Page 68 of Love Me Till Wednesday

‘I’m sure she’ll be eager to meet you too once she knows you exist. I’ll break it to her gently this afternoon.’ Nick still wasn’t sure how he was going to slip that momentous news into the conversation without shocking his mum.

Jim nodded. ‘Well, safe journey to Birmingham and back to LA.’

‘Actually, I’ve decided to stop here for a few more days. Perhaps we can have another chat tomorrow?’ He hoped Jim would suggest meeting the rest of his family at some point, but he didn’t want to push it.

‘I’m going to a wedding tomorrow with Ally and the girls.’ Jim looked thoughtful. ‘Why don’t you come to Mum’s for Sunday lunch instead? The whole clan will be there.’

The chance to meet his grandchildren, Lisa’s cooking, and Lisa. Nick wasn’t going to turn down that offer. ‘I’d love to.’

Lisa could do with another nap before going to Nick’s hotel later. Otherwise, she’d be falling asleep in her dessert.

But first, she ought to work out what to wear. Nick wouldn’t be expecting her to dress up, would he?

You don’t want to look too attractive. You won’t be able to resist his advances if he tries it on.

Which wasn’t very helpful, but sadly true. After this morning’s chats and the trip in the hearse, she was in no doubt how much she’d missed him, physically and mentally.But he’s not available, and you’re happy being single.

She went upstairs to go through her wardrobe. As she moved the clothes one by one along the rail, nothing seemed to call out to her.Just pick something!

She eventually settled on a turquoise loose silk blouse, which went well with her jeans. She always felt confident in that. And it would look smart enough to give the impression she’d made an effort, but not overly sexy. Perfect.

Her phone rang just as she was hanging it back up again. Jim. Her heart was in her mouth as she answered. ’Hi darling, everything ok?’

‘Yeah, more than ok. He was kind, and he seemed genuinely interested in me. I see why you loved him now.’

Lisa felt the tension ease in her shoulders. ‘I’m so glad. Are you meeting him again?’

‘I’ve invited him to Sunday lunch. I assume that’s ok.’

‘Yes, of course.’ Lisa tried to sound upbeat, but now she was going to have to worry about what to cook. At least it would take her mind off this evening.

Nick was woken up by the sensation of Brad gently shaking his shoulder. ‘We’re here, Nick’

‘Where?’ he asked, opening his eyes.

‘Your mum’s. You’ve been asleep since we got on the M40.’

‘Sorry I’ve not been sparkling company today,’ Nick said as he looked out at the house.

‘Don’t worry about it.’ Brad held the passenger door open for Nick to get out. ‘I’ll be back in an hour.’

‘Yes. That’s fine. Thanks,’ Nick got out of the Range Rover and grabbed the bag containing Jim’s photo album from the back seat. He’d decided that going through that would be the best way to introduce Jim into the conversation.

When he turned towards the house, the front door was already open, and his mother was walking along the hallway towards the living room. Odd. She usually waited to greet him in the doorway.

He went inside and shut the door.

‘Mum!’ he shouted.

‘I’m in the lounge,’ she called.

She was sitting in her old armchair when he walked in. It looked tattier than ever. He’d offered to buy her a new one the last time he was here, but she insisted it was comfortable and that she didn’t want to change it. ‘You bought me a house. I’m not expecting anything else from you,’ she’d insisted.

‘Hello Dom, my love.’ She was looking thinner than he remembered.

He bent over to kiss her on the cheek. ‘Mum, are you ok? You sound out of breath.’

‘Don’t worry about that. Just old age catching up with me. I’ll be fine in a minute. How about you? You’re looking tired too.’

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