‘I got a new cut too.’ She shook her head, and the chin-length bob fell back into place. ‘It wasn’t cheap as I went to one of those salons in town, but Norman treated me.’
‘You’re worth it, love,’ Norman called from the kitchen.
Declan thought that she looked like the mum he remembered before his sister died, always immaculately turned out.
He felt himself breathe an inward sigh of relief at the thought of his mum beginning to get some enjoyment from her life again. He knew she would never completely get over losing her daughter, of course she wouldn’t, but it was lovely to see her feeling brighter and he had Norman to thank for that.
‘Actually, Norman, leave the tea but bring the cake,’ Declan’s mum called through to the kitchen. ‘I think we ought to open that Prosecco in the cupboard. I should have chilled it really.’ She frowned.
‘Good call,’ said Norman, who shortly appeared with the Prosecco and three glasses.
‘What’s the occasion?’ said Declan, glancing from his mum to Norman.
‘The thing is, we have been getting along so well, as you know, these past couple of years, and well…’ Norman paused for a moment as he glanced at Eileen.
‘We thought we might move in together,’ Declan’s mum blurted out.
‘That’s brilliant news,’ said Declan, standing to hug his mum, before Norman moved in for a hug too. They stood in a group hug for a second, and Declan felt an overwhelming surge of affection for them both.
‘Really, I am glad you approve,’ said Norman when they broke apart. He had looked momentarily nervous before Eileen announced the news.
‘Not here, though. We have found some nice sheltered accommodation not far from the train station. We will sell our respective houses and bank some money for our future.’
‘That sounds sensible,’ said Declan. ‘You could go travelling.’
‘I’m not sure my knees are up to too much sightseeing,’ laughed Declan’s mum. ‘Although I have always fancied a cruise.’
‘So have I,’ said Norman. ‘We should definitely do it. I quite fancy the Caribbean.’ He placed an arm around Eileen’s shoulders and gave them a squeeze.
‘Of course, you can stay here with us until we have sold, until you find something else, I mean, but I’m afraid it won’t be a permanent solution,’ his mum told him.
‘Don’t worry about me, I will find somewhere,’ he assured her. ‘I’m so glad you’re happy, Mum. Are you sure about moving away from here, though?’
‘Thanks, love. And yes, I am looking forward to moving away and starting a new chapter,’ she assured him. ‘I think it’s about time.’
As he thought about Wisteria House he realised with a heavy heart that she was not the only person who would soon be moving on. He also realised that he would no longer have a reason to visit his old neighbourhood. It gave him mixed feelings of both sadness and relief.
SIXTY-TWO
JESS
Jess had been hoovering the carpet in Maisie’s bedroom, and when she stepped into the hall, she spotted the pink envelope near the front door.
Tearing it open, she smiled when she realised it was from Alice. She loved her preference for popping a note through the door, even when she only had to knock.
She read the note then tucked it into her jeans pocket. It was an invitation for tea and cake on Sunday afternoon, and Jess wondered if everyone else in the apartment block had been invited.
With a sigh she realised that she still had not spoken to Declan after their last meeting and wondered if he would be there.
Her thoughts turned to the dinner party at Alice’s, and how everything had changed since that evening. She recalled how the possibility of a romance between her and Declan had flitted across her mind, their chemistry obvious. When they had gone out on a date, she had been certain they were a potential couple.
Alice had been right in telling Jess that no one could decide if Declan was to be a part of her life, apart from Jess herself. But itwas huge. Surely anyone would be right to think carefully about bringing a man with a past like Declan’s into their child’s life?
Carol had taken Maisie to the park, whilst Jess gave the apartment a good clean. It was helpful having Carol around, and she dearly hoped that the viewing of the apartment would help her to put down roots in the city once more. In the meantime, she was more than welcome to stay here with her and Maisie.
‘Hello, Declan, how are you?’ asked Carol when she ran into him outside the apartments an hour later.
‘Hi, Carol. I’m okay, thanks. You?’ he asked, wondering if Jess had spoken to her about their recent conversation.
