Be Careful What You Wish For by Neil Newman

Author:Neil Newman [Newman, Neil]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2022-11-07T16:00:00+00:00

57

After Stuart’s funeral, Jean kept herself busy over the next few days with the family looking in on her every day to ensure she was ok. Her friends from London, Helen and Neil, stayed with her until the Sunday night before getting the train back to London. Her daughters took her out for a meal on the Tuesday to get her out the house and give her some company. As the Crown Inn had been the venue for Stuart’s funeral tea, they avoided it and took Jean to the Horse and Rider. It was getting dark when they got there just after 7 o’clock.

‘Hi, can I help you?’ the lady behind the bar greeted them.

‘Hi Elsie,’ Meg said, recognising her, ‘We were wondering if we could have a table for three please?’

‘Have you made a booking?

‘We’ve not, sorry. We thought it may not be busy with it being a Tuesday night and so are chancing it,’ Meg replied.

‘We should have a table free, just the three of you?’

‘Yes, it’s just the three of us,’ Meg confirmed.

‘One minute please, I’ll check with Ann.’

She returned a minute later, ‘Yes, that’s not a problem, if you follow me please.’ Elsie guided them to the foot of steep stairs and led them up into the dining area. They sat at a table next to the entrance door and accepted menus from Ann, who was waiting on the tables that evening.

‘Can I get you a drink just now?’ she asked once they had seated themselves.

‘Will we have a bottle of wine?’, Meg asked her mum and sister.

‘I’m not bothered, happy to do whatever,’ Val answered.

‘I wasn’t going to drink,’ Jean said, ‘but if you’re getting a bottle, I’ll have a glass.’

‘Ok, we’ll take a glass of your house red please,’ Meg requested.

The restaurant was quiet at that moment but Val saw that there was a table reserved for 10 people next to them. The décor consisted of a tartan carpet, immaculate white paintwork, and some paintings of the town that gave the restaurant a nice, homely feeling.

After they had ordered their starters and main courses, Jean told them that she had spoken to Alan earlier that day.

‘Alan’s taking care of all the legal matters for me. He’s been a great help.’

‘We’re here too,’ Val said

‘I know flower, but he offered. I think it’s helping him take his mind off things. I’ve decided I know what I’m going to do with Stuart’s share of the money that I was going to give him. When Alan and I heard Stuart’s will, it helped me make up my mind.’

‘It’s your money,’ said Meg, ‘You do with it as you please. You’re already giving us all far too much.’

‘I’m sorry, I’ve not got around to giving you the money yet. It only arrived last week and with everything that has happened, I’ve not been to the bank to arrange transfers.’

‘It’s the least of your worries mum. It’s not as if any of us are desperate for it,’ Val commented.

‘I know, but I wanted you to have it as soon as possible.

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