I wandered back into the shop, feeling better for a good cry. ‘Thanks, Mum. Anything sold?’
‘Small bunch of spray carnations and a woman collected those white roses.’
My heart sank. ‘Callie?’
‘She didn’t give her name.’
‘About my age? Dark hair? Similar build to me?’
Mum nodded.
‘That was Nick’s sister. Did she say anything?’
‘She just said thanks and paid. Seemed in a rush. I’d have shouted you if I’d realised. Sorry, sweetheart.’
‘It’s my fault. I should have said whom they were for. I didn’t think… Oh well, while it’s quiet, I think it’s time you told me all about Auntie Kay and Charlie Blake.’
Between serving customers, Mum told me everything she could remember, including Auntie Kay’s resolve never to date again.
‘Do you think she made the right decision?’ I asked.
Mum shrugged. ‘I think it was right for her. I’d have loved to have seen my big sister get married and have kids, but I saw how she was with Charlie and I saw how she was with Tim. It was chalk and cheese. Kay and Charlie were soulmates. Kay and Tim were friends. Poor Tim would always have been second best and they both knew it. If he’d never joined the army, who knows what would have happened? Maybe Kay and Tim would have married, but if they had, I think they’d have had a rough ride and I don’t think they’d still be together today.’
‘What about when it ended with Tim the second time? Couldn’t she have found someone else? Someone more like Charlie?’
‘She didn’t want to. She’d already met the love of her life and he’d been taken away too young. Nobody else was ever going to compare. Every time I thought about encouraging her to move on, I’d imagine how I’d feel if, God forbid, I lost your dad. I’d never want to be with anyone else and I’d resent anyone who expected me to be.’
‘Do you really think there’s only one true match for everyone?’
‘I do, sweetheart, but I base that on personal experience. If neither Andy nor Nick are your soulmate then keep looking because I’m sure he’ll be out there.’
‘What if Nickismy soulmate?’
‘Then why aren’t you fighting for him?’
It was a very good question.
‘Sarah! You’ve got a visitor.’ Nick? My heart raced as I scrambled down the stockroom stepladder an hour or so later.
But it wasn’t Nick.
‘Clare? What are you doing here?’ I rushed at her for a hug.
‘I was bored. You know I hate New Year’s Eve even more than I hate Christmas. You were moaning that you had nothing to do now that you’ve sent that numpty packing so I’ve invited myself to stay. I thought we could stay in, stuff our faces and drink shed loads. I’ve got enough food and drink in the car to feed an army.’
I hugged her again.
‘What’s the matter with you?’ She wriggled free. ‘You know Clare hugs are on a limited supply.’
‘Sorry. I’m just really pleased to see you.’
Clare stretched out on the sofa later that evening while I screwed up newspaper for the fire. ‘I still think you should tell Nick straight out that your man Andy’s out of your life now for good,’ she said.
I shrugged. ‘He knows. I’ve texted him and I’ve put it on Facebook but he hasn’t responded. He’s been spotted with Blonde loads so I have to accept that, for now, he’s moved on.’
‘I’m not convinced he has. Remember I was here when he made that little speech less than two weeks ago. That wasn’t a man who was going to get over you this quickly. There has to be another explanation.’
‘Can you think of one?’
