Page 38 of The Second Chance Supper Club

‘Well, Shirley, it’s just me and you for now. Shall we take a little walk and fetch your things?’

After being dropped off, Cath had quickly sorted out her beach garb. She decided to go across to the lads’ flat next, to find the dog’s bed, her food, and perhaps a toy or two to keep her entertained.

The duo let themselves in, and headed up the wooden stair-case to the apartment above the shop.

Shirley began skipping up the steps and barking animatedly, no doubt eager to see her owners there.

Sadly, the terrier was going to be disappointed.

It felt a bit strange letting herself into someone’s home.

Cath tried not to snoop too much, just taking in the décor en route to finding the pet essentials.

The stairs opened out onto a landing area, passing a small cosy lounge with an olive-green velvet sofa and a green-and-navy William Morris–style patterned armchair.

She moved on to find a white-painted kitchen-diner, where she hoped the pet things might be. It was all extremely neat and tidy.

Cath, being organised, had brought a couple of sturdy bags with her.

In the kitchen, she discovered the terrier’s bed – a snug grey-towelling affair.

In the cupboard above that, she took out six little pouches of pet food and a pack of dog treats.

Shirley looked at her hopefully, then rather confused, as her doggie items got stashed away into the bags.

‘Sorry, Shirley. But we’re heading back to mine. We’ll get you set up there. Your dads won’t be too long, I’m sure.’ She was talking to a terrier, but hey-ho. She’d always liked dogs, and well, needs must. She was hoping a calm tone would reassure the pooch.

As Cath turned to leave the flat, the dog dug her paws in, locking her legs in protest. She was going nowhere.

‘Come on. It’s not my fault. We don’t have a lot of choice in the matter.’ Cath tugged gently on the lead and waited. Shirley glared at her and gave an indignant bark.

One more tug, and a ‘Good girl’ with the promise of a biscuit and the dog reluctantly started a slow move in Cath’s direction.

‘That’s it, well done.’ And they were off, making a slow trot back down the stairs.

Cath carefully replacing the door key in its hidey-hole, and heading back over the road and along the lane to her cottage.

She was soon setting up the dog-bed in her kitchen.

‘So, this is your home for this evening …’ Cath gave Shirley a chew, hoping the treat and the new location would feel homely at least. ‘We’ll do your supper in a while.

’ It was still only four o’clock after all.

The dog’s ears pricked right up then and she gave a little yap.

Did she understand all that? ‘Oh, and I’ll get some water for you. ’

Darn, she’d forgotten to pick up the dog’s water or food bowls, so quickly found a cereal bowl in the cupboard and filled it from the cold tap. After sniffing at the water, Shirley headed for the back door and proceeded to scratch, giving another bark.

‘Ah, okay.’ Hmm, it could well be toilet time.

Cath would have to brace herself for the inevitable poo pick.

Luckily, her back garden was pretty secure, so she could let Madam Shirley have a little wander out there whenever she needed.

She watched her meander onto the grass, do a little swirl and settle to her business.

Cath gave her some privacy, her eyes now drawn to the summerhouse shed at the top of the bank.

She’d spent so long getting that ready for the very first supper club back in May.

That first big step, having people around to her new home.

How far the group had come in just a few weeks.

Andreas and Dan, Nikki, Lily, Will … these people really were her friends.

She so enjoyed their company, and right now she wanted to do her best to support them too.

After her supper, there was a phone call from the lads with an update.

Maria was stable, but with the hospital being almost an hour away, they were going to stay down there to be on hand overnight.

Dan explained that initially she’d been given some meds for the pain and then had her arm placed in a support, after X-rays showed that she’d broken her wrist. She was comfortable, and had now been given a bed on the ward.

She was due to have an operation first thing in the morning.

‘Oh, bless, I hope it all goes well for her. And you, how are you both doing?’

‘Not bad. It’s all a worry for sure, but we’re bearing up,’ Dan said. ‘Andreas is concerned about her having a general anaesthetic, but there really is no other option.’

‘Well, all take care. I’ll be thinking of you. And let me know if I can do anything.’

‘Thanks, lovely. Oh, and how’s Shirley coping? Okay? She’s not being a madam for you, is she?’

‘Shirley’s fine. Well, she was bit put out at first naturally, was reluctant to leave your place when I went for her things, but she’s coming around nicely. She’s sat with me here on the settee now.’

‘Oh, she’ll love that. She likes watching Coronation Street , by the way.’

‘You’re kidding.’

‘No, she loves the start, especially. Always barks at the cat.’ ‘Hah.’ Even in such difficult times, Dan could make her chuckle, bless him.

‘Well, you take care. Send my best wishes to Maria. And if there’s anything else you need me to do, just shout. I could open up the shop, give you a hand there, whatever … Just ask. And oh, give Andreas a big hug from me.’

‘I will do. Thank you, my lovely.’

‘You’re very welcome.’

Cath put down the phone, and gave Shirley a gentle rub. Poor Andreas, it was such a worry as your parents got older. With time marching on, making them frailer each year, each month …

Memories of her own mother filled her mind, and her final difficult days at the hospice.

Holding her frail hand, trying to be brave for her, when the little girl inside was desperate to cry, to cling on, to beg for a bit more time.

But all you could do was your best. There was no stopping the tide of time, and finally the inevitability of death.

And at the end, it was all about love … about being there with them, and trying to let your loved ones go as peacefully as possible.

To be able to say, ‘It’s okay, Mum, I’m here.

It’s all right’, when your whole world feels like it’s starting to crumble and quake around you.

Cath wiped a tear from her eye. Blimey, that was over four years ago, and yet it still felt as raw as if it was yesterday.

She sniffed loudly. ‘Oh, Shirley. I’m sure they’ll be fine,’ she muttered, giving the dog a little pat for good measure. The terrier snuggled in a little closer, both providing comfort to the other.

‘Well, then, I suppose I’d better find out what time Coro ’s on.’