got some photos of my colleagues at the hospital wearing the results of some of your hard work!’ Erica calls out.
Mavis’s face breaks into a huge grin. ‘How lovely, I didn’t expect that.’
‘They’re all super pleased with them. I could upload the photos to the WhatsApp group and see if anyone else is interested in making them.’
‘Thanks, dear, that sounds good – and I’ll keep sewing.’
‘Please do, we can always do with more, Mavis.’
‘Did you have any luck fixing Elsie’s writing case?’ I hear Jack ask Bertie.
‘No, lad, worse luck. I think it’s completely broken. I had a try but it just made me feel sad, as the hinges are totally broken. I’ve put it to one side as a bad job.’
‘I’m sure someone could fix it,’ Jack says. ‘We just need to find the right person.’
‘What is it?’ I ask.
‘A box of my late wife Elsie’s writing bits and bobs. I dropped it on the floor the other day, daft old bugger that I am, and it’s broken.’
‘That’s really sad,’ I say. ‘But my stepdad is a whiz at fixing things – he has a business, doing odd jobs and stuff like that. He might not be able to fix something so delicate and old, but I think he has a mate who specialises in restoration. I could ask him?’
Bertie looks touched. ‘That would be grand; I’d be so chuffed. It’s sad seeing it smashed and broken on the shelf.’
‘I’ll send him a text,’ I promise.
Soon Bertie wanders off, realising it’s time for his evening crossword puzzle, and Mavis meanders along at a safe distance behind him, homeward bound to feed her beloved budgie Sunny.
I hear Jack’s voice from above. ‘That was kind of you.’
‘Not a problem, anyone would do the same.’
‘Fancy a mocktail?’ Jack asks me. ‘I’m eating healthy in the week but I’m experimenting with wicked shrub mixers at the moment.’
‘Shrub? Sounds like something my grandma would have made!’ I laugh.
Jack sounds outraged. ‘It’s spicier than your gran would have liked it. Well, it’s just a syrup blending fruit, sugar and vinegar. But I like to add cardamom to give it a kick.’
‘Erm I’m not really sure about cardamom in a drink. I mean, it’s fine in a hot toddy in the winter.’
‘I’ll make you some different ones and you can decide which is your favourite,’ Jack says, obviously put out at my lack of enthusiasm for his spicy shrub.
‘Okay well I’m happy to be your guinea pig. What’s first up?’ I reply.
‘Lemon lavender mocktail. Very summery, with a hint of refreshing citrus.’
‘Sounds perfect.’
‘I’ll send one down.’
‘I’ve missed the visits of your wine carrier.’
‘More than our chats?’ His voice has a teasing note.
‘Definitely. But I like those too.’
Erica drifts out onto the balcony. ‘Have you seen my scrubs?’ she asks.
‘They’re in the cupboard, neatly folded,’ I reply with an eye roll that I want her to see.
‘I didn’t see them there,’ she huffs.
‘That’s probably because you weren’t looking.’
‘Hi, Erica,’ calls Jack, ‘would you like a mocktail?’
‘No thanks, I’m off to work in a mo … and anyway, I prefer my cocktails with plenty of alcohol.’
‘Fair enough, I’ll make you one of my margaritas when you have an evening off.’
‘Deal.’ She smirks at me and adds in an undertone, ‘I’ll leave you two balcony lovebirds to it then.’
‘Shhh!’ I retort, half ushering, half shoving her back into the flat. Irrepressibly she grins and scarpers, no doubt still in search of her uniform, which is where I always put it when I’ve washed and ironed it.
I make myself comfortable on the corner seat on the balcony and within minutes a very elegant glass appears with a piece of lemon and a delicate strand of lavender. ‘It’s a very pretty colour,’ I announce, carefully taking it out of the box. I take a sip and try not to cough. ‘It’s very nice. The only thing is … I mean, it’s very pleasant but …’
Jack tuts. ‘Come on, be honest – I need truthful feedback.’
‘Well the lavender is quite lavendery. I don’t dislike it but it actually does remind me of my gran.’
Jack lets out an exasperated laugh. ‘Oh great, that’s really hip and current if it reminds you of your gran. Turns out you were right in your earlier judgement then.’
‘I don’t mean it in a bad way.’ I laugh too.
‘It’s okay. That’s the point of experimenting. Perhaps I’ll make the next a lemon and lime mocktail.’
‘Ooh that sounds perfect. Let me just finish this one first. Do you know,