Page 112 of Sorry I Missed You

I’d never really thought about whether he rented or owned it.

‘And I have some savings,’ he added. ‘I had a successful business once, you know?’

I nodded. ‘I don’t doubt it.’

‘I don’t want to sell the flat, not yet. My whole life is tied up in that place. It would make me feel much better if I could hold onto it for now, but know that it was well looked-after.’

I patted his hand. ‘Are you feeling all right, Clive?’

‘Perfectly fine. And I’ve still got all my faculties, if that’s what you’re worried about.’

I shook my head. ‘It wasn’t.’

‘Well then, what do you say? Will you live there, take care of the place for me? You’d be doing me a favour. There won’t be any rent to pay, you’d just need to cover the bills and all that.’

I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

‘Not like you to be lost for words,’ teased Clive.

‘Why would you do that, Clive?’ I eventually managed to ask.

‘Why do you think?’ said Clive. If I didn’t know him better, I’d think he was tearing up. ‘You saved my life, didn’t you? If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here at all.’

‘It wasn’t just me,’ I replied.

‘I know. But it was mainly you. Accept it, Jack. You saved me and I will be grateful for the rest of my days. So I hope you’ll accept my offer.’

I rubbed my hands over my mouth. ‘Is this some sort of joke?’

‘It is not!’ he said, roaring with laughter. ‘So it’s a yes?’

I swallowed, completely dazed. ‘It’s a yes.’

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