was a bookkeeper. So it’s not like I gave up a huge salary or anything but any extra would help right now.’
‘That should be easy to go back into shouldn’t it? Nothing is sure except death and taxes, so they say.’
I shrug. ‘I thought so but I haven’t even managed to get an interview anywhere. I think I’ve been out of the game for too long. I’d need training on the latest bookkeeping software, and nobody wants to invest that sort of time in their staff anymore. I might have to ditch taxes and go into funerals at this rate.’
She reaches across the table and puts her hand on mine. ‘You’ll get something soon.’
‘It would be nice to get together more though when you’re free,’ I say, bravely putting myself forward.
‘Yeah, it would. Do you know what I’ve always fancied doing that wouldn’t cost much?’
I have a mouth full of peanuts so shake my head.
‘A book club.’
I raise my eyebrows. In my brief time of knowing her, I didn’t have Janey down as a bookworm.
‘That actually sounds like quite good fun,’ I say after swallowing my beer.
‘I think so. We could meet, say, once a month and talk about what we’d read over drinks and nibbles. We’d have to set a book each month, of course, and commit to reading it.’
I’m so elated I could cry. The inside of my nose is tingling and everything. This is a commitment to see an adult human on a regular basis. ‘That sounds fab.’
‘Great. Let’s choose a book now and we can start reading asap!’ She pronounces asap as a word. ‘I’ll read anything. Is there a book in particular that you fancy?’
I pause to think. ‘Actually, there’s been so much hype about The Handmaid’s Tale that I wouldn’t mind seeing what all the fuss is about, if you’ve not already read it. I haven’t watched the show or anything.’
Janey practically jumps out of her seat. ‘Perfect. I haven’t seen it either but have heard so many good things.’
‘I kept meaning to give it a whirl but once the kids are in bed, I just need something light and short, so I tend to binge on Friends reruns or Schitt’s Creek.’ I don’t say why I need something light to help me sleep.
She pulls out her phone and starts typing. ‘I’m just ordering it now. Do you want me to get you a copy whilst I’ve got it here on Amazon?’
I shake my head. ‘I’ll sort out a copy.’ Perhaps I can raid the local charity shops.
‘Fantastic,’ Janey says jigging with excitement. ‘I’ll get the next round in.’
Before I can stop her she’s off. I search for a copy of The Handmaid’s Tale online but once you factor in postage it’s the price of a couple of packed lunches. If I can’t get a second-hand copy, I’ll join the library over in Crinkly.
‘Here you go, book buddy!’ she says, plonking another beer down in front of me with enough enthusiasm the white foam sloshes over the top.
Something about going out and being in Janey’s company has really spurred me on. I’ve found an advert for a bookkeeper position at a vet’s practice in Crinkly, which is the next village along to ours. Rather than request the application form by email, I decided to drive over and ask for one. Otis could do with a worming tablet and I thought it would be better to meet the staff in person, just to prove I don’t have two heads or anything. I’ve been out of work so long that any employer worth their salt is bound to think there’s something wrong with me.
Inside, it’s quite dark and dingy. The tall reception desk is panelled in worn, dark wood. There’s an empty chair behind it. Otis starts to whimper and tug me back towards the door – he’s not a fan of the vet’s and the distinctive smell must be prompting some unpleasant memories. I crouch down as best I can whilst balancing Henry, and stroke his head until he calms a little. Still, nobody appears and I don’t want to knock on the door that says: ‘Consultation Room’. For all I know, the vet could be in there telling someone their beloved pet is dead so I should wait. On the other hand, I could be here hours. The decaying remains of Otis and me could go undiscovered for years. There’s an advert for the job on the practice’s noticeboard that says, ‘Ask at reception for an application form.’ Brilliant!
After five long minutes, I go to leave but the door creaks open behind me. It’s the one to the consultation room.
A tall man appears. He’s on a cordless phone and doesn’t seem to have noticed me so I sit patiently.
‘Yes, Mrs Pearson, the last time you attended was the seventh. Let me just check that for you.’ He balances the phone between his ear and his shoulder before walking behind the reception desk where he starts clicking on the computer.
‘Was it cash you thought you’d paid? Hang on, Carly keeps a paper record. I’m just going to put you on hold.’
He starts to flick through a paper file on the desk. Two deep lines form between his eyebrows.
‘Buggering bugger.’ He slams the file down. ‘For God’s sake.’
I shrink down into the chair hoping he doesn’t notice me, and for once Henry rests quietly against me.
The man turns his attention back to the computer and starts clicking away. ‘Bloody hell.’
He eventually picks his phone back up. ‘Mrs Pearson, I’ll need to double-check with Carly but I think you’re up to date. Don’t worry. You too.’
He hangs up his phone and slumps in the swivel chair, letting out a sigh that sounds like a slowly deflating hot air balloon. I don’t really know what to do. He’s never going to give me a job now I’ve just witnessed his outburst; he’ll be too embarrassed to ever want to see me again. I sit silently, hoping he goes back in the other room without spotting me.
Then his eyes lock on mine. I freeze, like it helps with invisibility or something.
‘Oh, Jesus. I’m so sorry. Can I help you at all?’ he asks, rising to his feet and smoothing down his trousers.
I look away, feeling more than a little awkward but Otis yanks on the lead, desperate to get over to the man for a head pat and before I know it, I’m about a foot away looking up into his mesmerising blue eyes.
‘Hi,’ I say, plastering on a smile whilst wrestling the lead. ‘Sorry, he gets excited.’ The vet crouches down and fusses Otis, who, in turn, wags his tail in a state of euphoric glee. Honestly, you would think he was neglected.
‘I’m Edward and I’m afraid I don’t cope well with chaos.’ When he’s not cursing, his voice is less harsh. It’s richer, deeper and much more smooth. He’s wearing tweed. Lots of tweed and looks like he’s wandered off the set of All Creatures Great and Small. Despite that, I can tell he’s a similar
