by Jo Meadows
‘Of course I will. Anything you need. Just give me a shout when you’re ready, I’m not going anywhere today.’
‘Thanks Pete, you’re so kind. I’ll call by later then.’ As she walked away, Pete was speechless once again. That’s two times in as many days that she’s been really nice, he thought. She even called me Pete. Perhaps I’ve been wrong about her all this time and it’s Dave that’s the old fuss-pot.
Later, Georgina changed her clothes and put on just a little make-up. Looking at herself in the mirror, she couldn’t help but say, ‘You’ve still got it girl.’
Walking up to Pete’s front door, she tapped lightly.
‘Hello again Pete, I wondered if you had the time to help me move those pots.’
‘Sure, just let me slip on some shoes. I’ll just be a minute and I’ll be round.’ Georgina walked back into her own garden and waited, smiling to herself and getting in character.
Ten minutes later, the pots had been moved, totally unnecessarily as it happened, and Pete was about to leave.
‘Do you fancy a coffee before you go? It’s the least I can do, you’ve been so kind.’
‘It was nothing Georgina, really. A coffee would be nice, thanks.’
‘Or, I know it’s a little early but would you like something stronger instead? A glass of wine perhaps?’
‘Okay, that would be great, thanks.’ As she went to fetch the drinks, Pete wondered where this was going. It was obvious that Georgina had put on make-up and changed. Don’t be stupid, he thought. She’s only being polite, after all, you have just helped her shift those pots. Mind you, they weren’t particularly heavy; she could easily have moved them herself. Whatever; who am I to pass up on a nice drink with an attractive lady?
‘So, how is Dave these days? He scared the hell out of me when he had that stroke.’
‘Yes, he scared me too. Actually, he’s getting better all the time. His hearing’s back to normal and his eyesight’s almost there. He’s still got a long way to go with his mobility but with the exercises he does, he’s improving all the time.’
‘That’s good news. But what about you, how have you been? You seem to have coped with it all very well. I don’t envy what you’ve been through.’
‘Thank you Pete, you’re very kind. No-one seemed to realise how hard it’s been. I’ve been all on my own for most of the time.’
‘Hey, you only had to give me a shout. I would have come and given you a hand. I’m only next door.’
‘I know but you know how it is, I didn’t like to ask.’
‘Don’t be silly Georgina, I wouldn’t have minded. You poor thing, you shouldn’t have had to manage by yourself. Anyway, you know where I am and if you need me for anything, anything at all, just let me know.’
‘This is nice isn’t it? Sitting and chatting. Do you fancy another drink?’
‘Yes please Georgina, if you’re sure that is.’
‘Why not, David’s stroke was a bit of a wake-up call. You only live once and life can be so short. Let’s live a little. And please, call me Georgie.’
‘Well alright, Georgie. If you’re leading me astray, I could go and get one of my latest bottles to let you try if you like. It’s really nice; I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.’
‘Go on then, why not?’
Later that afternoon as Pete left, Georgina thanked him for his help and the lovely bottle of wine he’d brought. Pete went home with a spring in his step. God, that was amazing, he thought. She’s definitely not the person Dave makes her out to be, she’s a bit of alright. She makes great conversation and I think I’ve totally misunderstood her for all these years; if she wasn’t with Dave, I’d definitely make a move. She seemed to like me as well. Perhaps I could give her a knock tomorrow and see if she fancies another chat. I’m sure she’ll be lonely, all on her own.
As she watched him walk away, Georgina smiled. That wasn’t too bad I suppose; he isn’t as bad as I thought and he’s pretty much there for me now if I need him. That wine he brought wasn’t at all bad really. Not a patch on the Pinot Grigio I’ve been having but no doubt a lot cheaper. The way we were talking, I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t bring a bottle or two around. That would be nice.
