Page 11 of Saved By Love at Christmas
“Because it’s all squidgy and tasteless.” He chuckled.
Grandad clutched at his stomach as our chuckles turned into full-blown belly laughs. We’d gone through this ritual so many times over the years that we knew the words verbatim. As the laughter subsided, I made our tea and we headed to the living room. I loved it in there because, during the winter, there was always a roaring log fire going. And as we sat in our usual places—Grandad on his reclining armchair and me on the sofa—my fragile heart felt a little less vulnerable.
I took a sip of my tea and placed the mug on the floor.
“Grandad?”
“Yes, love?”
“I… I think I’m going to be okay.”
He smiled over at me as the warmth from the fire and his love surrounded me like a safety blanket.
“I do believe you will. Just remember, love, there might be some days when you don’t think so. But you just must hold onto the fact that it’ll all work itself out in the end.”
And he was right. There would be blips and setbacks, but being with the people I loved would help me ride the storm.
* * *
RUBY
I’d been home a few days now. Grandad and I went for walks by the river, but not towards Woodbridge because I still wasn’t ready for bumping into people. I thought I’d heard the front door go a short while before but was too comfortable in my bed to get out and see what Grandad was up to.
I glanced around my room. It was long overdue a makeover. That was going to be my project before I left for Spain. Maybe if I started by doing this for myself, I could build up my confidence and try and put myself out there again. Interior design was my passion, whether it was for a client’s business or their dream home. Each job gave me a sense of pride when the customer’s face lit up with joy. Even if it was only one room, it gave me great satisfaction.
Jamie had me working solely for him in Spain, and even before that. I was never paid either. He told me the money would be ploughed back into the business. Yeah, right. What a stupid, naïve person I’d been. Well, there would be no more working for his clients for free. No more starving myself just to fit into the latest designer outfit so I could look good on his arm. Bliss.
Hopping out of bed, I opened the curtains and sighed at the view before me. Over the top of the high hedges in the front garden, I could make out the river and woodlands beyond. Oh, how I’d missed this view. Putting on my dressing gown and slippers, I made my way downstairs. Grandad wasn’t anywhere in sight, but a handwritten note was left on the kitchen table…
Gone to help Norman in his garden. I’ll be back early afternoon.
Grandad xxx
Norman had been the best man at Nan and Grandad’s wedding. They were both widowed, so they often spent time together.
After showering and a hot drink, I decided to go for a quick walk by the river, then on to the town centre. It was time for me to be brave and face people. Well, it was just one small main street, really. Maybe later, I’d call Ben so we could meet up with Marie.
It was a bright, chilly day, and I knew just the thing to cook for Grandad and me. Something warm and comforting: beef stew and dumplings. I salivated at the thought and how it would be to eat what I wanted without Jamie passing judgement. He used to make me feel like I was greedy. From now on, I’d eat what I damn well wanted to, and I craved the sort of food which stuck to your insides. Perfect winter fayre.
After leaving the cottage, I headed down to the path that would take me to the one alongside the river. When I was a kid, this had always been my favourite route to the town. The tide was in, and I stood to watch the boats bob up and down in the water. The sound of the rigging tinkling as the boats moved was yet another thing to remind me I was home.
There weren’t too many people out for their stroll today, but those I came across, I greeted with agood morning. My biggest fear now was that people who knew me would ask about what happened and why I was back. Those kinds of questions weren’t something I needed to address, although it was going to happen.One step at a time, Ruby.I’d cross that bridge when I came to it.
I sat down on one of the seats by the river for a while to take in my peaceful surroundings. Across the water were green fields and trees. There were also some huge houses, partially hidden behind trees. Grandad and I used to fantasise about who lived there and what their stories were. We came up with tales of bank robbers, rock stars, and even witches.
I once said to my Nan that it would be lovely to live there, and in her true, practical style, she’d responded,“That’s all well and good, love, but just think about all the housework.”Grandad always replied,“If you lived in a house that big, my darling, you could afford to hire a cleaner.”The memory brought a smile to my lips. Knowing my Nan, she’d have tidied up before the cleaner arrived.
I carried on along the path until I reached The Riverside; a small cinema with a restaurant attached. Happy memories came to me once more of times when we’d watch a film in the afternoon, followed by a meal. Christmas pantos were held there too. Perhaps Grandad and I could go this year. I could treat him. It would be good to do something fun.
Crossing the road, I headed up Quay Street, which would take me to The Thoroughfare, the main shopping street. There was an antique shop on one side; a place I used to visit in search of hidden gems for interior design projects. On the other side of the road was The Royal Bengal Indian Restaurant. I’d eaten one of the best Indian meals I’d ever tasted in there. Another place I’d visit, for sure. I walked along the main street, aware of one or two people staring at me.Please leave me alone,I begged silently. Keeping my eyes straight ahead, avoiding eye contact, I continued my journey. I used to use a butcher’s just outside the town, but today I’d have to get meat from the supermarket.
Fortunately, no one spoke to me. I was grateful for that. In time, I’d be okay with talking to people. For the moment, I was way too raw and hurt to even think about discussing my situation. After leaving the shop with my lean beef, I headed back to The Thoroughfare. A café on one side of the street reminded me that I hadn’t eaten before I came out. Time for a light bite and a latte. My hand had just touched the door when I heard a familiar voice behind me.
“Hey, Rubes.”
I turned to be greeted by Ben. His hair looked mussed up and his eyes were sleepy, but the glorious smile on his full lips brought one to my own.
“Hi, Ben.”
