. She’d clearly been upset by the news but, at the same time, wanted to do whatever she could to help. He had to admit he saw something of himself in her, but it was more than just an interest in wine. It was a desire to make other people get as much joy from it as she did. To tell people about it, share the stories and spread the word on particular producers and wines she loved. He’d watched her at work in the shop. She asked questions, finding out what customers usually liked before making a few suggestions on other wines they might like to try. She remembered customers’ names, faces, occasions and what they’d bought the last time they’d been in. And best of all, Mack saw that she understood the real power of wine: to bring people together. To celebrate life.
But as he lifted the last sip of red wine in his glass to his lips, he found he didn’t want it. Instead, Mack poured it down the sink.
5
Flora lay in bed, eyes wide open and sleep seemingly far away. She could hear Johnny’s breath, slow and heavy. The evening had been one of highs and lows. She’d decided to break the news to Johnny that she was out of a job over supper. Baked potatoes were in the oven and a hastily thrown together stew sat warming in a casserole dish on the hob. As she called out from the garden when Johnny got home, Flora could tell from his response that something was up. He appeared at the back door, his tie already off.
‘What is it, Johnny?’ Flora crossed to stand in front of him.
‘Can we sit down? We need to talk.’
‘Yes, of course… What’s the matter?’ Flora’s stomach flipped. His eyes were dark, the familiar light behind them gone.
‘Daddy!’ Pip and Tom appeared in their pyjamas, each hugging a different side of their father.
‘Hey, you two.’ He ruffled their hair. ‘Listen, I’ve just got to talk to Mummy for a moment.’
‘But can you read me a story? Please, Daddy?’ Tom looked up at Johnny, his face hopeful.
‘Yes, I will. Just give me a few minutes and I’ll be in. Go on, go and clean your teeth and get into bed.’
‘I’ve already cleaned my teeth.’ Tom showed Johnny his gleaming white milk teeth.
‘So you have. Good job. OK, you too, Pip – go and choose a book and read for a bit and I’ll be in soon.’
‘But I’m nearly nine – can’t I watch telly for a bit longer?’ Pip looked at Flora. ‘Mum, you said I could.’
‘Yes, OK, go and watch some telly. We’ll be in soon. Just give us a moment.’ Flora ushered them towards the stairs.
‘Promise?’ Pip always required an extra level of reassurance.
‘We promise, now go.’ Johnny waited until they were out of sight. ‘I… I’m so sorry, Flora.’
‘What? Johnny, what is it?’ Flora grabbed his hands.
‘I’ve been made redundant. I found out yesterday, but I wanted to be sure of the details before I told you. I know you tried to call today but that’s why I couldn’t take your phone calls. I’m so sorry…’
‘Oh God, what happened?’
Johnny lowered his eyes. ‘The market just isn’t there, I’m afraid. They’ve had to cut an entire department. Unfortunately, the one that’s going is mine.’
‘But I thought…’
He looked at her again, tears threatening to fall. ‘To be honest, work hasn’t been good for a while. I just didn’t think the axe would fall quite so soon.’
‘But you’ve been so busy. I thought the company was doing well.’
‘We were. And now,’ he shrugged, ‘obviously, we’re not.’
‘So… what’s the deal? How long have you got?’ Flora tried to stop the thoughts flooding her head, urging them to form an orderly queue.
‘Well, they’ve cut me a fair deal, I think. I’ve been there for quite a long time so the redundancy package isn’t bad. I’ll get six months’ full pay.’
‘And what about working your notice?’