***
The following morning Georgina went out for a walk and her daily visit to the shops. Before leaving she quickly checked to make sure Pete wasn’t outside. She didn’t fancy talking about the day before. There would be plenty of time to talk to him later. She liked, no loved, the attention he gave her and it was obvious that he found her attractive. Men are so transparent, she thought. And, as I said to myself yesterday, I’ve still got it. Not that anything would ever happen with him, god forbid, that would be terrible. But, isn’t it nice to be wanted, no, desired?
As she walked along the seafront she saw the wife of one of David’s old friends, also out walking. Although she hadn’t had much to do with her when David had been friends with her husband, Georgina knew that he’d died the previous year. God, what’s her name? I can’t remember.
‘Hello Georgina, I haven’t seen you in ages. How are you and how’s David? I heard he’d been ill.’
‘Hello Gill, Yes, you heard right, he had a stroke a while ago but he’s alright now and he’s recovering pretty well, How are you? I was so sorry to hear about Bob.’
‘Oh, thank you. That was over a year ago now and I’ve come to terms with it. I still miss him terribly though I must admit. You must have been terrified when David had his stroke; it must have been awful for you.’
‘Yes, it was frightening at the time. The doctors said it was a good job I was there when it happened. They said I saved his life.’
‘Did they? That’s amazing. I wouldn’t have had a clue what to do if that had happened to me. When Bob took ill he was in hospital and it all happened really slowly. I don’t think I could have coped if he’d been taken ill at home. I would have fallen apart; I’d have been useless.’
‘It was nothing really. I only did what anyone would do.’
‘Don’t be so modest, you deserve a medal. Where’s David now? I’d love to see him.’
‘He’s away at Lynnette’s for a few days. I was with them but I came home for a couple of appointments. I’ll be going back soon.’
‘So you’re on your own at the moment are you? I’m going out for a drive tomorrow. I’m not sure exactly where I’m going yet but you’re welcome to come if you like.’
‘That would be nice. Thank you. Who else is going?’
No-one, just me. I like to get out and about; I can’t stand staying home alone. You should come if you’ve got the time. We could have lunch somewhere and make a day of it. What do you think?’
‘Alright, why not? I think I’m free tomorrow. That would be lovely Gill. What time are you planning to go? I’ve got a couple of things to do first thing I’m afraid; I wouldn’t be able to go too early.’
‘I’ll give you my number and you can give me a call when you’re ready and I’ll come and pick you up if you like.’
‘Thanks that would be lovely.’
‘Alright then, here’s my number. Call me when you’re ready to go. I’ll see you tomorrow, bye for now.’
That might be fun, thought Georgina. I don’t really remember much about Gill but she seems alright and it will be nice to go out for the day. Now, where shall we go? I’m sure she won’t mind going wherever I suggest. She doesn’t seem to have an idea of her own.
***
‘Hello, Gill? It’s Georgina. I’ve done everything I had to do so I’m ready when you are.’
‘Alright, I’m all ready to go. I’ll be over in a few minutes.’
Georgina hadn’t had anything specific to do that morning; she just didn’t want to have to get up too early. Saying she had things to do had allowed her the lie-in she’d come to enjoy. If she hadn’t said what she had, god knows what silly sort of time Gill might have wanted to go out. Now, she thought, let’s start the day as we mean to go on. I think I�
��ll be deciding where we’re going and what we’ll be doing.
Once they were in Gill’s car, Georgina asked if they could go to a new garden centre that had opened just up the coast.
‘That’ll be quite a drive,’ said Gill. ‘I would rather have left a bit sooner if I’d known we were going that far. Oh well, never mind. We said we’d have a day out and a day out we’ll have.’
‘It’s not too far is it? I don’t drive so I don’t really appreciate distances and the time it takes to get to places. I don’t mind going somewhere else if it’s a problem.’
‘No, don’t worry, let’s go. As long as you don’t mind the journey; it’ll take about an hour to get there.’
‘I’m game if you are.’
‘Right then, let’s go. We can catch up on the way. I haven’t had a good chat with anyone for ages.’
