Page 48 of Amazing Grace

‘I don’t mind, Grace, why would I? She loves you nearly as much as I do. And that’s a huge amount. See you there in ten minutes.’

Grace smiled as she handed the phone back to Ruth, her heart beating ten to the dozen and set on fire by Vinnie’s words. Had he really just said that he loved her? She wanted to jump up and down on the spot in excitement, but on reflection decided that probably wouldn’t be particularly cool.

‘Can I ask a massive favour, Grace?’ Ruth asked.

‘Of course. Anything you like,’ Grace replied.

‘Can I have a hug? I just need a great big sisterly hug right now.’

Grace and Ruth stood and hugged like they were never going to see each other again. Tears poured from both of them, but they both knew they were good, cathartic tears. They knew there was a bond between them that no one could ever break; that whatever happened, they would be friends for the rest of their lives.

‘I’ll leave you to it then,’ Grace said.

‘You will not, you daft bat, you’re coming with me. You’re a part of our family now, Grace, whether you like it or not, and you are included in everything we do.’

The women shared an understanding smile as they got into their respective cars and drove the short distance to Ruth’s house. Grace was still officially on her lunchbreak, although it was a rather extended one today. Once there, Grace made a pot of coffee and took it into the lounge where Mike sat on the arm of the sofa, arms round Ruth’s shoulders, while she sat next to Vinnie, holding his hand tightly, telling her brother and husband everything that had been said at Michelle’s.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Mike went into the kitchen and returned with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and four flutes. The anticipation and then the delightful noise of the cork popping made them smile and, through their tears, they raised their glasses and made a toast. ‘To Meredith!’

* * *

Yay! I told Meredith she could do it. I knew that between us all we could get her to speak to Ruth. How amazing is that! I know she’s made up. Being up here in heaven is so difficult. I am so chuffed that Meredith got through to her sister. I’m so proud of her and of you for helping it to happen. And Michelle needs a medal. She is so amazing and I’m so glad that we found this way of contact. It’s miraculous, isn’t it, this universe that we live in? Well done, my darling, thank you for sharing your experience with others. I know some don’t believe, but we do. I always told you I’d find a way to let you know I was still here. Always was and always will be. Love you, Mumxxx

23

Ruth called round on Saturday morning unexpectedly and said that she was taking Grace for a surprise day out because they had some planning to do to organise fat club – although they agreed they really must stop calling it that. If nothing else came from their day, it would be a new name for the group. Grace was stunned and totally unprepared. She told Ruth that she couldn’t go out for the whole day because of Becks and Archie. It had been a long time since Grace had been able to be spontaneous; she was always fully aware of the responsibilities she had at home.

With a twinkle in her eye, Ruth said that she had already sorted that out. ‘Vinnie is going to arrive here any moment to look after Archie for the day – between them, they will make sure that Becks is looked after, too.’

She added that it would be good for Vinnie and Archie to spend some ‘bonding’ time together and that Grace needed to grab a swimming costume. Grace groaned internally. There were few things she hated more than showing off her wobbly bits in beachwear. However, she did what she was told, touched by the fact that someone had actually taken the time to make some decisions for her, as she seemed to spend her whole life making decisions for everyone else.

Grace had tried to get out of Ruth where they were going, but she was giving nothing away. They chatted on the journey about how they were going to run the slimming club. They were both delighted that they had the same ideas and shared the same beliefs and values. They were so in tune with each other and it was a wonderful feeling for Grace.

When she saw the sign for the spa, Grace gave a little squeal. And then thought she’d better not get too excited, just in case that was not their destination. She was beyond ecstatic when they pulled up in the car park.

‘Little bro’s treat to his lady and his sister!’

‘Really?’ Grace asked. ‘Your brother is a proper Prince Charming. I really do love him to bits.’

Ruth smiled at her and Grace didn’t notice that she’d admitted to loving him.

They were greeted with a fruit cocktail and the strong fragrance of essential oils which, along with the sound of ambient music, gave an immediate feeling of peace and tranquillity. Grace thought she’d died and gone to heaven. She’d dreamed of having a spa day for so long, but because so many other things came first in her life, she had never thought it would happen. In fact, not only had Vinnie arranged a spa day, but he had booked the very spa she had always wanted to go to. There was an image of it on her dream board. He was amazing. He was doing everything he could to make her happy and she loved the feeling that someone wanted to make her dreams come true. She felt loved and valuable.

After a morning of relaxing, they ambled along a corridor, following signs to the restaurant where they were seated at a table by a window which overlooked a beautifully serene lake. Swans gracefully glided on the surface and the women watched them, sharing a comfortable silence. Even speaking seemed to be a bit of an effort; they were so blissfully relaxed.

They devoured the most exquisite meal and, stuffed to the brim, spent a bit of time after lunch brainstorming names for the club. They laughed till they cried as they tested out names on each other.

‘Skinny Minnies!’

‘Cakes Be Gone!’

‘Cakes No More!’

‘Get Stuffed!’

‘Hippy Hippy Shakes!’

‘Spare Tyres United!’

---