Page 21 of Someone For Everyone

Her focus remained on the tea tray. ‘That’s okay, at least he’s stopped crying. Is he asleep?’

‘Out like a light.’

‘You’ve obviously got the knack.’ She stopped by Priya’s door. ‘Shall I knock?’

‘It’s better to wait. Natalie will be out when she’s done. We try to preserve the residents’ dignity where possible, by not intruding unless absolutely necessary.’

‘Fair enough.’ She lowered the tea tray to the floor. ‘I guess it’s not nice having to rely on others to look after you.’

‘I’d hate it.’

‘God, me too,’ she said, stifling a yawn. When she stood up, she bumped against the wall, causing her foot to slip out of her shoe. Blowing a strand of hair away from her face, she smoothed down her skirt and adjusted her footwear. She looked uncomfortable, like she was in constant battle with her clothes.

He gently swayed Jacob, praying he would stay asleep. ‘Did you sleep okay?’

‘Not really, the windows kept banging open. I got up a few times to close them, but gave up in the end and left them open. The strangest thing, though: this morning, when I woke up, they were closed. I don’t remember shutting them, but I must’ve done. That, or it was the wind.’

‘Bound to be,’ he said, hoping she didn’t mention these strange goings-on to Rowan, who would offer a completely different explanation for windows randomly opening in the night. Not that Calvin believed in ghosts himself, even if he did feel haunted by recent events.

Priya’s door opened. ‘All done,’ Natalie said, heading over to Calvin. ‘He’s asleep? How did you do that?’

‘Luck,’ he said, handing over a sleeping Jacob. ‘I’d take the chance to grab some sleep yourself while you can, before he wakes up.’

Natalie kissed her son’s cheek. ‘I should really carry on working, I have another hour to make up.’

‘Don’t be daft. Clock off and rest up. You need it.’ He wondered whether it would be tactless to tell her how exhausted she looked. ‘I’ll see to Deshad and Priya’s breakfast.’

Natalie looked relieved. ‘Thanks.’ Cradling Jacob, she turned to Kate. ‘I’m Natalie, by the way. Calvin mentioned you were arriving today.’

‘Nice to meet you.’ Kate bent down to pick up the tea tray.

‘Here, let me.’ Calvin took the tray from her. ‘Thanks again for fetching it.’ His hand brushed hers and he was shocked by how cold she was.

Kate gave him a half-smile. ‘Happy to help.’

‘Give me a minute and I’ll show you where the library is.’

Leaving Kate and Natalie in the corridor, Calvin delivered the tea tray. He offered to feed Priya, but he knew Deshad wanted to be the one caring for his wife, so he left the man to it. It was a testament to his love that every day he carefully spoon-fed Priya, read to her and held her hand while they watched TV. His eyes would be fixed on the screen; hers would be gazing up at the ceiling, lost and unfocused. It was so tragic that their love affair had been cruelly interrupted, and incredibly sad that Deshad’s life had been affected as much as his wife’s. It was no way to live, for either of them.

Kate was alone in the corridor when he returned. ‘Natalie’s gone for a lie-down,’ she said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. ‘She said thanks again for letting her finish early.’

‘I’d hardly call it finishing early. She works too many hours as it is.’

‘Then the quicker we apply for probate, the better.’

‘Agreed. The library’s this way.’ He glanced back, noticing how Kate’s feet continually slipped out of her shoes when she walked. ‘I’m sorry about Hanna – she can be a bit abrupt at times.’

‘I imagine she’s stressed.’

‘She feels let down, and I can’t blame her for venting. But that’s no excuse for being rude to you. You didn’t deserve that.’

‘Don’t worry about me,’ Kate said, as they reached the doorway. ‘It’s a testing time for everyone. I just hope I can make quick progress on dealing with the estate. I’m sure I’d feel just as aggrieved if I was in her situation.’ And then she flinched, beforelooking flustered. ‘Not that I’m blaming you. I know this isn’t your fault.’

‘But I’m the one who needs to sort it out,’ he said, holding the door open for her. ‘The library’s on the ground floor.’ He waited until she was through the door before leading her downstairs into the large hallway. ‘Over there is the dining room.’ He pointed to where Geraldine was clearing away the breakfast things. ‘Next door is the activities room, and over here is the lounge and library.’ He opened the door. ‘After you.’

Kate faltered almost as soon as she entered the room. ‘Oh, wow, look at all these books.’ She walked around, her face tilted upwards as her eyes scanned the floor-to-ceiling bookcases, all crammed full of publications, sealed behind glass-fronted doors. ‘Talk about impressive.’

‘Dusty, too,’ he said, following her into the room and noticing the drop in temperature. ‘I don’t think it’s been properly cleaned since my great-uncle died.’

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