‘Amy’s giving out free drinks, Nora.’
‘Am I heck, the boss would kill me. It’s only as a thank you for what Clara’s done for the community and for me.’
‘Ah, I thought it sounded a bit too good to be true. I do good things for the community too, you know,’ said Eleanora.
‘To be fair, you have perfected getting most of us inebriated students out of the river a few times. Maybe when you retire, I’ll give you a freebie,’ teased Amy.
‘It’ll be a long time before that happens. I’ll be out there come rain or shine in my eighties, just like Dad was.’
As Amy turned to hand out menus to a large group in high spirits, Clara and Eleanora finally caught up.
‘So, how was the interview, my wonderful clever clogs?’ she whispered.
‘It was good. I’m happy with how it went. I mean, it seemed to go okay but you can never tell with these things. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.’
‘Well, cheers. I wish you the best of luck. Fingers crossed, even though I’ll miss you like mad if you do go. But, hey, don’t let me stop you.’
Eleanora raised her glass. ‘To you getting this wonderful job.’
‘Cheers.’ Clara took a sip and put her glass down. ‘Ooh, I’ve something else to tell you too. I haven’t seen you since this arrived.’
Clara removed the letter from Tom that she had put in her handbag for safekeeping.
Eleanora put her glasses on and read it through. She paused for a moment, then handed the letter back to Clara.
‘Wow. What a situation to be in. At least I’m glad he’s getting the help he needs. Would you not go and visit him? I mean, if it was someone at church you would. He is someone from the church at the end of the day.’
‘I’m too emotionally involved. I think it’s best we don’t see each other. Not for now – and the last thing I need is any complication when I’m waiting to hear about the job.’
‘Yeah, it does look as though he needs some time alone. He needs to work on himself.’
‘That’s exactly what I said. He’s got too much on his plate at the moment. I guess it just wasn’t the right time for us.’
‘Oh, that’s sad.’
‘It is. I was starting to fall madly in love with the man. Silly me. I knew I was never made for a loving relationship.’
Clara took a huge sip of Prosecco. She didn’t want to burst into tears in the middle of the restaurant.
‘Of course you are. Who knows what the future has in store for you both? Never say never.’
Clara flung her arm out and her napkin landed on the floor. She bent down to pick it up and then looked sadly at Eleanora. ‘You know, it’s probably too late for us now. It wasn’t meant to be. I could be off on a new adventure and I guess I realised once and for all that I need to prioritise my future. I’ve always been single; why change the habit of a lifetime?’
‘You can still have it all.’
‘I don’t think so. I’m not sure I’d trust anyone any longer. I thought Tom was Mr Perfect, but he only showed the version of himself that he wanted me to see.’
‘Yes, but that’s understandable, given the situation he’s in. He’s had a rough ride. He’s not exactly going to tell you that he drinks himself into a stupor on his first date with you, is he?’
Clara frowned. It sounded so terrible.
‘I do feel for him. You don’t suddenly wake up one morning and decide to drink. I guess it takes something to end up like that. I feel a bit guilty for not visiting him, but I think it’s for the best for everyone.’
‘I get it. Don’t feel guilty. He’s in the best place. You saved his life. Imagine if nobody had found him.’
‘Yeah. I guess I’ve played my part. Maybe that’s why we were meant to meet. I was there to save his life.’
‘You certainly did that.’
