by Peter Martin
She stopped, as if giving it some thought. ‘Tell the truth normally I don’t. But I can make you a cheese and tomato one if that would do?
He smiled. ‘It would do nicely. I’d appreciate it.’
‘There’s a small scullery,’ – she pointed to the corner where she’d been sitting – ‘behind that curtain, it’s only a cupboard. Won’t be a minute.’
‘That’s fine, take your time.’
Within three or four minutes she returned, a plate containing the sandwiches in one hand and what looked like a plastic tray in the other.
‘Come and sit over here.’ She handed him the plate, picked up her knitting and plumped down on to her chair, then with a shake of her hand deftly opened up what turned out to be a stool. After thanking her, he sat down and ate.
‘I take it you enjoyed those?’
‘Too right I did.’ He wiped his mouth on the back of his hand. Then asked, ‘I was wondering, do you know of any cheap boarding houses around here where I might stay for a night or two?’
Once again she chuckled, and said, ‘You won’t believe me, but I was just wondering how long it would take you to ask me that.’
‘I’m not that easy to read, am I?’
‘Maybe I’m telepathic,’ she joked. ‘But to answer your question there is someone who takes in paying guests. It’s not a posh place but it’s spotless and her cooking’s nice too.’ She rose from her seat to rummage in a drawer by the counter.
‘I’ve got a slip of paper somewhere with the address and telephone number, although I know the address, it’s just the phone number I can never remember.’ She shook her head.
Billy looked at his watch, time was getting on. ‘Look, it doesn’t matter, just give me the address – I’m sure I’ll find it.’
The counter drawer closed with a bang. ‘It’s not easy getting old,’ she said, sounding vexed. ‘I’ll write it down for you.’
<><><>
Billy left the garage with directions to the town of Trowmoor and the note of the place to stay. By the middle of the afternoon he had opened a bank account and paid in his cheque. From Wednesday of next week, he’d be able to withdraw from the account. But, until then, it would be a struggle to make the money in his pocket spin out. With that in mind, he spent a cold night in the car parked on a caravan site car park, hoping he’d go unnoticed.
But even with the front seat tilted back and a blanket and overcoat covering him, he had difficulty sleeping due to the coolness of the night, and in the early hours of the morning, he switched on the engine to warm up the air for a few minutes. As he lay there his thoughts were of his dad. What would he make of this? So much had happened since that fatal night … both good and bad. No doubt he’d have been proud of his university and teaching achievements; but what about his private life and the mistakes he’d made since? Maybe one day he might redeem himself, he thought, thinking to the future. He wanted to find happiness somewhere along the way – as he’d once had with Sarah, and briefly, with Becky. Only then would his life be complete.
<><><>
Awoken to the sound of squawking seagulls, in the cool atmosphere of the car, Billy was disorientated and unable to move. He rubbed his eyes and sat up; every part of his body ached. Then, reaching for the squeegee to wipe the windscreen, he realised condensation had dripped down the glass. He couldn’t spend another night in the car, despite it being early June.
He opened his car door and glanced around, and with no one in sight, he made his way to the toilet block. After sprucing up, he held his hands under the hand-drier savouring its warmth.
At eight-thirty, parked opposite Fair View House, Billy waited anxiously. There would be vacancies at this time of the year, and if he mentioned Bronwyn Owen from the garage, as she had suggested, maybe they wouldn’t ask for too much of a payment upfront. Well, there was only one way to find out.
CHAPTER 25
He knocked on the black wooden door and waited.
A young woman of medium height and build, probably in her late twenties, opened the door.
‘Hi!’ Billy said. ‘Are you Edith?’
She smiled and her green eyes lit up.
‘No, I’m Ruth, Edith is my mother.’
‘Err … I’m Mr Price, I’ve come about renting a room.’
‘Oh, yes. Please, come in.’
He followed her down a narrow hall and into a room furnished with a sofa, two armchairs and a television. At the back stood a desk with a computer.
‘I’ll tell her you’re here, won’t keep you a minute. She’s in the kitchen washing up after breakfast,’ Ruth explained, then added, ‘Don’t look so worried. Sit down and get warm.’
