‘Perhaps we’re expecting too much,’ I said to him.
Nik stared at Gran. ‘I hate to see Alice so upset.’
Her watery eyes were due to a bug, weren’t they? Gran never cried. Not over her arthritis. Not over losing her home here. Not over the fact that her only child – my mother – never contacted either of us anymore. She certainly wouldn’t cry over a Christmas party. I glanced down and my eyes pricked as she dabbed hers. Pan had come over and stood the other side, patting Gran’s shoulder. I thought back to previous Decembers and the jollity of the yearly celebration. It was always the one time of year Gran seemed to completely forget her stiff joints, dancing if she got the chance, albeit with a walking stick, handing out buffet food and clapping vigorously as everyone sang carols.
Who the hell did Glenda think she was, trying to ruin our plans just becauseshehated Christmas? Before she’d launched in with her calendar comments the residents were getting excited. I glanced back up at Nik. He looked right into my eyes and I experienced that sense again that we understood each other completely.
‘Four weeks isn’t long,’ I said in a loud voice, and a hush fell. ‘But look… the legacy ofIt’s a Wonderful Life… I know it’s only a movie, but art – doesn’t it reflect life? That film’s about how we keep going and make the most of our situation.’
‘Jess is right,’ said Nik. ‘Surely what we can take from the story is that however tough life gets, it’s worth battling on? This party has always meant so much to Willow Court. Let’s put up a fight. Let’s make it one to remember. I mean…’ His cheeks flushed. ‘That’s if you’ll let a particular Australian bloke muck in. I’d be happy to help with the organising, in between the occasional business meetings, and sightseeing trips to London.’
‘You’d really help out?’ stuttered Gran.
‘Sure – the alternative would only be to sit alone in my flat. And you know what? It’s kind of fateful, the idea of having a Christmas party early and choosing the theme ofIt’s a Wonderful Life, because that very snowy, wintry movie was actually filmed in the summer. It came about early too!’
Surprised faces looked at each other. Alf sat scratching his head and staring at Nik.
‘Any residents who’ve already moved out could come back for that day. I’m sure we could arrange that,’ I said and looked at Lynn who nodded.
Nik grinned and draped an arm around my shoulder, his long fingers curled around the top of my arm. Sparks of electricity travelled down to my fingertips; I wasn’t expecting it and for a second, I felt a little giddy.
‘Let me help make this an awesome party, one that no one will ever forget,’ he said. ‘Now… where are those mince pies?’
9
Days off, I was discovering, weren’t exactly that when you moved into management but I wasn’t complaining. I knew how lucky I was to have a job that made getting out of the bed every day easy. There was something magical about walking into Under the Tree. The ring of the door’s bell was like a click of the fingers that transformed the problematic adult world into a little happy oasis, with the bright colours, the squeals of delight from children and cheerful background music. I was grateful for the extra responsibility – even though, with Christmas approaching, it gave me sleepless nights.
It was Monday and I’d be showing Nik the sights of the capital. We’d had to delay meeting up by an hour or two to later this morning as Seb had messaged first thing to say his car wouldn’t start. He’d be an hour late due to having to take the train. Not that I minded. I loved work plus the prospect of spending time with Nik added an extra dimension to the day ahead. Oliver put his fingers in his ears at my whistling that not even the boiling kettle could drown out, but that only made me whistle louder.
What’s more, it was a special time, first thing in the shop, a bit of tranquillity before Springhaye sprang to life and I could wave to the card shop owner on the left, as she pulled up her blinds, and the greengrocer who often threw me a free apple. I’d savour my second coffee of the day whilst putting money in the till and refilling any shelves we hadn’t had time to re-stock the night before. A small thing, but I also really enjoyed being the one to turn the shop sign around, from closed to open. The thrill never left me. That one act symbolised that I was providing a service and that mattered. I wasn’t wasting my life, I was getting out there and earning money, I was helping people and spending my days constructively.
A woman passed by outside and I held my breath for a second. She looked just like Mum with the slumped shoulders and wild curly hair. She was the same height, the same build… I went closer to the window as she crossed the street and caught a clearer look of her face, confirming she was a stranger. For some reason I always felt the need to do that.
The bell went as the door opened and heavy breathing entered the shop.
‘Jessie, you’re a star. I managed to get here quicker than I expected. The train service has really improved since the last time I used it.’ Seb took off his coat.
‘I have a dilemma,’ I said.
‘Happy to lend you my wisdom. Shoot.’
‘Do I or do I not tell you that you’ve put your jumper on inside out?’
We grinned at each other.
‘So, you’re meeting up with Nik today? Business or pleasure?’ he asked as he put it on the right way around.
‘Business, I’d say – it feels right, being hospitable towards a fellow member of the toy industry. And he’s been so kind to Willow Court’s residents.’
Seb snorted and was about to talk when the bell went again and he hurried to hang up his coat. A man around the same age as me came in with a toddler, probably just having dropped off an older child at school. We had a run of parents come in after nine who’d browse the shop and perhaps read a couple of books, before heading to the coffee shop opposite. He yawned and lifted up a bottle of water, wedged into the collapsible cover of the buggy. The toddler kicked her feet, screaming to be let out. Her dad had deep black circles under his eyes. I nipped behind the till and came back with a cow puppet on my hand. I bent down in front of the little girl.
‘Mooooo,’ I said and wiggled my fingers. ‘And what’s your name?’ The girl stopped crying, choochie cheeks red and blotchy, before giving a toothy smile.
‘Tilly,’ said the man.
‘Well, Tilly, would you like to read some books with Mrs Cow?’ I said and looked up. Her dad gave a tired smile. Interacting with customers was my favourite part of the job. There was nothing more rewarding than seeing a child’s face light up. Seb tapped my shoulder and, out of sight of the girl, pulled the puppet off my hand.
‘Go on, get mooing, boss – I mean moving. Me being late mustn’t stand in the way of true love. Nik will be waiting.’
