‘I do actually, but Clive says they’re far too expensive.’
‘But—’ She didn’t want to state the obvious by saying if she sold her house it could fund a care home, certainly for a good few years.
‘Clive says it’s cheaper to get someone to pop in a couple of times a day.’
‘Yes, but there would be book clubs and handicrafts. You’d enjoy that.’
‘Well, I would, but I can’t go spending Clive’s inheritance, can I?’ Mary laughed to indicate she was joking, but Hattie knew she wasn’t.
Hattie nodded. ‘OK, well, we’ll revisit this conversation. I must go. Can’t keep my client waiting! I’ll be back to see you soon.’
As Hattie started her car she realised she would be a bit late but didn’t regret calling in on Mary. Currently her friend needed company more than she needed carers and more than Nick needed to view this house.
Hattie’s client Nick had found the property successfully and was wandering round the outside speculatively.
After a brief ‘Hello,’ he said, ‘It’s a bit big,’ as Hattie appeared.
‘It’s in budget and is a great investment. Let’s get inside.’
Hattie stayed in the kitchen, which was primitive and smelt slightly of drains. Nick had definitely stated ‘no work’ on the form he had filled in for Hattie, but she was sure if the rest of the house was right, Nick would accept this compromise. If he had any sense, of course. Hattie never assumed people would be sensible whenit came to buying houses. It was not only the biggest amount of money anyone was likely to spend, it was also the one which needed commitment from both head and heart. Nick hadn’t shown much in the way of heart so far, so Hattie was hoping the investment angle would win him over on this one.
She could hear Nick’s footsteps overhead and knew he was in the bathroom. It was in the right place, but otherwise she feared he would find everything was wrong with it. He obviously didn’t linger in there for long.
She was just thinking what she would do to the kitchen if it was hers when she had another vision. It was of Nick. He was in the kitchen of the house, although it now had a big island in it. He was raising a glass to someone Hattie couldn’t see. The expression in his eyes was of pure love. On the island was a straw basket with a scarf spilling out of it and there was a pair of sunglasses. When it faded, Hattie helped herself to some water and went to sit down in the old armchair next to the range. Why was she seeing this? Was she really expected to help her most discriminating client find love? She closed her eyes.
‘Having a power nap?’ said Nick, jolting her from her thoughts.
‘I’m just testing out the fixtures and fittings. What do you think?’ she added.
He shrugged. ‘If you overlook that it’s absolutely not what I asked for, and it needs completely gutting, it’s a good house.’
Hattie lit up, she had not expected that. ‘So, what do you want to do? Shall I sort a second viewing with a builder?’
Nick nodded. ‘Why not?’ He smiled slightly and Hattie had a glimpse of how attractive he could be.
Although exhausted from her latest vision, Hattie was pleased as she locked up the house. It did have a lot of potential and if Nick found the person he was obviously going to fall in love with, they could be very happy here.
Chapter Six
It was Sunday. Luke had offered to entertain Xander so Hattie could get on with her paperwork. Hattie was very pleased how easily Xander had fitted into her life – as she had fitted into his. He hadn’t actually gone to or from college under his own steam yet, but he was eating pretty normally and while they didn’t have long chats, their shared silences were friendly. He had gone so far as to mention a couple of friends he hung out with and he seemed happy to go into college.
She had just finished her work and was wondering about going and joining Xander and Luke when Fiona’s name came up on her phone. As anxiety about Fiona was a constant she answered it immediately.
‘So sorry to bother you on a Sunday!’ said Fiona, sounding bright if apologetic. ‘But I’ve made the mistake of telling Mummy how brilliant you are and now she wants to ask for your help with something. She needs a local friend. Only if you want to, of course, and aren’t too busy.’
‘I’m not too busy at all,’ she said. ‘Is it house related? I hope she’s not planning to move out of that lovely place.’
‘Oh, not at all! Can we tempt you over with lunch?’
As Hattie drove, she considered how annoyed she’d be if any of her friends who worked for themselves used up their precious free time helping out a client’s mother. But Fiona wasn’t just any client; she really felt they had become friends and she liked Sheila, Fiona’s mother. Her job couldn’t always be neatly packed into office hours.
Sheila smiled when she opened the door. ‘My husband and Lance are playing golf – some special match; they won’t be back until much later so it’s just us girls.’
Hattie smiled, glad Rose wasn’t there to object to being called a girl.
‘Come on through to the kitchen. I’ll make you a sandwich.’
‘Mummy’s sandwiches are famous – at least in the family,’ said Fiona. ‘Would you like a glass of fizz?’
