My Christmas Boyfriend by S J Crabb

Author:S J Crabb [Crabb, S J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-07-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

By the time we return most of the residents and the guests are sitting down to eat. I look around and laugh as I see Gina and Richard either side of crochet woman. They look bored out of their minds and I can tell Gina is finding this whole thing extremely irritating.

Ruby sees me looking and whispers. ‘That girl doesn't know what she's missing out on.’

I raise my eyes. ‘What do you mean?’

Ruby grins. ‘Ava used to be a high-class prostitute. She's had more men than I've had hot dinners and the stories she tells would make your hair curl. Look at her now, Annie. She sits here most days and crochets teapot covers. I mean, who even uses a teapot anymore? I love listening to her stories, they make me feel alive.’

I look at Ava with a renewed interest. I would love to hear what she has to say, wow!

Ruby pulls at my arm and points to a gentleman sitting next to a woman who is engaging him in conversation.

‘See Robert over there? He used to be a well-respected Captain in the Navy. He's been to more countries than any of us and the stories he tells are fascinating. What you see around you, Annie, are people who have lived interesting and colourful lives. They may be near the end of them but they still have so much to give. If you just take the time to listen to their stories, you would be amazed. If you then compare them with your own you would probably be found sorely lacking.’

She shakes her head sadly. ‘Nobody wants to ask though. They come here out of a sense of duty and obligation. One-hour tops and they can pat themselves on the back before going back to their normal lives. Meanwhile, we are left here with just our memories and tales of a life well spent. Like I said before, Annie, don't get old, or if you do, make sure that your stories are the best ones in the retirement home. You owe it to yourself to live the best life you can.’

I guide Ruby over to the last two empty seats in the room with tears in my eyes. How she has opened my eyes today. As I look around at the people in the room I can see what she means. The conversation is polite and stilted and the residents ignore their guests who look bored with one eye on the time. They are missing out on so much by not delving into the lives of the people next to them.

I see Liam laughing at something Jack says and my heart leaps. As he catches my eye he grins and a shiver runs through me. Ruby whispers, ‘He's a fine man, don't let him go. I can tell he's a good one. Jack is difficult, and it's the first time I've seen him speak to a visitor, let alone laugh with them. Your guy must have something special because Jack is a good judge of character.

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