Catering with Benefits (2) - Second Course - 28. I JUST LOST MY APPETITE

p style="text-align:center;">  

At the end of a summer day, Gran would often take her G & T out into the coolness of the garden to relax and enjoy the sights and smells of her garden. Sometimes when the boys saw her from the kitchen window they would take their beers out and join her. This way the three became very close. On one of these occasions Gran announced that she was tired of being alone most days and had decided to do something about it.

“You know, sometimes I talk to my plants. But the rude buggers never talk back. I am tired of one way conversations. I need to get out more.”

“Are you going to join a seniors club Gran.” suggested Justin.

When Gran replied “No! Definitely not. Those groups are full of old people.” Justin laughed a little.

“Errr...Oh I see your point. I think.” said Craig, in an attempt to rescue Justin.

“Oh, I know I’m old, I’m not pretending otherwise, but bingo and community singing or worse still, the local girl guides group teaching us to tie knots, are not really my thing.”

“So what did you have in mind?”

“I was hoping you might be able to help me there. I would like to do some volunteer work. I am still physically and mentally quite active so I want to be of some use to the community.”

“How can I help?”

“Having worked in nursing for so long, you must have contacts in the health system. Also I was hoping I could give back something to the hospital that took care of your grandfather. So, Craig can you suggest where I start to find out what help is needed and where?”

“If you want to deal with patients, you could be a ‘pink lady’. They visit patients, hand out treats or run errands for them such as buying personal items or magazines etc. On the other hand there are fund raising opportunities with the hospital auxiliary and some hospitals use volunteers in the gift, flower or coffee shops.”

“Mmmm” mused Alice.

“Does any of that take your fancy Gran?”

“You know, when we were in Lismore I was rather good at fund raising for the CWA. Maybe the old girl still has the skills.”

“We have a few free days next week. Let me make some enquiries for you and I’ll let you know.”

A few days later, Craig went to visit some older colleagues at St. Vincent’s on behalf of his Gran. Upon his return Justin asked “How did you do finding something for Gran to do as a volunteer?”

“All the options I put to her are available at the hospital. She just has to decide what she wants to do and have a chat with the relevant volunteer co-coordinator to see if they can fit her in.”

“Hey, I just had a brilliant idea. Remember Gran said she used to be a fund raiser for... what was it”

“The CWA, Country Women’s Association.”

“Yeah that. Well do you think she might like to help Cynthia with her fund raising group?”

“Are you completely mad?”

“What did I say?”

“We discussed a few weeks back about keeping Gran in the dark about what you do at these functions.”

“I know, but I don’t think this high level fund raising group will want those services, do you”

“Probably not.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“The problem is...women talk...and I mean lots...and they talk about men.”

“Oh, I see now.”

“Yes, how would we explain that to a 75 year old lady?”

“You might be surprised at what older women like.”

“Maybe some of your rich clients, but not my Gran. Please let’s not go there.”

Then while reaching into the fridge and retrieving a home baked lasagne, Justin said, “When Gran brought this to me today she said, ‘this is for you two sexy boys’.”

“Oh, no more please, and I just lost my appetite.”

***

A month after the arrest and charging of Brendan Haynes, Jessica felt she had perhaps outstayed her welcome with the boys and the Simpson family. She suggested to Justin that there was no point paying rent on an empty house and that she should return home.

“But Mum there are still the neighbours to deal with and possibly the press.”

“Well I can’t stay here forever it’s not fair to you and Craig’s family and besides I will be safe from your father while he is detained by the police.”

“That’s all true Mum, but why go back to Blacktown?”

“That’s my home.”

“But not a happy one.”

“I know but what else can I do?”

“The house is only rented, why not give up the lease and rent something smaller & closer to us.”

“It would be a big change for me... we’ve lived there since you were born and it’s close to my work.”

“What better time to make a change and start a new life on your own terms. I know there will be a bit more travel to get to work, but you could also apply to the Education Department for something closer.”

“But what if your father is acquitted at his trial what will happen to him.”

“I think that’s unlikely Mum and even if he is that’s for him to sort out. Now that you have been forced to be away from him, take advantage of it and start to live again.”

“You are such a wonderful son Justin you have grown up so fast in the last few years.”

“Thanks Mum.”

“...and you do give good advice. I would like to think about it for a few days.”

“Great Mum, let me know when you are ready and Craig and I will help you arrange it.”

It was at breakfast the very next morning that Jessica asked her son “Where do you think I should look for a flat and do you think I can afford it on one wage?”

“You earn pretty good money as a senior teacher and you don’t need a big place.”

Craig suggested, “Jessica, my mum & dad have a good estate agent that manages the property where Justin and I used to live. If you like I could ask them to see what’s on their books. You just have to tell me what you think you can afford and I will get them started.”

“Thanks Craig, that’s generous of you.”

“My pleasure Jessica. They may not have something immediately, but of course you are welcome to stay here in the meantime, and because my family has a long time relationship with the agency we can probably get you to the top of the list if necessary”.

The wheels were set in motion to find Jessica a new home near the boys. In the meantime she terminated the lease on the Blacktown house. She sorted out all the furniture and her belongings, then set aside what she wanted to keep and take to the new flat. She also packed her husband’s personal items and any furniture she thought he might need if he was acquitted. They were all moved to Craig and Justin’s garage for storage until a flat was found for her.

