Chapter 42
PHYLLIS
So Clifford was the snake she’d seen in Nancy’s tea leaves a couple of months ago, Phyllis thought as Nancy and her ex left the dining room to talk things out in private.
She’d wanted to ask Nancy a few times if she could do another reading to check if the snake was any nearer but didn’t like to bring it up and worry her, as it seemed like Nancy had forgotten all about it.
‘Well, that was a turn-up for the books.’ Slate flopped down on the sofa, clutching a glass of wine. ‘Do you think she’ll take him back?’
‘Who knows? Relationships are complicated. He’s sure played a blinder turning up on Christmas Day,’ Oxo replied.
‘Yes, he timed that perfectly, didn’t he? Poor Nancy, what a trick to pull,’ Phyllis agreed.
‘Maybe she’ll be pleased when she gets over the shock,’ Slate suggested. ‘They were married a long time. Perhaps she’ll decide to get back with him.’
‘Of course she won’t; he treated her appallingly,’ Jackie said adamantly.
‘She’s just a bit too soft to turf him out on Christmas Day – which is likely what he was banking on.
Hard to throw anyone out on the streets then, especially if you’ve been married to them for years.
’ She turned to Phyllis. ‘What do you think?’
‘I think he’s the snake I saw in Nancy’s tea leaves, in which case she shouldn’t take him back. She’s soft-hearted though, and she might feel that she owes him a roof over his head.’
They all sat in silence. Nancy’s ex’s return had certainly put the dampener on their Christmas celebrations.
Phyllis had seen the look in Nancy’s eyes when Clifford had walked in.
They’d registered surprise and shock but not pleasure.
She’d watched Nancy grow over the past few months, and the Nancy she met when she first moved in was only a shadow of the vibrant Nancy now.
She didn’t want Clifford back, Phyllis would stake her life on it.
However, she didn’t think that Nancy was strong enough to kick him out onto the streets, and once his feet were under the table, he would dig them in and there would be no shifting him.
Clifford living here would make it awkward for Phyllis, Slate and Jackie too and it was another couple of months before they were all moving out.
She felt sorry for Nancy. She’d just started to be herself and live her life and now her ex had come sauntering back. It was such a shame.
Then a plan started to form in her mind. She leaned forward. ‘Look, let’s wait and see if Nancy wants to get back with her ex, but if not, I think there’s a way we can help her get rid of him.’
Slate and Jackie both swivelled around towards her. ‘Spill,’ Jackie said. ‘I’m in, whatever it is.’
Before she had chance to tell them her plan, the door opened and Nancy came in, looking vexed. ‘Talk about ruining the vibe,’ she said, plonking herself down on a vacant chair. ‘I’m so sorry, everyone.’
‘Has he gone?’ Slate asked.
Nancy shook her head. ‘He said that he’s got nowhere to go and no money left, so I weakened and said that he can stay on the sofa just for tonight.
But he adamant that he’s entitled to live here and said that I can’t stop him.
If I chuck him out he’s going to try and halt the divorce and make a claim on the house.
I don’t know what to do.’ She wiped her hand across her forehead.
‘I think it’s far too late for him to do that. I’m pretty sure the final paperwork will already be in the post.’ Slate’s eyes rested on Nancy’s face. ‘What do you want to do?’
Phyllis noticed that Nancy looked him straight in the eye. ‘I don’t want him here. We’re over. But he’s refusing to go.’
‘You could actually ask the police to remove him,’ Jackie suggested. ‘His name isn’t on the deeds, is it?’
Nancy shook her head. ‘No, it’s in my name only. I don’t want to involve the police. I don’t really want any unpleasantness. We were married a long time and he says he has nowhere else to live.’ She chewed the quick of her fingernail.
‘I’ve had an idea. Let him move in. He can have the box room,’ Phyllis suggested.
Nancy stared at her as if she’d gone mad. ‘I don’t want him living with us! Besides, it’s chock-a-block in the box room; there’s no space for anything in there,’ she pointed out.
‘Good, you don’t want to make him too comfortable. We can make room for a blow-up bed. I’ve got one in the van. I’ve sometimes dossed down in there when I’ve gone away for the weekend,’ Slate said. ‘The more cramped it is, the better. Tell him it’s the only room available. Take it or leave it.’
‘But I don’t want Clifford living here!’ Nancy protested.
‘He won’t stay long. I guarantee it. I have a plan.’ Phyllis winked and outlined her plan to them.
‘Oh, Phyllis, that’s a marvellous idea. But are you all willing to do that?’ Nancy asked, looking from one to another.
‘Absolutely,’ Slate said, a grim smile on his face.
‘It’ll be our pleasure,’ Jackie told her.
‘It sounds a fantastic plan to me,’ Oxo agreed.
Nancy frowned. ‘What if it doesn’t work? What if he won’t go?’
Phyllis leaned forward and patted her hand. ‘Darling, by the time we’ve finished with your ex, he’ll be running out screaming.’