‘Lovely, that will be nice.’
Once at the garden centre, Georgina was in her element. Gill tagged along behind, having agreed that she could buy what she wanted and there wouldn’t be a problem taking it all home in the car. Georgina took full advantage of this, buying several bags of compost, two very large pots and several small potted plants. Once her shopping was complete and everything was safely loaded into Gill’s little car, she suggested they should have lunch before going home.
‘I don’t fancy eating here, it doesn’t look very clean. I saw a lovely little pub on the way here, what about going there? It’s not far. What do you think?’
‘I’m easy, as long as we don’t have to go too much further. The driving can be quite tiring.’
‘Come on, you’ll be alright. Anyway, it’s on the way home so we’re not going any farther. Is there anything you want to look at before we go?’
‘No, I’m not really into gardening. Besides, we couldn’t get anything else in the car if I did. The boot’s full.’
‘Oh, I’m sorry, I never thought. How rude of me. You should have said something if you’re not into gardening, we could have gone somewhere else.’
‘No, it’s fine really. I just like getting out. Let’s go and find that pub, I’m ready for something to eat.’
‘This is very nice isn’t it?’ said Gill after they’d sat down to eat.
‘Yes, it’s not bad for a pub. You find that these days though. Pubs have changed a lot in recent years. They’re not the dingy, smoky places they used to be. Most of them serve reasonable quality meals; they’ve got to I suppose or they would soon be out of business.’
‘Yes, I suppose they would. Not many people go into pubs just to drink these days, especially when they’re driving. This hunter’s chicken is really nice.’
‘I prefer salads myself; I don’t eat very large portions. I like to look after myself.’
‘Oh me too, I don’t usually eat much either, I just thought it would be nice as we’re eating out.’
‘That’s all it takes Gill. A little extra here, a little extra there and before you know it you’ve put on a few pounds. You need to be really careful.’
‘Yes I know but I don’t drink and I don’t smoke so I’ve got all that going for me. Do you know how many calories are in that glass of wine you’ve got? I only drink tea and coffee about twice a day and the rest of the time I drink water.’
‘Touché, but seriously, a small glass of wine now and again never hurt anyone. They say it’s good for the heart.’
‘It’s the calories you’ve got to watch. They soon add up you know.’
‘Oh, enough of all this talk about weight. I’m fine and I don’t need to lose weight.’
‘Are you saying I do?’
‘No Dear, not at all. You look fine as you are; your shape suits you.’
Now I remember why we were never really good friends, thought Gill to herself as the waiter approached.
‘Can I get you two ladies anything else?’ he asked.
‘No thank you,’ said Georgina. ‘Just the bill please. Oh, and can we pay separately please? Oh sorry Gill, you didn’t want a dessert did you?’
‘No, no dessert for me thanks.’ I may slip on a couple of ounces without realising it, she said under her breath.
The drive home was pretty quiet, neither of them really in the mood to make small talk. As they turned into Georgina’s drive she asked, ‘You wouldn’t mind giving me a lift with the compost bags would you? I can’t really lift because of my back.’
‘Sure, of course I can. My back’s fine, I go to the gym twice a week. You should come sometime you’d like it, there’s usually a few fit young men there to look at. And, it would do you good, I feel great after I’ve been.’
‘No thanks, that’s not for me I’m quite fit enough, thank you. Could you put it over there?’
‘Okay, anything else I can help you with? Can you manage the pots?’
‘Well if you don’t mind, that would be lovely.’
‘No problem.’
‘Would you like to pop in for a coffee before you go?’
‘No thanks, I didn’t expect to be out this long and I need to get back to feed my cat. I’ll see you around. Give me a call.’
‘Alright, goodbye then.’
As she drove away Gill started laughing to herself. Yes, I remember you now Georgina. What an idiot I am. Why did I bother to speak to you yesterday? You’re welcome by the way. No, no, don’t offer to buy me lunch or pay a little towards fuel, it’s fine. That was a ninety mile round trip; wasn’t it nice to catch up and have that lovely little chat? I’m so glad I could help you with your shopping; it was rather heavy wasn’t it?
