you looking forward to having Lucy home?’ Clive realised it was a bit of a silly question, but he wanted to start the conversation rolling somehow.
‘More than anything. It’s not been the same without her about.’
‘And I don’t expect I’ve been a particularly good replacement,’ Clive said, meaning to be jovial, but missing the mark.
‘You’ve been great. Unexpected, yes, but still great.’
‘I’ve not been so great. I need to tell you something,’ he said, the guilt getting to him.
‘What is it?’
‘Last Friday when I was out late. I hadn’t popped to the shops. I’d been for a visit to the allotments.’ Having to confess was an embarrassment to Clive. He wasn’t someone who lied. Not even little white lies, but he’d felt so certain he was doing it with good reason.
‘They’re miles away! No wonder you looked flushed. What made you go there?’
It was a relief that Keisha didn’t sound angry. ‘Ever since I was admitted to hospital, I thought I might find some kind of answer back there. Something that would make it all make sense. I was desperate to go and see if that was the case.’
‘And was it?’
‘No, not at all. It was bitterly disappointing. All I found was a note I’d written that doesn’t make any sense. No jolts to the memory to help me figure it out.’
‘What did the note say?’
‘It just said “new allotment holder”. But I checked with a friend and none of them are called Nancy. I don’t even recall writing it to know what I was on about.’
‘Do you think it’s important?’
Clive shrugged. ‘If it was, I guess it would make more sense. Anyway, I just wanted to say sorry for not being more open. I thought you’d tell me not to and it seemed like it was important even if it turned out it wasn’t.’
‘It’s okay. I’m glad you’ve told me.’
‘Now that’s over with, there was something else I wanted to talk about. I know I’m not staying at the sleep lab now, but I’m more than happy to help out and still be your volunteer. If you’ll have me, that is.’
‘Would you?’ Keisha sounded surprised.
‘Yes. I probably wouldn’t be able to do it every day, but I’m sure I could make a couple of afternoons a week.’
There was almost a smile drifting onto Keisha’s lips. ‘That would be amazing. I’d miss you if you stopped. We’ll have to go through the official channels and get you registered as a volunteer. Lucy will be off for at least another couple of days and will appreciate the help while she’s getting back to full strength. I’m looking forward to you two meeting properly – I think you’ll get on.’
‘I’m looking forward to getting to know her too. I feel like I know her already.’ It was strange to get to know someone mostly through labels.
‘Is everything okay at Tess’s flat? Have you settled in?’ The conversation, and possibly Clive’s apology, was beginning to open Keisha up, he was glad to notice.
‘I’m still living out of my suitcase, but I’m beginning to get used to that. It’s more homely there of course, especially with Tess’s wonderful cooking.’ Clive patted his tummy, knowing that it was already becoming more rotund. ‘I’m going to need more than this walk to keep myself in shape. I’ll be glad to get the allotment back up and running. I wish it wasn’t so far away and easier to get to. That’s been my main form of exercise for years. I need to get back to it.’
‘Are you sure you want us to handle everything regarding your house?’
Clive nodded the most certain nod of his life. ‘I feel very lucky that I’ve met such kind people willing to help. I know it’s a lot to ask, but if you are happy to, I’d really appreciate it. I’ve come to the conclusion that going back there will only make me ill.’
‘George is the one you have to thank mainly. He’s been getting it organised. We thought we’d box everything up for you. Put it into temporary storage if necessary. That way you can go through everything and decide what stays and what goes.’
‘I’ll be very much obliged if you are happy to do that. I can pay you for your time. It’s not a burden that is yours to take and I know you’re only doing it because you’re good people.’
‘None of us want any money. We want to make sure you’re happy and settled and we understand why