A few minutes later Edith came in, drying her hands on her apron. ‘Mr Price?’ she said with outstretched hand.
Billy saw the likeness straight away; the older woman was greyer and chubbier.
‘I’d like to rent a room,’ he explained.
‘I’m afraid I only have one room available.’ She stopped as if in deep thought. ‘How long do you want to stay, Mr Price?’
‘Not really sure, maybe three months?’
‘Three months? Long holiday, is it, or what?’
‘Not exactly. I plan to move into the area once I find a house and need a stop-gap to live while I look for something.’
‘Are you sure it’ll take that long?’ Edith asked.
‘It all depends on how things work out,’ Billy said, shrugging his shoulders. ‘I’m only looking for a small flat.’
‘Oh, I didn’t mean to pry … So long as you pay me your rent …’ She didn’t finish the sentence, but changing the subject, said, ‘The only room we have right now is up in the attic. It’s really cosy and the view from the window in the roof is breath-taking.’
‘I’ll look forward to seeing that,’ Billy agreed. ‘The lady at the petrol station told me your boarding house is scrupulously clean. I can see she was right.’
Edith stopped in her tracks. ‘Did she? I thought you were a stranger to these parts.’
‘I am, but I called in at the garage. Bronwyn Owen,’ – he nodded – ‘said you might have a room.’
‘Oh, bless,’ Edith said. ‘That’s nice of her. We’re distantly related by marriage. Her grandfather was my ex-husband’s great … Oh, but you don’t want to hear that. Come upstairs, I’ll show you.’
The first flight of stairs had a red patterned carpet.
There were five doors leading off the landing which was lit from a large leaded window at the end of the house. To the side, a narrow staircase spiralled up into the loft area.
‘The attic room is up there, but I assure you it’s done out very nicely,’ Edith said.
Billy made no reply – anything was better than sleeping in the car. He followed her, manoeuvring his baggage so as not to scrape the sides of the staircase. The attic had varnished wooden floorboards and an assortment of fluffy rugs.
When Edith switched on the light Billy saw the fully furnished room had adequate headroom. At the gable end, a large double bed with angled wardrobes to either side fitted the sloping ceiling. A chest of drawers and a small television stood on the opposite wall and a hand wash basin with shaving facilities was in the far corner.
‘It’s nice,’ Billy commented as he walked over to the window in the roof. ‘And wow, you’re right – that’s a great view.’
‘Yes, that’s what all my guests say when they stay up here,’ Edith commented. ‘So, what do you think?’
‘Yeah, brilliant. I’ll take it.’
‘Oh good. I like having people here at this time of the year; it’s relatively quiet. And the money will be very welcome.’
At that Billy felt the blood rush into his face, he had to say something. ‘Err, about payment … I can only give you two weeks’ board, that is until Wednesday. After that …’
Edith shook her head, causing Billy’s heart to leap into his mouth as he imagined what was coming next, but when she said, ‘That will
be fine for now, Mr Price,’ he could hardly believe his ears. She went on, ‘We have a communal bathroom on the landing.’ She stopped at this point and laughed. ‘Now, electricity, towels and bed linen are included, as is breakfast at eight and evening meal at six. Err … what else is there? Oh yes, a washing machine is downstairs and everything you’ll need to do your laundry. And that about covers it.’
‘Sounds good. Here, let me give you the money.’ He counted out the cash into her hand.
‘So, I presume you want to move in straight away.’
‘Right now, if that’s convenient,’ he said with a smile. ‘And one thing, Edith. Could you please call me Billy? I feel as if I’m back at school again.’ Immediately he wished he hadn’t made the last comment. But it had gone unnoticed.
‘Okay, that’s fine,’ she said.
‘Great, I’ll get the rest of my things, if that’s okay with you.’
‘Leave you to it then. It’s past breakfast but when you’re finished, I’ll make you a cup of tea and a round of toast. You look as if you need it.’