Jesus, what a user. I doubt she’ll call, but if she does I might just be out or if not, extremely busy.
So much for being on my own, said Georgina to herself. I’ve got Peter next door who’ll fall over backwards for me if I ask, and now Gill. I’m sure she’ll make a handy taxi service if I need one. It will be nice to get out and about when I fancy it. Being on her own she’s bound to appreciate the company on her trips out. I’ll have to work out where I’d like to go next.
Oh David. Oh Lynnette, if you think I’m some poor lost soul who can’t manage without you, you can think again. It’s so easy when you set your mind to it. People are so willing. All you need to do is be nice and polite and they all come running. It’s so nice to have a friend or two for when you need them.
Chapter 22
Georgina had been back at home for several days before she started to really think about what the future would hold. She’d half-expected David to call and ask how she was by now. When he hadn’t, she’d put it down to Lynnette’s influence, telling him not to, telling him to wait until she called him. Well he might have a long wait. I’m quite happy as I am for the moment, but don’t think for one minute that I’ll ever forget how you all spoke to me like I was a small child.
Whenever she thought about that night, she would go into a rage in her mind. It was so frustrating to have nothing to take it out on. She’d tried smashing a few garden pots in the garage; throwing them at the wall and screaming, until she realised how stupid she was being when Peter knocked on the door to ask if she was alright.
One morning while at the supermarket, a little tired and feeling particularly frustrated, she asked an assistant to pass her a packet from a high shelf. The assistant was shorter than Georgina and before reaching for the packet, she looked at her, smiling.
‘Excuse me. What are you smiling about?’
‘Nothing, I just thought it odd that you couldn’t reach the packet that’s all. You’re taller than me.’
‘Aren’t you here to provide assistance for customers? Isn’t that your job?’
‘Yes of course, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you. I just thought it was odd, that’s all.’
‘Odd? You stupid girl. I’ve a good mind to report you for your cheek. It’s time you young people learned some manners and respect.’
‘I beg your pardon; manners and respect? I’ve a good mind to report you for calling me stupid. Who do y
ou think you are? I may work here but you can’t just go talking to people any way you like. That’s rude. I’m not paid to stand here and be abused by the likes of you.’
‘Right, that’s it! I want to see your supervisor.’
‘The manager’s right over there. Come on I’ll take you to him. I’m not standing for this.’
‘Not standing for this? Just you wait you little madam. This will cost you your job. You shouldn’t be working here if you don’t know your place.’
Standing outside the supermarket a short while later, Georgina was speechless; she couldn’t believe what had just happened. She’d told the manager what had happened and when he’d tried to appease her and calm the situation down, she became angry. She couldn’t believe that he hadn’t sacked the girl on the spot. The manager had reminded her that she’d called the assistant stupid and that although the assistant perhaps shouldn’t have answered her back, which would be dealt with separately; there was still no call for verbal abuse from her as a customer. Georgina said she’d just wanted the girl disciplined for her attitude. The manager had then told Georgina that he was issuing her with a verbal warning and that if there were any further incidents, he would ban her from the shop.
Walking home she was furious. What was the world coming to? Young people today have no respect. When I was her age, if I’d answered an adult back, I’d have been given a clip round the ear. Political correctness gone mad, that’s what it is, the priorities are all wrong.
I’ll keep my eye out for that young lady. The first chance I get, she’ll be up in front of her boss again. Let’s see what a couple of complaints about her behaviour will do. Revenge is best served cold as they say. I’ll bide my time; she won’t see me coming.
A couple of days later, Georgina found herself back in the shop and saw the girl working in one of the aisles. As there was no-one else around she approached her and, standing very close, said quietly, ‘I do hope your manager had a stern word with you about your rudeness the other day young lady.’
