‘This is all so meant to be, because if you hadn’t told me your story the other day, I never would have known.’
‘Did you say you knew me?’
‘No. No, I wanted to talk to you first.’
Jake gripped Vic’s hand again. ‘You don’t know what this means to me. I could die right now and be the happiest man alive. I can’t believe Malini has been dead all these years, though.’ He let out a wracking sob. ‘And it’s all my fault.’
‘No, Jake. No. It’s not. She chose to leave you and marry someone else.’
‘Yes, but only because nobody could have lived with me at that time. She did what was right for her child… our child.’
‘But clearly not what was right for her – as when the time was right she felt that she had to come to you. It’s so romantic and so sad, all at the same time. And don’t you ever be blaming yourself again, Jake Turner. She experienced a great love with you – like no other – and Joti has grown into the most amazingwoman. She’s a nurse and is the kindest, wisest person. Your Malini shines through her.’
‘To think I could have bumped into her when I went to your mum’s.’
‘You went to Mum’s?’
‘Yeah. I, er… I knew you were struggling around her drinking. I think the world of both of you kids and her… and… I umm… wanted to make sure you had a decent Christmas. Your mother told me what you both liked, so I got the food shopping.’
‘And the bed?’
‘Yes, that was me too. Your mum was out of it. I took it apart and sorted it for her. She thanked me, but I could have been the milkman for all she knew.’
‘Oh, Jake, you’ve gone beyond the realms of friendship. Thank you, thank you so much.’
‘And, Victoria, there’s something else that you should…’ Jake stopped himself short. His brow furrowed as if deep in thought.
‘Yes, what is it, Jake? Say it.’ From his face she could tell he had said too much already.
‘Umm, nothing. It’s fine, it can wait…’ Jake shuffled in his chair. ‘But how do I work this, Vic? I have to see Joti. We must talk.’
‘I’ve said enough, and it’s over to you on this one, I think. Rather than me playing matchmaker, you know where she lives.’
‘Yes, you’re right. I have to deal with this in my own way.’
TWENTY-FIVE
WINDSOR
The Proposal
Victoria arrived back at Simpson Crescent to raised voices and a barking Chandler.
She walked in to find Albie and Kath eye to eye across the kitchen table.
‘What’s going on?’
‘Albie wants to move back in because Lisa has chucked him out.’ She gestured angrily towards Albie. ‘I knew your flipping gambling would cause this. I’m just getting myself together, then you and your sister want to move back in – and I refuse to pick up the pieces this time.’
‘Don’t bloody start on me, thanks very much.’ Vic shook her head in disbelief.
‘It’s not my gambling, Mum, I promise you.’ Albie’s voice stayed on a level.
Kath Sharpe sighed. ‘So tell me, you couldn’t keep your dick in your trousers – was that it?’
Vic winced at her mother’s choice of words. ‘Mother, really, do you have to?’
‘Yes I do – you’d be the first to slag your father off about his philandering.’
