The Affectionate Player - Part1 (Editing Chapters 32-34)

Chapter 14

Granny Mac

Mum and I sit in the tea room on Main Street having ordered freshly baked scones and tea. Spreading the creamy butter it slowly melts and my mouth waters in anticipation of its first taste. We've come here every day for the last week, the obvious outcome being that my jeans are a little tighter but regardless of that I'm beginning to feel settled in the village I grew up in.

"I want you to meet someone, Gracie."

"Mum, how many more times do I have to say this?" Pouring from the pot into the classic flowery china I throw her a look of distaste. "I don't want to be introduced to anyone right now, so stop with your matchmaking."

"It's a mother's prerogative to worry about her babies, love. I don't want you ending up on your own." Pausing she places her hand over mine, her sincerity unmistakable. "That husband of yours should have looked after you better and I'll tell you something for nothing," she overstates. "If daddy ever comes across Andy again, donnae expect him to hold his tongue. He'll tell you himself when he gets here."

"Mum, I'm happier on my own. And he's not my husband."

"OK," she sighs reluctantly, popping some shortbread in her mouth. "I won't talk about him anymore."

"Thank you."

"But there's something clearly annoying you, Gracie Campbell. You've been prickly for days." She's right, of course. Aren't they always; mothers? Rolling my eyes I sip my tea.

"Oh, here they are! Hello, love." Mum stands to greet dad and his companion with kisses. "Gil, it's lovely to see you after all these years. It's been far too long."

Having set off at daylight to the golf course, an arrangement made weeks before my impromptu visit, my father and his friend have arrived to join us. Gil takes the empty seat beside me while dad makes his way to place their order.

"When was the last time I saw you, Jessie? It must be well over thirty years."

"Has it been that long, Gil?"

"It must be. I'm pleased to say my game has improved since then!"

"Tell me, how are your kin?" Feeling slightly tired and a little queasy owing to a surge of heat from the air con, I turn away from the conversation and opening the window behind me I'm momentarily distracted by the sudden showers that cause a few shoppers to dash for cover.

"The bairns are great. You remember my eldest Sophie? She has twin girls and is married to a fine young man, even if he is English." Gil jokes over my shoulder. "He's got one of those jobs with the government that nobody knows what it is he does. And Max, seems to be doing okay now. He's my youngest, Jessie. You havnae met him."  WTF?! My ears prick up at the siblings' names that sound so dangerously familiar.

"Chip off the old block, eh?" Mum smiles momentarily. "We read about his wife and baby. I'm so sorry. It's very sad news." Please God, it can't be...!

"It was, Jessie. But they're doing much better, now."

"That's good," mum says, tapping his knee reassuringly. "We've watched all his shows, Gil. It's exciting, isn't it?" 

"Well, it is and it isn't. He can't scratch his arse without some reporter getting wind of it but he does love it. And considering what those kids have been through, I'm very proud of them. Doesn't stop me worrying though, especially about Monty growing up without his mother. Call me old school but a man needs a woman." I sit glaring at Gil, eyes wide, mouth open.

"So what do you do, Gracie? I havenae seen you since you came to Fortrose as a bairn." Dear Lord, I feel sick.

"You've grown up lovely, lass." Still staring, I eventually find my voice.