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Racking my brains, I change the subject. ‘Have you seen the lawyer guy?’
She shakes her head. ‘With all this going on, it’s probably as well.’
After I order a pizza, she eats some of it gratefully. Watching the colour return to her cheeks, I push the box towards her. ‘Have some more.’
‘Thanks. I hadn’t realised how hungry I am. With everything that’s been going on, I haven’t been eating much.’
Both of us are quiet as she eats, the enormity of what she’s potentially facing still sinking in. Halfway through the evening, Marnie manages to rally when Birdy comes in. When she sees I’m not alone, surprise registers in her eyes as she comes over and joins us for the last of the pizza.
‘The hotel’s really cool,’ she says when she finds out where Marnie works. ‘I’d really like to photograph that ceiling.’
‘The ceiling is a thing?’ I glance from one to the other. Obviously I’ve seen it, but I’m taken aback that Birdy knows about these things.
‘Duh.’ Birdy rolls her eyes.
‘It’s a bit of local history. Come in any time,’ Marnie says casually to Birdy. ‘I’ll give you a tour if you’re interested.’ Studying her, she frowns. ‘I think I’ve seen you around town – you run, don’t you?’
Birdy smiles. ‘Most mornings – before college. I like to be out there before anyone else.’
‘Me, too. It’s about the only time of the day it’s quiet.’ Marnie looks distant for a moment.
Tearing off a chunk of pizza, Birdy rolls her eyes. ‘I know.’
Feeling slightly on the side lines, I listen to them talk. But I like that they’re kindred spirits, Birdy’s eyes lighting up as Marnie talks about travelling, the way Marnie watches her intently as Birdy talks about her college courses.
Eventually, Marnie gets up. ‘I should probably get home.’ She glances at Birdy. ‘Don’t forget to come to the hotel, Bird.’ She turns to me. ‘Thanks for tonight. It’s been really nice.’
‘It has.’ Leaving Birdy stuffing the last of the pizza into her mouth, I walk Marnie downstairs to the front door. ‘Try not to worry too much,’ I say quietly. ‘Like your doctor said, this is to rule things out.’
‘You’re right.’ Looking more relaxed than earlier, she kisses my cheek. ‘Thanks for listening.’
I smile back at her. ‘I’m here if you want to talk. Any time.’
As she goes outside, the coldness of the air drifts in as I watch her walk away, but I’m frowning slightly. I may not have known her long. But on the face of it, Marnie’s one of the most confident, together people I’ve met. To see how shaken she is tells me how serious she thinks this is.
As the week goes on, the clouds thin out, parting enough to let rays of sunlight through. But it’s a week that seems to drag.
When Ernest comes in, he’s wearing shorts and a neatly pressed short-sleeved shirt.
‘Glorious morning, young Rae.’
‘Morning, Ernest. Aren’t you a little cold?’
He doesn’t reply. Instead he looks vacant. ‘Why am I here?’
‘I don’t know. To look for a book?’ I suggest.
His eyes light up. ‘That was it. It’s the… the… er, you know.’ He stares at me hopefully.
‘I’m afraid I don’t.’
He shakes his head. Then when he looks at me, his eyes are glistening. ‘I’m a silly old fool, aren’t I?’
My heart twists. In the short time I’ve known him, it’s become obvious he has memory problems. ‘You’re nothing of the sort. Now, how about I make you a nice cup of tea?’ Steering him in the direction of the sofa, I put the kettle on, coming back with a mug for him. ‘Strong with two sugars – that’s right, isn’t it?’ Instead of smiling as he usually does, he takes it without speaking. I watch him for a moment. ‘Ernest? Are things OK?’
He sighs. ‘Since you ask, they could be better.’
I crouch down next to him. ‘Anything I can help with?’
