Page 42 of Waiting for a Bright New Future

Florence’s reaction surprised him. Wouldn’t any man do whatever it took to help the woman he loved?

* * *

William had appeared preoccupied since his birthday, prying less into Stuart’s personal life and offering little conversation during the washing, toileting and eating routines.

“Do you need to see a doctor?” Stuart asked again.

“What? No. I’m fine. Just thinking things through. Did you manage to get that jam mark off my best jacket? I need it tomorrow.”

“Going for a job interview, are we?” Stuart tried to lighten the atmosphere, thinking how Florence twirling around the room would soon brighten the old man up.

“Ha ha.” William was still capable of a sarcastic tone. “No, the solicitor’s coming. I’m putting my affairs in order before the Grim Reaper stakes his claim. After what happened with your father’s will, I’m not leaving any loose ends or misunderstandings. When I’m standing on my cloud in heaven, I want to be able to look down and think I did the right thing by all concerned.”

“A wise move.” And then Stuart attempted another joke. “Seeing how you enjoy the company of that stray moggie that sits on the window sill, I bet the cats’ home is going to be in for a bumper windfall. I hope you’ve told Andrea?”

“Andrea knows my intentions and isn’t fully in favour.” William made no acknowledgement of Stuart’s attempt at humour. “But, in this life, you reap what you sow.”

Stuart felt a sudden kinship for the unknown Andrea. Maybe she would react differently to him. He hadn’t made a fuss. He hadn’t challenged the will. He hadn’t pleaded with his brothers. He hadn’t done any of this because he wanted to reach for his bright new future unhindered by a bitter family feud or long legal proceedings that would eat into any final payout. But now he wondered whether not fighting had been the right decision? Having money would have generated far more options for his future. And it would be nice to be able to treat Jayne occasionally. She deserved nice things.

I raise my hands in apology, bro. I might have directed you towards that possibly wrong decision. My naivety about real life has a tendency to push me into the over-idealistic corner.

Stuart battled not to respond aloud to his sister’s first-ever apology. He swallowed hard and let her continue.

We’re both older and wiser now that we’ve seen something of the outside world. But note, I saidpossiblywrong decision. A lack of money means you have to push yourself out there instead of hiding at home. Bright new futures don’t come looking for you. Think of all those billionaire recluses. You wouldn’t want to be one of those, would you?

Now wasn’t the time to get into an argument with his sister about the quality of her advice. He pushed her away and cast his mind back to the overheard argument between Andrea and William. She must have been trying to argue her case as a beneficiary. He hoped she could put her hurt feelings to one side and visit her dad again so that regret didn’t travel with her forever. William supported an overseas charity that carried out cataract operations on the poor. Perhaps Andrea’s share of the money was being reduced in favour of helping people on the other side of the world to see again. Was short-changing your family to benefit strangers overseas the right thing to do? Stuart had no idea.

* * *

The Saturday that Jayne went away, Stuart took an overnight bag next door and ate his evening meal with Lillian. She was pleased to see him and produced a strawberry jelly she’d made especially for the occasion. He had to force an enthusiastic smile as she spooned the half-set slop into his dish.

Lillian frowned at the consistency. “I forgot how long it needed to set. I only thought of the idea this afternoon.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Stuart brought a spoonful up to his lips. “It will taste just as good.”

“Wait! Ice cream. I got it out of the freezer earlier so I didn’t forget.” As she said the words, Lillian seemed to realise this had been the wrong thing to do.

Stuart accepted two spoonfuls of melted raspberry ripple into his jelly. The taste was sweet but the consistency meant the dessert needed careful handling to avoid a jelly-fall down the front of his T-shirt.

Afterwards he washed up and Lillian dried.

“It’s lovely to see more of you, Stuart. It’s kind of you to stay with me. Jayne worries about leaving me on my own. Usually I’m all right but sometimes I forget things.”

“Don’t we all?”

“But sometimes it’s dangerous. Like when I forgot about meeting Nora.”

Stuart placed the last cup on the draining-board, tipped the water from the bowl and dried his hands. Then he touched Lillian lightly on the arm. “Don’t worry about any of it. I’m happy to help when I can.”

“And when you and Jayne get married, you’ll always be here to help.”

“Get married?” His heart lurched.

“Jayne’s been so happy since you two got back together. She floats through the days with a smile on her face instead of dragging her feet around like she used to.” Lillian sat down. “But in the times when my brain clears, I’m not sure it’s the right thing. Getting married, I mean.” She twiddled with the bottom of her cardigan. “In my perfect world, you’d be here with me and Jayne every day. But it’s so soon after your dad. It’s taking advantage of your good nature.”

“It’s not taking advantage. I’ve got nothing else to do. And I like you.”

Lillian’s frown turned into a smile of relief.

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