‘Don’t you worry about me. When the doctor’s done with me, I’ll pop into The White Lion for a pie and a pint. Best pub in the village. Then I’ll take a little stroll and, after that, I’ll nip into Bluewater Cars and get a cab home. Now listen to me, young lady. Don’t let those men take advantage. If it’s local firms you’re using, tell them that Tom recommended them. I was in the construction business for years and they all know me. You’ll get a better price if you mention my name. Turn right after theselights and pull over by the second building on the left. That’s the doctor’s.’
Lara did as she was told, but this time when she offered her help, Tom took her up on it.
‘Just maybe hold my arm until I’m steady on my feet.’
‘Perhaps you should rethink the pint and just have the pie,’ she joked.
‘Cheeky young whippersnapper. You sound just like my grandson. Only he says I shouldn’t have either and I should eat more fruit and veg. He forgets my generation grew up eating nothing but bread and butter and fruit and veg.’ He winked at her. ‘That old busy body will be looking out of the reception window. I’ve a good mind to tell her I’ve got myself a new lady friend.’
Lara raised her brows, but she smiled. ‘You’ve definitely got a new friend, if you want one. Although I’m not really a people person. And the last thing I’d want is your grandson knocking on my door and telling me off.’
‘Don’t you worry about that. He lives in London. He comes to see me once or twice a month, but he calls me almost every day. He’s like an old woman. He even made me learn how to do those video call things. Always says he knows more about how my carpet looks than he does me, because I never hold the damn thing right, apparently. This new-fangled nonsense is too much for me.’
‘He clearly cares about you. That’s a good thing, Tom.’
Tom beamed at her. ‘He’s a good lad. I love him to bits. But don’t you go telling him that. He’d think I was soft in the head.’
‘He’d think no such thing. He’d love to hear you say that. I know I would if I were him.’
Tom gave her a knowing look. ‘No family left at all?’
‘None that I want to call family. It’s a long story. And you’ll be late if you don’t get inside.’ Lara had already told Tom far too much. She wasn’t going to get into the rest of the sorry tale.
‘Good luck with the quotes,’ Tom said.
‘Good luck with the doctor.’
‘He’s the one who needs good luck.’ Tom grinned and shuffled towards the front door of the surgery as it was flung open by a redhead who looked like a glamorous granny.
‘There you are, Tom. We were about to send out a search party.’
‘Couldn’t get a cab.’
The woman tutted. ‘I told you to let me book one for you. Who’s that woman then?’
It was time for Lara to leave, although she laughed when she heard Tom’s response.
‘Mind your own business.’
