Page 14

April 2024

Caz’s phone rang. She pushed the trolley with her feet and came out from under a Ford Focus. The blue overalls that should have been covering her arms and torso were casually rolled down to her waist, the arms tied across her stomach, oil drips all down her clothing.

Before she jumped up, Frank handed her the phone.

“Cheers.” She smiled at him, before hitting the answer button. “Hello.”

“Hey, it’s me…listen, there’s a house literally just about to go on the market I think is perfect for us. Pete called from the Woodington office and gave me the heads up. I’ve just got back and it is…perfect.” She barely paused for breath and Caz had to smile at her excitement. “Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, large kitchen, dining room, and lounge, with a small garden and parking for two. It’s in Banbury Hollow. Can you go and look at it?”

“I thought we were looking at Amberfield?” Caz checked her watch. “Grace, you know I’m working till four. I can whizz over then, I suppose.”

“Great, I’ll add you to the diary and have Pete meet you there.”

“How much is it?” Caz asked, pushing herself up onto her feet and strolling over to the bench where a half-empty can of Coke stood going flat.

There was silence for a moment and she swigged the drink, grimacing, but going back for seconds.

“Grace, how much?” She wiped her mouth against the back of her hand and inadvertently smeared grease across her chin.

“Okay, hear me out. It’s over our budget, but I really think we could—”

“Grace?”

“Three seven five,” Grace said, and Caz could imagine her wincing with every word uttered.

“Three hundred and seventy-five thousand of our British pounds?” Caz exclaimed with just an edge of incredulity to her voice. “Babe, we worked this out. With mine and your savings, plus our earnings, we can just about scrape three fifty.”

“I know, but they’re eager to sell and I’m pretty sure they’d take an offer, and Dad said he wants to give us ten grand as a wedding gift.”

“What? We’re not getting married for another year.”

“I know…but he’s happy for us and he wants to help, so…can you?”

“Can I what?”

“Go and look at it,” Grace said impatiently. “And if you like it, tell Pete you want to make an offer and go in with three thirty-five.”

“That’s nowhere near the asking price.”

“Of course not, but we’re not going in with everything we have, there’s a negotiation to be done.”

“Just feels mean,” Caz said, scratching her head before wiping her hands down the front of her white vest.

Frank looked at her and shook his head. She shrugged.

“Right, fine. I will go and take a look after I’ve been home for a shower.”

“That’s all I ask,” Grace said sweetly. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. What time will you be home later? I’ll come over.”

“Finishing at seven.”

“Great, I’ll pick up something for dinner then.” She glanced around and found Dani staring at her, with Ron stood right there too. “Okay, baby, can’t wait to get off…I mean, finish, and see you.”

“Who’s there? Is it Dad?”

“Uh-huh. So, I’ll catch you later, yep, okay…yes, love you, too, bye.” Caz closed the phone before Grace’s laughter became so loud the entire building heard her.