‘You mean the computer games and things?’
He nodded. ‘And film. She thinks films are a waste of time.’
‘Film studies are perfectly respectable.’
‘I know. But I don’t want to do film studies.’
Hattie experienced a moment of sympathy for her sister.
‘So what do you want to do? Any ambitions or thoughts about how you’re going to earn your living?’
‘No,’ said Xander.
Hattie sighed. ‘Fair enough. I was thirty before I knew what I wanted to do when I grow up. And when I do, I may well change my mind.’ She glanced across at him, hoping for an acknowledgement of this admittedly feeble joke. Nothing.
But when Luke came out from behind his house to welcome them, preceded by Frank and Fearless, as enthusiastic as always, Xander brightened up. He exchanged manly nods with Luke and then Hattie went in for a hug, still holding the bunch of herbs she had brought for him.
Luke was good at hugging. It was firm, long enough and friendly. Hattie had a whiff of soap and shampoo and Luke before she was released. Just for a second they regarded each other and then he said, ‘I like that dress.’
‘I wear it a lot,’ she said. ‘You probably like what’s familiar.’ She looked away sharply, to cover the sudden flutter in her heart.
‘I’ve always liked it,’ he said. ‘Now, what are you going to have to drink?’
‘Actually, Luke, would you mind if I just popped across to see Mary first? I’ve got some books and flowers for her. Unless everything is sizzling hot and ready to serve.’ She smiled. She could see burgers and steaks in a cool box by the newly lit barbecue. ‘Xander? Will you be OK?’
Xander nodded. ‘Is that all right, Luke?’
He smiled.
As Hattie walked back to her car it was with the impression that Luke and Xander would be very happy in each other’s company. She smiled too.
Mary was pleased to see her. She accepted the flowers and held them while Hattie found a vase.
‘It’s so kind of you to bring me books,’ said Mary. ‘The mobile library used to come but I don’t think it does any more and when you haven’t got much else to do, you get through the reading material very quickly.’
They both sat and Hattie asked, ‘Maybe I could take you to the actual library? If we arranged it?’
‘That would be lovely, but I know how busy you are. I usually like the books you bring anyway.’
Hattie trawled charity shops when she had time, looking for suitable reading matter. She knew Mary enjoyed a good range of books, from romantic fiction to quite gritty crime and psychological thrillers, but she was sometimes annoyed she didn’t get a chance to choose what she read herself.
‘I could take you to the library, or a bookshop, anytime,’ she said.
‘To be honest, I don’t have much energy for visiting shops these days. I can manage with what you bring me.’
‘Maybe you should think more about moving into a home? A nice one would have a library, or bring you books.’
Mary nodded. ‘I know, but as we said before, sadly they are dreadfully expensive!’
Hattie paused, trying not to say what she felt. She failed. ‘If you sold this house – which would go in a flash even in the state it’s in – you could live for quite a long time in a very upmarket home.’
‘What do you mean “the state it’s in”?’ Mary was offended.
‘I’m sorry – I didn’t mean to be rude. I mean the fact that there are a few damp patches here and there, the kitchen needs rationalising – there’s that little larder in the kitchen which takes up space where the fridge should be. I love larders, I really do, but you could put a bigger one at the end of the room. It could be very stylish.’ She paused. ‘I probably shouldn’t read interior design magazines.’
‘No, do go on. Tell me what you think needs fixing.’ Mary smiled, reassuring Hattie that she was no longer offended.
‘There are a few window panes with cracks in them which makes the house look a bit uncared-for. And I like the roses going all the way to the roof, but maybe they could be tied back, so they don’t grab you as you go past? And magnolia paint – so last century!’
