Chapter 18
Val came over on Thursday evening. Dennis had a darts tournament, so she and Nancy were having a wine and gossip night. ‘So how’s it working out?’ Val asked. ‘I’ve hardly heard from you since your lodgers moved in.’
‘Well, they’re not what I expected, that’s for sure.’ Nancy told her about Phyllis and her tea-leaf readings, Slate and his rock group, and Jackie being a life model. ‘She’s at an art class tonight.’
‘Goodness! Well fair play to her for having the guts to do that, especially at her age.’ Val topped up their wine glasses. ‘And there you were thinking they’d be either in their rooms or sitting in the dining room with their feet up every night, watching TV.’
‘Well, that’s what me and Clifford did most evenings. We were exhausted after a day at work.’
‘Me and Dennis, too, but maybe we’ve all just got into a rut?’
Nancy nodded. ‘I think we did, and that most people in long-term marriages do. It’s taking me a bit of getting used to having a houseful of people, and a cat too.
But you know, I’m beginning to enjoy the bustle of it.
And it was fun, joining in Slate’s rock group practice.
Even if I was a bit shocked at first when I walked in and found them all rehearsing. ’
‘I’m glad it’s working out okay, but don’t let them take advantage of you, Nancy. Remember it’s your home and you’re the boss.’
‘I won’t,’ Nancy promised. Although she was beginning to wonder if that ship had sailed.
* * *
The next evening when she arrived home she saw Slate’s van parked in the drive rather than by the side of the garage and wondered if he and the Ragin’ Rockers had been practising again.
She let herself in and did a double take as Slate walked into the kitchen clad in ripped skinny black jeans with a chain hanging from the belt, black trainers, a black T-shirt with the words Ragin’ Rockers across the front, his hair tied back and sporting a black pirate skull bandeau.
He was the opposite of Clifford who always dressed rather stuffily.
Even when he was teaching Slate dressed cool and casual, in denim or cords and a cowboy hat.
‘Sorry, did I startle you? Have you had a good day?’
‘Yes, thanks.’ She swallowed. ‘I gather you have a gig tonight?’
‘Yep and tomorrow. Fancy coming to support us?’
She hesitated. A rock gig was the last place she wanted to go.
It would be so noisy and crowded. Besides, hadn’t she decided to keep strict landlady–lodger boundaries?
But then it had been fun to join in the practice session so she might enjoy going to a gig too.
‘Er, maybe another time,’ she said politely.
He grinned. ‘Sure. We play most Friday and Saturdays. Let me know if you fancy it any time and I’ll tell you where we’re on.’
She nodded. ‘I will. Hope it all goes well.’
‘Thanks. See you later. I’ll try not to make a noise when I get home.
’ He waved nonchalantly and strolled out.
Leaving her to make herself a cup of coffee and sit down to drink it, pondering how her life had changed.
And ridiculously pleased that Slate already felt so at ease here that he was calling it ‘home’.
A few minutes later she heard the front door open. ‘Only me!’ Phyllis’s cheery voice called. ‘Anyone home?’
Another one referring to the house as ‘home’. She felt a glow of pride that her lodgers felt so comfortable.
‘I’m in the kitchen,’ Nancy shouted.
She heard the brush of Phyllis’s long skirts as she walked along the hallway. ‘Hello, Nancy, you look pensive,’ she remarked as she came in. She pulled out a chair and sat beside Nancy. ‘Anything troubling you?’
She had to remember the boundaries. She didn’t want to get too close to her guests when they were only here short term. ‘I’m good, thank you. Just relaxing after a day’s work. How was your day?’
‘Busy. We’ve got a new supplier of crystal jewellery and her designs are beautiful. They’ve proven very popular.’
That sparked Nancy’s curiosity. ‘What sort of things do you sell in the shop?’
‘Candles, crystals, tarot cards, tasseography cups, palmistry hands, crystal balls, holistic jewellery, incense, essential oils, books and CDs – that sort of thing. We have a whole range.’ She took a card out of her pocket. ‘You’d be very welcome if you wanted to pop in to take a look sometime.’
Nancy took the card, feeling a little nervous. Clifford had always pooh-poohed this sort of stuff and she had to admit that she was a bit wary. Although also, she realised with a little surprise, rather curious. After all, she didn’t need to always do what Clifford thought any more, did she?
‘When you read your tea leaves the day you moved in, what did you see?’ Nancy asked her, impulsively. She’d been wondering about this ever since but hadn’t wanted to ask.
‘That I’d made the right move coming here.’ Phyllis’s dark eyes rested on Nancy’s face, as if she were looking into her soul. Nancy gave an involuntary shiver. ‘And you’ve made the right decision to take us in.’ She leaned forward and patted Nancy’s hand. ‘It will all work out. You’ll see.’