The agent found a few possibilities and Justin took her to see them as they became available for inspection. She eventually settled on a two bedroom flat at Pagewood above a Thai restaurant and the boys moved her into it a few weeks later. It was only small but as the rents were higher in that area than Blacktown it was what she felt comfortable paying on one wage. The agent said the rent was lower than the market rate for the area. Because of the location over a restaurant many people felt it would be noisy so there was little interest in the property and the owners who ran the restaurant below were happy to have a single middle aged person rather than a bunch of noisy students who were normally after cheap rental in the area as the property was on a bus route to the nearby university.

Craig and Justin encouraged her to have a small house warming party and they did the catering as their gift. Jessica invited all Craig’s family and a few of her work colleagues & friends from Blacktown. Some accepted her invitation but others did not. When Justin asked why they did not come, Jessica made up the excuse that maybe it was too far for them to travel from Blacktown. Jessica suspected it was probably another reason. This served to reinforce in her mind that she had made the right decision to leave the area.

After settling in, she did apply for a transfer with the Education Department. Just before the end of term in December she was offered a position at Maroubra High to start in the new school year. She had not known and was surprised when Craig told her it was his old high school.

So that she would not be lonely, the boys would often take her out and familiarise her with the Eastern suburbs. They also invited her to family events and Jessica started to spend more time with Craig’s family who welcomed her as they had welcomed Justin. She got on particularly well with Alice, whom she found to be a smart and spritely older lady that loved a chat and loved to show off her garden to Jessica. As Jessica was living in a flat, Alice invited Jessica to come and enjoy her garden at any time.

***

It was mid-morning, Virginia Price had finished her breakfast in the wisteria pergola and decided to go over to see the new gym, where she knew Jared would be working out.

As she approached the building she came across Desmond, who was washing her car.

“Good morning Virginia, looking for your man? He’s upstairs in the gym.”

“Thank you Desmond, have a good day.”

As she reached the top of the stairs Virginia could see Jared working one of the weight machines and paused to watch. She enjoyed the sight of her man flexing his muscles. When he finished his set and stood up he noticed her watching.

“Good morning Mrs P.”

“Good morning to you also Jared. Don’t let me interrupt your routine, I just wanted to see what is up here. I haven’t been here in years. It certainly looks different to how I remember it.”

“Yes, weight training has changed a lot from the old days of free weights that could be dangerous when using them without a partner to spot you.”

“Is that so?”

“As long as you’re here why don’t I show you how the gear works and you might even consider starting yourself.”

“Jared, I employ you as a bedroom partner, not a comedian.”

“I’m serious Mrs P, gym work is not just for men. Many women work out these days to keep fit.”

“Jared, firstly I‘ve never done anything like that before and even if these slim young things do it, I’m a bit too old for that.”

“Not at all, you’re never too old to keep fit and in shape. In fact it’s even more important as you age to do some resistance training. Strength training builds muscle mass, which in turn lowers blood glucose levels, helps weight maintenance, balance and importantly prevents loss of bone strength.”

“You’re not just a pretty face are you?”

“Well, I am officially the household personal trainer, so I need to know my stuff.”

“That’s good, but for now I’ll take it under advisement and think about it. Now I’ll be on my way and let you get on with your training.”

“Good day Mrs P.”

As Virginia turned to leave she heard Desmond coming up the stairs and saw him go into his flat. She followed him, paused at the open door and asked “Can I come in Desmond?”

“Of course Virginia, how can I help?”

“Oh I just wanted see if you are comfortable here in your little flat. Is there anything you need?”

“No, I’m fine, but thanks for asking. I’m just about to put on the kettle, would you like to join me for a cuppa.”

“I’d love to, thanks.”

During their morning tea, Virginia asked “How long is it since we had lunch together Desmond”

“Quite some time Virginia, must be close to a year, I can’t really remember exactly when.”

“Then we must remedy that. Since you’ve just cleaned my car how about we go for a spin today, maybe down to that little restaurant on Berowra Waters.”

“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather go with your new man?”

“Do I detect a little jealousy in that question?”

“Virginia, after all these years and all the men, I think I’m well and truly past feeling jealousy.”

“I’m sorry Desmond; I didn’t mean to hurt you. I would never do that.”

“I know, it’s just that recent events have raised certain thoughts and emotions in me that I thought I’d buried years ago.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not as such, we share a joint history, so there’s nothing you don’t know. It’s just that I was talking to Thomas and let it slip that we used to be lovers. That triggered thoughts of our days together and...well you know what I mean.”

“I’m sorry Desmond, but I don’t know what I can say or do.”

Desmond quickly changed the conversation. “You know Thomas is a decent kid, we’ve not spoken much before but recently we’ve become closer. He’s so easy to talk to and he listens.”

“I’m pleased you like Thomas, he is a really good assistant as well as a good friend. In fact he is like a son to me. Perhaps the son we... I mean, I never had.”

“So, what time should I have the car ready?”

“What?” Virginia was surprised by the sudden re-direction of the conversation.

“Lunch, when do you want to leave?”

“Oh...um...let’s say twelve thirty. I’ll book a table.”

“Ok, I’ll bring the car around to the front door then.”