He disappeared down the spiral stairs, realising she’d guessed how he’d spent the night from his bedraggled appearance.
The biggest part of the morning was spent unloading the car, unpacking his cases and putting his belongings away. He forgot about the tea and toast.
At lunchtime he walked into the town centre, meandering around the shops to get a general idea of where everything was situated. In addition to the jobcentre, off the main high street, he saw an employment agency and also a hotel where he guessed temporary seasonal workers would be employed. No great rush, but he’d have to get settled soon, and as teaching jobs were no longer viable, he’d take any menial job.
But that would be for Monday when they were all open. For now, with his stomach rumbling, he’d get a sandwich and then head back. All thoughts of a brisk walk on the beach or reading his newspaper in one of the shelters along the seafront were forgotten.
At Fair View everything was quiet, but for the hushed tones of Edith and Ruth in the kitchen. Not wanting to disturb them he crept up to the attic, made himself a drink and ate his sandwich. After what seemed only minutes hearing someone shout his name, he opened his eyes and looked at his watch; six o’clock, he must have drifted into a deep sleep. He got up, glanced in the mirror, and trying to tidy up, he walked towards the entrance. There at the foot of the staircase was Edith.
‘Don’t you want dinner, Mr Pr ... Billy?’ she asked tentatively.
‘Oh, yes, sorry – I’ll be down in a minute.’
‘Better hurry or it’ll go cold.’
‘Yes, okay,’ he said, rather fraught by her attitude.
Billy stood at the doorway for a few seconds feeling like a spare part; the room was full. Suddenly he heard Edith’s voice calling him. ‘Billy, we are in here.’ He looked round to see her standing inside the kitchen. ‘You can eat in there if you wish, but why not come and sit with us.’
‘Kitchen or dining room makes no difference, and yes you are right, I am fed up with my own company.’
‘Come along, quickly.’ Then, under her breath, she added, ‘Oh dear, at this rate it’ll be midnight before I’ve cleared up.’
‘Yes, miss,’ Billy said under his breath, but glancing at the suppressed smile on Ruth’s face, he saw the funny side.
Three plates containing steaming hot food were placed on the table.
‘Mum makes the best shepherd’s pie ever, Billy. Try it and see.’ She gave him a pleasant smile, helping him to feel more at ease.
‘It looks like one my mother used to make,’ he told her trying to be complimentary. ‘And it tastes as good.’
‘Praise indeed,’ Edith replied.
He enjoyed his meal, finishing every last bit.
‘Really nice – if I was a kid I’d want to lick the plate.’ He grinned.
The two women giggled.
‘Hope you’ve room for dessert? It’s apple pie, I made it this afternoon.’
‘That’s one of my favourites too,’ Billy remarked.
Ruth got up from her seat and piled up the dirty plates to take into the kitchen.
Once the meal was over he sighed, and said, ‘Delicious. I couldn’t eat another mouthful I’m so full.’
Edith looked pleased, saying, ‘Glad you like my cooking.’
‘Oh, I do. After living on my own, it’s a pleasant surprise to be served with such great food.’
‘Have you no family at all, Billy?’ Edith asked.
‘My parents both died years ago,’ he replied evasively. Then changing the subject, he said, ‘I got made redundant from my last job, a few weeks ago, so I’m on unpaid holiday until I can find another one.’
‘What did you do?’ Edith asked.
He hesitated for a second before answering as the conversation was becoming too invasive. ‘I was an English Teacher in a Sixth Form College and when two colleges merged, there was a surplus of teachers. And that’s all there was to it,’ he said, hoping this would stop their prying.
It didn’t.
‘So where are you from?’ Edith asked.
‘I come from Dexford in the midlands, but I lived in Edgincombe, a long way from here,’ he replied, and continued, ‘I walked along the seafront earlier and around Trowmoor, and it’s so good to breathe in fresh clean air after all the foul air of an industrialised town; makes a welcome change.’
‘What about other family members; wife or children?’ Ruth asked.
‘Ruth, please, no need to be so nosey. You shouldn’t be asking personal questions like that,’ Edith berated her daughter, causing Billy to smile.
