‘Just because you never stray from the tonic water these days doesn’t mean the rest of us are angels.’
‘True. I am a gift from God,’ Fin teased, trying his best to ignore the million thoughts racing through his head.
‘One that makes girls vomit with his kissing technique.’
‘Hey! It wasn’t me, it was the tequila.’
‘Sure,’ Rob scoffed. ‘Right, buddy, I’d better get some sleep. Keep me posted on everything.’
‘Thanks, mate. Will do.’
Fin hung up the phone and tried to muster some of the calm that Rob exuded.
It’s fine.
Everything is going to be fine.
*
The pictures didn’t take long to edit. Heidi was such a perfect sitter that the touches he needed to make were minimal. He only hoped she’d be as pleased with the results as he was. As soon as he was finished, he decided to go over to the care home. What else did he have to do with his day?
‘Heidi?’ He knocked lightly on the door to her room. ‘It’s me, Fin. I’ve got something to show you,’ he called softly.
‘Come in,’ she replied curtly.
Fin opened the door and entered to find Heidi in her usual position, sitting upright in bed, staring blankly out of the window.
‘I’ve finished the pictures. I thought you’d like to see them and maybe choose a couple for me to print?’ he suggested hesitantly. Once again, she hadn’t even bothered to turn and face him.
‘Sure.’ She sighed as though his very presence was an effort for her.
Fin sat down in the seat by her bed and pulled the laptop from his backpack. ‘I edited them slightly, mainly to adjust the lighting. If I’m honest, they were pretty perfect as they were.’
Heidi turned her head and looked down at the screen heheld aloft. ‘You’ll have to bring it closer.’ She tutted. ‘My eyes aren’t what they used to be.’ She chewed on her thin lips anxiously. ‘Nothing is.’
‘Why don’t I put this here?’ He stood, placing the computer on her lap. ‘All you need to do is click this button’ – he pointed at the right arrow – ‘to move through the pictures.’
The old lady nodded in understanding, her eyes focusing on the image in front of her. Fin watched silently, trying his best to glean any inclination of her feelings towards his work. She was as readable as concrete.
It took all of his control not to speak but finally, after what felt like hours, she raised her head and cocked it ever so slightly to one side. A tiny flicker of movement appeared at the edges of her mouth.
‘Thank you,’ she said resolutely. ‘These really are …’ Her eyes were glassy and her voice cracked. ‘These are perfect.’
‘I’m glad you like them.’ He nodded appreciatively. ‘Which ones shall I print?’
Heidi turned to look back at the screen and clicked through the reel of photos. ‘These three.’ She paused, her expression softening a little. ‘Please.’
‘Sure thing.’ He took the laptop back, marking the pictures she’d chosen before stowing the computer back in his bag. ‘I’ll drop them off this week.’ He swung his backpack over his shoulder and made to leave.
‘Fin?’ Her voice caught him as he was halfway out of the door. He turned back to face her, the fierce facade nearly all put back into place. ‘Pass my thanks on to Eleanor, please.’
Fin smiled. ‘I will, don’t worry.’ He made to go but once again her words kept him rooted.
‘Oh, and Fin?’ She raised a wiry eyebrow. ‘If it wereme … I wouldn’t let go of that one, now you’ve got her back.’
‘Pardon?’
‘You heard me,’ she replied bluntly.
