‘I bought a few bottles.’ He pointed to some bags in the hall. ‘And now I’ve got some calls to make.’
Within half an hour the small house was full of friends and firefighters. Beanstalk had dragged out anyone from the fire station not on shift. They’d managed to get hold of a few people from Mantra too, and Penny and Cleo were both there, but studiously avoiding each other. There was music and chatting and lots of drinking. It was probably all a bit premature, with poor Charlie still in a hospital bed, but whatever happened next this was something to celebrate. The tumour was gone and Charlie was alive. He’d beaten the odds.
Cleo had arrived with a case of champagne and a case of beer, because she knew Regan’s preference. It was one of the many things Regan loved about her.
‘I’m so pleased for you,’ said Cleo, giving the hair bobble around her wrist a ping.
Regan looked around the room. ‘Too many people?’
‘Yeah, but I’m okay. I wanted to check you were all right.’ Regan had cried down the phone when she’d rung her, mainly out of relief.
‘I’m fine. Well, I will be when I can see for myself that Charlie’s okay.’
‘That’s so lovely.’ Cleo was a bit teary, but that was probably due to the champagne consumption and because she and Penny were still struggling to work things out over the coffee shop.
‘Cleo, can you give me a hand with something in the kitchen?’ said Regan. ‘People need more crisps.’ Cleo followed her into the kitchen and Regan handed her a large packet and a bowl. ‘Oh, hang on – I’ll be back in a minute.’
Regan returned with Penny. ‘What’s wrong with the kettle exactly?’ asked Penny, turning to see Cleo. ‘Oh, I see what’s wrong. Nice try, Regan, but—’
‘No, no, no,’ said Regan, blocking the doorway and Penny’s exit. ‘You guys need to sort this out. Look at the pair of you. You’re making yourselves miserable. I’m happy and I want you both to be too.’
‘I appreciate what you’re trying to do,’ said Cleo, starting towards the door. ‘But I should probably go.’
Regan held out a hand to stop her. Penny and Cleo were now side by side. ‘Running away is not the answer. Come on, look at Penny. You think the world of her, don’t you?’ asked Regan.
Cleo glanced at Penny, embarrassment colouring her pale cheeks, but she nodded anyway. ‘And Penny. Look at Cleo … She’s way out of your league,’ said Regan with a broad smile, and Penny laughed.
‘Cheeky cow. I mean, you are right, but you’re a cheeky cow.’ Penny twisted to look at Cleo. The way she looked at her was how Elvis looked at his cup of milk; though thankfully with less dribbling. It was love – pure and simple.
Penny and Cleo exchanged the tiniest of smiles and Regan saw her cue to leave. She slipped out and closedthe kitchen door. She’d done what she could, and now it was up to them – they were adults and, like most people, were guilty of making bad decisions, but Regan was confident that being together was most definitely the right thing for both of them.
She found Beanstalk, who was quizzing Mandeep about his brain tumour operation, and in particular his recuperation. Mandeep was giving a few cautions around how tired Charlie would be and that it would likely be a long road to recovery. But this was fine; Regan was prepared for that. She knew that with an operation of this scale and invasiveness it was going to take time for his body to recover, and she wanted to be there by Charlie’s side every step of the way. She would support him like he had supported her in getting her life back together.
‘It’s good to meet you,’ said Beanstalk, giving Mandeep’s hand a hearty shake. ‘You’re living proof he can get over this.’
Beanstalk’s phone rang, and on seeing who was calling he shushed the room. ‘It’s Joanna, Charlie’s mum.’ Regan’s breath caught in her throat.Bad news? Good news?Beanstalk answered the call. ‘How goes it, Mrs M?’
The room fell silent and Regan held her breath. Beanstalk listened for what felt like forever, but could have only been a few seconds. Eventually he gave a thumbs-up to the room.
‘He’s awake!’ yelled Beanstalk. The place erupted. Everyone cheered, and he shushed them again before sticking his finger in his ear to block them out while Joanna carried on talking.
Regan was hugged by virtually everyone in the room. She felt almost high from the adrenaline coursing through her. She went to get another beer and catch herbreath. Penny and Cleo were coming out of the kitchen holding hands and Regan beamed to see it. ‘All okay?’ she asked.
‘Penny is buying into the business,’ said Cleo. She was glowing with happiness.
‘Equal partners,’ said Penny, looking as happy as Cleo.
‘That’s brilliant,’ said Regan, hugging them both. ‘Free coffee for me!’
‘No,’ said Penny; a little harshly, Regan thought. ‘But we are going to run a scheme, so people can pay for coffees for the homeless, which we can give out when needed. So people like Kevin will always have a drink if they need it.’ Regan felt the tears well up again and she threw herself into Penny’s arms.
‘You guys are the best.’ It was such a lovely gesture and meant so much to Regan.
When Beanstalk came off the phone, he took Regan to one side. ‘Charlie’s in Critical Care, but that’s what they expected. He’s not speaking or anything, but it’s a good sign that he’s awake. He’s over the worst.’ Beanstalk wiped away a tear.
‘Come here, you great softie,’ said Regan, trying to pull him into a hug. Realising he was an immovable object, she went to him instead.
He cleared his throat and pulled away. ‘Time for a toast.’ He refilled glasses and everyone gathered round. ‘I’m a man of few words, but what our friend has done today was the bravest thing I’ve ever known. And we’ve seen some stuff, right, boys?’ He nodded at the firefighters and there was mumbled agreement. ‘The thing is: he had this operation not to be a hero, but because he loved someone so much it was worth risking his life to stay with her. And because of her, my mate is going to be sticking around awhole lot longer. So I want to make a toast to two awesome people – to Debbie and Reg!’
