Chapter 33
THIRTY-THREE
Gracie’s hand shook with excitement as she turned the key to the Windmill Café hall. To her relief, there had been no sign of Ed’s van in the car park; she hoped it was one of his weekdays off. Today was about moving forward with her life, not about men.
She put her bag and laptop down on the side and looked around her. It was a decent space and the kitchen and toilet areas were modern and clean. There was even a little office and she smiled to see that Kate had put a printer in for her already. It really was perfect. Her very own event space that she could fill however she wanted. For the first time in ages, she felt happy and liberated. She knew that Kate would let her have free rein; it was like having her own business but without the worry of all the overheads. Quite perfect, in fact.
As she popped around to the café and grabbed herself a cup of tea and a banana, she made a mental note to buy supplies for the kitchen so she could cut out the expense of buying teas and coffees from the counter every time.
Cutting down on the flapjacks and doing more exercise was certainly doing the trick. To her losing weight had never been complex. It was the first push to want to do it that was hard. And if she cut out the crap and moved more it was a guaranteed route to success. Not a hard concept to grasp. Maybe she should market that, too, and blow all the faddy diets out of the water. Although, saying that it seemed that everyone was turning to weight loss injections now!
It was great that the weather was starting to get better. She wouldn’t need to use the heating here for the time being and she could make use of the outdoor space at the café, too.
She took her tea into the office with her laptop. Then, deep in thought, tapped her nails on the table. Her main target audience were the array of women who frequented the common. Opening the computer, she began to create a list of ideas that she and Kate could discuss on top of the SW19 Club.
Children’s birthday parties – maybe themed – goody bags (anything to save mum time)
Easter party – hire a big Easter bunny/arrange an egg hunt on the common
Christmas party – Father Christmas – sleigh rides
Yoga classes
Slimming club
Running club
Craft days
After-school club
Gracie rubbed the back of her neck. What needed most thought though, was the SW19 Club. How could she market it without it sounding too macabre? Maybe she should have a brainstorm with Kate? Her mind began to whir. For women who have lost babies? No. For those of you who have lost a child? Lost? Not a good word but the whole point was getting people to face up to and discuss their sadness, so maybe ‘lost’ was all right.
Perhaps she was being too thoughtful about this? Did it really matter how she marketed it? Then the idea came to her: ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’
A movement behind her made her jump out of her skin.
‘God, Ed, have you not heard of knocking before? You scared the bloody life out of me.’
‘I’m sorry. The door was open. I saw your car and…’ Ed’s face fell at Gracie’s reaction.
She took in his toned tanned legs and softened slightly. ‘It’s fine. Next time, give me a bit of warning, though. Sneaking up on me like that is not funny.’
He went to tickle her and she pushed him away. ‘Hey, Gracie. Don’t be like that. It’s a shame I couldn’t make you scream out like that the other night, eh? So bloody embarrassing – the old fella gets a mind of his own after a few pints.’ He pointed down to his European-style long khaki shorts and gave a half smile to gauge her reaction. It wasn’t a good one.
Gracie said nothing, just shuffled on the spot.
‘It’s OK, Ed. We had fun and not everyone is going to have a connection in this world, or that “ol’ devil called love” would be even more complicated than it is already.’
Ed was looking at her curiously. He beckoned her towards him.
‘Come here,’ he said gently. She felt confused. He put his muscly arms around her and hugged her to him. ‘Gracie Davies, hands up – I confess I fancy the pants off you. And the other night…’
‘Coo… eee!’ Kate’s timing was rubbish. They broke their embrace before she could spot them. ‘Oh, hi, Ed.’
‘Hey. Rumour has it there’s a new venture afoot and I, of course, didn’t want to miss out on the common gossip.’ Ed smiled warmly.
‘Oh, right?’ Kate clocked his tanned legs. Gracie was still reeling from how Ed’s hug had made her feel. Fact: hugs were an amazing invention.
‘I’d better get on. Catch up later.’ He winked at Gracie and sped off.
‘Gracie? Is there something you should be telling me?’ Kate gave a knowing look.
She shrugged. ‘I went on a date with him the other night, that’s all. I don’t think it’s going anywhere.’
‘He seems nice. Maybe you should just go on another one. He’s cute and it sounds like you could do with some fun.’
‘I’ll see. I want this to be my focus now. Not pesky men.’
‘You’re funny, Gracie. “Pesky”, I love that word.’
‘Yes, so underused. I also just had a eureka moment about how we could market our new club. How about the strapline – The SW19 Club – Miscarriage Matters .’
Kate’s eyes shone. ‘Well done, you! That’s perfect. I think we should create some flyers ourselves, put one on the café noticeboard and leave some on the tables, too. And I can ask the mums at my Alice’s school to spread the word.’
‘Shall we advertise the first one for next week?’
‘Yes, let’s get on with it. One of my friends is an author – I know she’d happily come along and sign books – and I know someone who sells a great make-up range. Do you think your sister might come along with her handbags?’
‘We can make it a social ladies’ event. If people want to talk about what they’ve been through, then all the better.’
‘How much should we charge, do you think?’ Kate screwed up her face.
‘I think ￡10 each is reasonable,’ Gracie enthused. ‘With free tea, coffee and biscuits. I mean, it’s not going to make us much, but it’s a start and there is so much scope here to think of more money-making schemes.’
‘Baby steps and all that.’ Kate laughed. ‘Excuse the terrible pun.’
Gracie grasped her arms to herself. ‘This is so exciting.’
‘Yes, it is. I’m glad I met you, Gracie. I think we both needed this.’
‘Ditto and, yes, I think you’re right.’
‘I’d better get going.’ Kate grabbed her bag. ‘Little Flossy is booked into Poncy Paws at midday for her grooming session.’
Gracie smiled to herself at the confirmation that the women of Wimbledon Common were far from common. But women they were, and now she could try to help some of them and maybe even herself along the way.
Before she could concentrate on her new beginnings, there was one important call she needed to make. She reached for her phone and scrolled for Lewis’s number.