Page 19 of Second Act at Appleton Green
She waved her stick at him. ‘Now don’t you be calling me Mrs Baxter; I’m Violet to you.’
Nick laughed. ‘Well I won’t argue since you’re using a weapon. I’m coming back on Friday to check your dressing on your nose and leg.’
‘I look forward to it,’ she said with a twinkle in her eye.
‘And I hope you’re using the walking frame, not the stick?’ he said with a raised eyebrow at her.’
‘Of course,’ said Violet with sweet smile.
Nick looked at Lily who put her hands up. ‘I am saying nothing, because she might whack me with the stick in her sleep.’
Nick turned to Violet.
‘If you use the frame, it will be easier to steady yourself and then you won’t fall and break a hip and end up in a nursing home eating stewed apples three times a day.’
Lily saw her grandmother’s eyes flash and her jaw set.
‘I hate stewed apple,’ she said as though that was the deciding reason.
‘No, it’s not my favourite either,’ said Nick and he went the few short steps to the frame, then carried it back and put it to the side of her chair.
‘Best to be safe, Violet,’ he said and she gave an almost imperceptible nod.
‘You ready to go?’ He turned to Lily.
She sighed. ‘Listen, my voice is still playing up. I don’t think I can do it.’
Nick looked at her and frowned.
‘Well you’re all dressed up, and at worst you can try again in a different space, and nothing lost. At least come and see the other auditionees. It will be fun.’
‘This isn’t the West End, Lil. Have a nice night and listen to some singers and see how you feel,’ Gran said.
She thought about the night ahead with Gran. Listening to the radio or watching some television and then heading to bed early, waiting for the owls to call and wondering where her voice was. At least it would be a change of scene in which to feel wretched about her future.
‘I’ll be back to help you to bed,’ she said.
‘No, please, I can do that myself. I’ll use the frame down here. I’ll be fine,’ Violet said sternly.
‘I’ll bring you one for you to use upstairs on Friday,’ Nick said. ‘We have lots of them at work.’
‘Goody, I can’t wait,’ Gran said dryly and Lily shook her head.
‘Night, Gran.’ She kissed her grandmother on the cheek.
‘Goodnight, have a lovely time,’ Gran said and then she and Nick were out the door and into the cool night air.
They walked out of the cottage and through the gate and to Nick’s work car. Nick opened the door of the car for her, as she read what was written on the side.
‘Derby Homecare,’ she said. ‘A company car no less. All the bells and whistles.’
Nick laughed as he closed the door and came around and got into the driver’s seat.
‘If you ever need a bandage or some gauze, I’m your man,’ he said and he started the car and then drove up the road and into the heart of the village.
They passed the nearby cottages, the lights on inside, looking cosy and warm.
‘I do love it here,’ Lily said. ‘This village makes me feel calm.’
