Page 36 of The Second Chance Supper Club

Just as she thought Adam might well be staying with her for a good while, he announced that he was heading off back down to Leeds ‘for a bit’.

After all that had recently happened, the decisions made, Cath wondered if he had been talking with his dad.

Perhaps they’d had an open father-son chat, and that was a good thing.

Apparently, he’d already booked a train ticket, one way, for the next day, Saturday.

It was all sorted. ‘Yep, Dad’s given me the okay to stay with him.

Apparently, he’s in some new rented flat.

’ So, they had been in touch. At least all three of them were communicating at last.

‘I’m not quite sure how I feel about living with him in his poky new place, though – I Google mapped it,’ he gave a wry grin.

‘But hey, I haven’t got many options, right now.

And,’ he added, raising his eyebrows, ‘who the hell knows what’s going on with Steph, lately?

Anyhow, I’ve been doing a bit of thinking myself, and I’ve realised there’s more chance getting a job Leeds way, and it’ll be easier to get to interviews around the country from there, too. ’

‘Yes, of course.’ Cath gave a supportive smile. Something must have sunk in at last, workwise, and he’d evidently realised he’d lounged about for long enough.

‘And, I’m missing my mates … the buzz of city life. It’s been cool here, thanks for letting me stay. Hope you’re not too disappointed or anything?’

It would, in all honesty, be sad to see him go again, especially after their recent heart-to-heart, but the thought that her ‘old’ new life might be back, gave Cath a lift.

There was in fact a mini happy dance going on inside, which Cath felt a bit guilty about.

She’d so appreciate her quiet cottage haven this time round, too. Peace, space … her own place.

‘No, that’s fine, son. You go, see your mates again, make your life.

It makes sense to go back to Leeds. Go for it …

And best of luck with the job hunting. I do love it here, but it is a bit like the back of beyond for you young ones, I understand that.

’ ‘And you’ll be okay now, Mum?’ His eyes were caring, thoughtful.

‘Yeah, yeah, ’course I will. We can chat on the phone. And hey, you can visit whenever you like. I’d like you to think of this as your home, too.’ And she meant it. Having him come to stay again, even with the mess and noise that came with him, would be a joy.

Another seismic shift was coming. Her life felt like it was happening in waves just now. Rolling on, and then on again, each time taking her somewhere new, altering things.

He was at her threshold, his canvas travel bag to hand. And the big emotional lump in her throat was back once more.

The farewell drive to Alnmouth station for the CrossCountry train to Leeds – where Trevor would be picking him up – started fairly quietly, both lost in their own thoughts.

Then with ten minutes to spare they began chatting, easy-going banter, realising that time was short.

Parking up. The wait on the platform. His heartfelt thank you for looking after him.

The ding-dong voice of the arrival announcement.

The train gliding in along the tracks, pulling to a halt. Time to move on.

‘Come back any time, love.’ And she really did mean it. ‘Will do. Love you, Mum.’ And he took her in a big bear hug.

‘Aw, love you, too.’ The platform had emptied, the guard ready with her whistle and baton. ‘Go, get on, or it’ll be going without you.’ Her chest felt tight at his leaving.

He boarded. Swallowed by the train. Then she spotted him waving at a window. She stood watching him go, waving back, the carriage disappearing into the distance. Time for Adam’s new chapter. Take care, my love.

Having her son with her always warmed her, it was the permanent living status that had been the concern of late. Her small cottage hadn’t quite been big enough for the both of them, but her heart always was.