Chapter 23
NANCY
‘Goodness, it sounds like you had a riot.’ Val chuckled. She’d popped into the shop on Wednesday, when Pam was out delivering orders, so Nancy filled her in on the weekend’s events. ‘Fancy Slate being in a rock band.’
‘I know. They’re called the Ragin’ Rockers, and they’re fantastic. I couldn’t believe how good they were. When the gig was over we all went for a curry. We didn’t get home until gone one and then stopped up chatting in the kitchen. I spent most of Sunday morning catching up on sleep.’
‘I’m so glad that you’re all getting on. That’s the most important thing. I know I was a bit bossy at first but that was only because I was worried that it had all happened so fast.’
‘I know. I was, too, if I’m honest, but it’s working out fine.’
‘How are you getting on with Jackie, Pam’s mum? I wondered if that might be a bit awkward.’
‘Not at all. She’s brilliant. Although she does hog the bathroom a bit.
I woke up to Phyllis banging on the bathroom door the other morning because she needed to go to the loo.
So Jackie came out, still dripping from the shower, half naked, just as Slate came up the stairs – he uses the shower and loo in the utility room. ’
Val raised an eyebrow. ‘I bet that gave him a shock!’
‘Not that you’d notice. He just said, “Morning, ladies,” and carried on to his room.’
‘Cool as cucumber then. Mind you, these rock stars have a reputation for being wild.’
‘He teaches family history and poetry!’ Nancy reminded her.
‘They all seemed such a staid, normal lot when I interviewed them. Now I find out that I’ve got a nude model who is quite comfortable walking around the house half naked, a modern-day witch – she’s even got her own black cat!
– and member of a rock band who likes to sing loudly in the shower.
And practise with his band in the dining room. ’
‘Talk about growing old disgracefully!’ Val chuckled. She shot Nancy a questioning glance. ‘So the cat’s there to stay then?’
‘Yes. What can I do? Phyllis was going to find a new home for her but Cobweb is a lovely cat, and it would be such a shame for Phyllis to have to get rid of her when they’ve been together so long.
And we’ve all become quite fond of her.’ Nancy arranged some carnations, roses and lilies into a bouquet.
‘You know I can’t believe how well we all get on. ’
‘No regrets then?’
Nancy shook her head as she wrapped patterned cellophane around the flowers. ‘Not so far.’
‘Good, but I am still worried about the legal implications of all this. Any sign of any of them moving out?’
‘Not yet, but they are all looking.’
Before Val could say anything else a couple of customers came in, so she waved and left.
But her words had stuck in Nancy’s mind.
She knew that she should tell the authorities but it wasn’t worth all the hassle when her lodgers would be gone soon.
Although, to be honest, she would miss them dreadfully when they went.
And then she would have to worry about her finances again.
* * *
When she got home that evening there was a gorgeous aroma coming from the kitchen. She peered around the door to see Jackie stirring something on the stove. ‘Hello, Nancy, I’m doing a honey-garlic chicken stir-fry. Do you fancy some? There’s plenty here.’
It smelt delicious. ‘Yes, please, if you’re sure there’s enough. I have some garlic bread we could put with it. And we could open a bottle of wine.’
‘Good idea. It will be ready in a few minutes if you are.’
‘I’ll lay the table. Are the others out?’ Nancy asked.
‘Slate has a class and I don’t think Phyllis is home yet.’
Just then the front door opened. ‘Hello, anyone here?’ It was Phyllis.
‘We’re in the kitchen,’ Jackie shouted. ‘Fancy joining us for dinner?’
‘If that smell is anything to go by, definitely,’ Phyllis appeared in the doorway. ‘What is it? And can I contribute dessert? I have a carrot cake in my bag.’
Half an hour later, they were all sitting around the table, drinking wine, the chicken stir-fry eaten as they made headway into the carrot cake.
‘Well, your tea-leaf reading was spot on, Phyllis,’ Jackie said. ‘You said I was due for some good luck and it came true.’
Nancy paused, her fork full of cake. ‘You got the flat?’ That meant she’d have to get another lodger, she thought with a sigh. She liked Jackie too.
‘Oh no, it was a dump. And it was such a relief that I didn’t have to say I’d take it anyway because I’ve got the room here.’ She smiled at Nancy. ‘But I did win fifty pounds on my lottery scratch card, hence why I thought I’d treat us all to this stir-fry.’
‘That’s brilliant, and so kind of you to treat us all!’ Nancy told her. ‘Presumably that means I’m due some success and pleasure. I look forward to that!’
Nancy poured everyone another glass of wine while Phyllis cut them each another slice of cake.
‘I think we should do this more often,’ Jackie suggested, finishing off her wine.
‘Definitely. We could do a cooking rota,’ Phyllis agreed. ‘We might as well cook for three, as for one.’
‘Four, what about Slate? We can’t leave him out,’ Nancy said.
‘Do you reckon he can cook?’ Jackie topped up everyone’s glass.
‘Yes, I can, and happy to join the rota. Now is there any of that wine left for me or shall we open another bottle?’ Slate was standing in the doorway grinning at them and they all burst into a fit of giggles.
‘I think we need to open another bottle.’
‘Good job I’ve bought one then, isn’t it?’ Slate held up a bottle of white. ‘Pinot Grigio okay for everyone?’
Nancy thought she hadn’t enjoyed herself so much for a long time. Clearly having lodgers was just what she needed, after all.