‘I don’t mind; I’ve got nothing to hide,’ he lied, not wanting them to know all his business yet. ‘I no longer have any family. My wife divorced me twelve months ago and we didn’t have any children. That’s why it was easy to get away and make a fresh start.’
‘It takes a lot of courage to come all this way on your own. I can’t imagine it was easy,’ Edith said.
‘No, it wasn’t, but I had no choice. So how about you two?’ Billy asked, still irritated by the constant questioning. He wouldn’t give two complete strangers his life story. And he too could play that game, so he asked, ‘How long have you been running this guest house?’
‘Mum’s been here almost ten years, but I’ve only been helping for the past two since Dad left.’
‘Oh yes?’ Billy said, all ears.
‘Another woman, the rat,’ Ruth hissed. ‘Leaving Mum to run this place on her own. I had to give up my job as a nurse to help her. Didn’t want to at first, but I’m glad I did now – you meet such interesting people.’
‘I bet you do.’ Billy smiled. ‘But it must be hard work.’
‘It’s long days, seven days a week, but I don’t mind. I’m hoping to take over one day, when Mum’s in her dotage and unable to carry on with it,’ Ruth joked.
‘Hey, enough of this old age rubbish – I’ll be around for a good while yet,’ Edith said. ‘I’m still years away from my free bus pass, I’ll have you know.’
They all laughed at this.
Billy stretched his legs and yawned.
‘Well, ladies, once again, thank you both for the wonderful meal. If this is what your meals are like, I’d reckon you must have guests banging on your door.’
‘Nice of you to say so.’ Edith smiled.
‘Anyway, I’ll have to love you and leave you. After all that good food I need to rest, it’s made me tired.’ He got up and returned to his room.
Lying down on his bed he felt much better, thanks to those two downstairs. They seemed genuine if rather inquisitive.
Billy spent the rest of the night in the attic, watching television and occasionally taking time to stand and peer out of the window to observe the stunning views. Up here he felt as free as a bird.
Then, hearing footfall on the landing, he wondered whether Ruth or Edith might be coming up to see if he was settling in. He was glad when they
didn’t: he wanted a bit of peace and quiet.
<><><>
The next morning he was down for breakfast on time. Ruth turned towards the door when he entered the kitchen.
‘Hallo, had a good night?’
‘Yes, I slept well, thank you. Is breakfast in here?’ he asked.
‘Yes. I did wonder though whether you eat breakfast. A lot of our guests don’t bother.’
‘I’m not one of them. I normally wake up hungry.’
‘In that case would you like a full English breakfast?’
He nodded. ‘Yes please! While I’ve been living alone I’ve made do with cereal and toast. That’ll make a nice change.’
Within fifteen minutes he was tucking into his breakfast, which could have replaced his midday meal, prompting him to comment, ‘If I stay here much longer, I’ll get middle-age spread.’
She started to laugh, and then joked, ‘Don’t be silly, you might spread a little but you’re not old enough to be middle-aged.’
He laughed along with her, and as she left the room, he noticed what an attractive girl she was, not only her face … but her figure too.
<><><>
A week later Billy felt relaxed and had settled in at Fair View. And had it not been for the amount of money his room cost, Billy may have opted to stay on longer than the planned three months. But with Job Seekers Allowance as his only income, his outgoings were eating away at the cash he had from the sale of the flat.
Today, with an interview for a part-time job in the offing at a local supermarket, his mood was buoyant. Now, satisfied he looked presentable he rushed downstairs, but on reaching the front door the sound of a wolf whistle made him to turn to see Ruth standing at the other end of the hall.
‘Good heavens! You meeting the Queen?’ she teased.
‘You don’t think I’ve overdone it, do you? God, it’s taken me ages to make up my mind what to wear.’ Then laughing, he added, ‘I must be losing my marbles to be this tense.’
‘Honestly, you look fine. What time’s the interview?’
‘Eleven-thirty. I had planned to go to the pub when I come out, but I did wonder about going there first for a spot of Dutch courage.’
