Together Box Set by Drew Hunt

Author:Drew Hunt [Hunt, Drew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JMS Books LLC
Published: 2017-12-03T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5

“Sor-right, I’ll get it.” Paul walked down the hallway and opened the door. He had become so comfortable staying at Trevor’s, he thought nothing of opening the bloke’s front door.

“Doris?” He wondered why Pete’s grandmother would be visiting Trevor.

“Oh hello, Paul, love. I’d forgotten you were living here.”

Doris’ lined face looked even more worn than usual. She stood wringing her hands, looking upset.

“What’s wrong? Uh, come in.” He stood aside for Doris to enter. Taking her coat he asked, “Would you like a cup of tea? Trev’s just made a pot.”

“I’d love a cup, thank you.”

Paul showed Doris into the front room. That, and offering tea, were such ingrained customs, he didn’t even question his actions.

“I’ll just go get the tea and tell Trevor you’re here. I take it you’ve come to see him.”

Doris nodded.

In the kitchen, Trevor was already setting out a third cup. He must have heard Doris’ arrival.

“I’ll see to this, you go be with Doris, she looks upset.” Even though he’d drunk tea at the Mitchell’s many times, Doris had always been mother, so he had no idea if she took milk and sugar. Getting out Trevor’s sugar bowl, Paul added it to the tray.

Carrying the tea things into the front room, Paul found Doris quietly weeping and Trevor doing his best to comfort her.

“Doris? What’s wrong?” Paul set down the tea things and approached.

“Eric passed away yesterday afternoon,” Trevor told him.

“No.” Paul couldn’t believe it. “I only saw him a couple of days ago. I was walking past your house…He was digging the garden. He seemed—” Paul shut his mouth, realising he was rambling.

Doris nodded. “He always loved his garden. I called him in for his tea yesterday and I found him collapsed over his gooseberry bush.”

“I’m sorry,” Trevor said, squeezing Doris’ hand.

“He always got first prize for his gooseberries at the flower and produce show.”

Despite the seriousness of the conversation, Paul had to stifle a laugh.

“Doctor said he’d had a massive heart attack and wouldn’t have suffered.”

“That’s something,” Trevor said lifting the teapot and beginning to pour. “Sugar?”

“No thanks. But I’ll have a drop of milk.”

Trevor added milk and handed the cup and saucer over.

“Thank you. He loved his garden. I know he’ll want his ashes buried there.”

Paul winced. He wasn’t sure he would want to eat anything grown in the garden after…He shook his head, he was being stupid.

“I’m so sorry, Doris. Eric will be greatly missed in the choir,” Trevor said quietly.

Doris nodded. “That’s why I came round.” Taking a sip of her tea, she continued, “Eric always said he wanted you to sing a solo at his funeral.”

Paul saw a number of expressions pass over Trevor’s face. He wondered if Trevor would be up to it, he’d only been out of hospital for a couple of weeks.

“You’ll do it?” Doris asked, looking steadily at Trevor.

“Uh, yes, ‘course I will.”

Doris looked relieved. “Thank you. That’s something else I can cross off my list. I’ve got to see the butcher and order a boiled ham for the funeral tea.

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