The Girls Next Door by Anita Waller

Author:Anita Waller [Waller, Anita]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 2024-04-25T00:00:00+00:00

Tia was alone in the shop when Erin arrived.

‘Mel’s in the kitchen,’ she said. ‘I’ve sent her to make herself a sweet coffee, she’s been crying. It’s not good for customers to see tears this side of the counter, and I wanted to keep hugging her to make her feel better.’

‘How many customers are in now?’

‘Three at the moment, shortly two because one has gone to pick up a book they were undecided about, but then decided the moment they arrived at the counter.’

‘Okay, when that one has gone, lock the door. We can let the other two out when they’re ready, then we’re closing for the day. I’ll let you know about tomorrow once I’ve been over to Nan’s and spoken with her and Jess. If they need me for anything, I shall be there for them. This should have been such a good day, and it’s turned into a horrible one. He’s gone so fast…’

‘Go through to Mel,’ Tia said, suddenly feeling she was the older person. These two women were floundering, needed direction, and she was the one to give it.

Erin left Tia to deal with getting the customers out of the door as quickly and as smoothly as possible, and walked across to wrap her arms around Mel, who was sitting at the little table, staring into space.

‘I’m struggling,’ Mel said. ‘Really struggling. I saw him two weeks ago and there was no hint of this.’

‘I suspect it’s been kept from us by Nan. Even Jess knew nothing until she found him on the floor in his shed. But maybe Nan didn’t realise how bad it was. If he’s been telling the doctors he didn’t want Nan to know the severity of everything, they would have to abide by his instructions. He’s spared her and all of us from the pain of watching him deteriorate, but it certainly hits hard when you’ve no time to say goodbye.’ Erin wiped away the tears that erupted as she was speaking. ‘We need to head over to Nan’s place now.’

‘You closing the shop?’

‘Tia is just serving the last two customers, but the closed sign is already turned so nobody else can get in. I’ve told her I’ll let her know about tomorrow. If Jess or Nan needs us, the shop will stay closed. I can’t imagine how Chantelle is feeling, she’s lost two people in just over a week. Thank God she’s got her mum and dad staying with her.’

Tia came into the kitchen, zipping up her jacket. ‘All done, but I haven’t touched the till. I’ll leave that for you, Erin. You’ll ring me later?’

Erin smiled through her tears. ‘I will. Now get off home, and thank you for your support, Tia. It’s very much appreciated. I’ll come through and lock the door after you’ve gone.’

Mel remained in the kitchen, deep in thought. She should ring her own mum and tell her the awful news, but she wasn’t sure she could do it at the moment. She felt raw inside.

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