Riverside by Glenda Young

Ruby’s aunts are planning a move to Ryemouth!

HOW did it go with George’s sister?” Ruby asked Mary. They were sitting in their favourite seat in the Old Engine Room café, watching the river flow by. Mary shook her head. “Well, you know Doreen,” she replied. “She never has a good word to say about anything. The apartment wasn’t to her liking for a start.”

“Too high?” Ruby guessed and Mary nodded.

“She moaned that the car ride had been too long for her. Poor Jack. I don’t know how he puts up with her.

“Susan didn’t know what to do when Doreen asked if the baby was too warm or too cold and demanded to know whether she was feeding her properly. I had to bite my tongue, Ruby.”

“I wouldn’t have,” Ruby asserted.

“She’s always been the same. I’m just pleased we don’t have to see her that often.

“Mind you, the baby soon quietened down when she was in Doreen’s arms. George couldn’t believe his sister could have a calming effect on anyone.”

“Well, at least you don’t have to see her again for a few months,” Ruby replied.

Mary raised her cup of frothy coffee.

“I’ll drink to that!” she said. “It’s true what they say, isn’t it? You can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family.”

“Speaking of which,” Ruby began, “I’m expecting Beryl and Pearl today. They’re coming up to stay with me over Easter.”

At the mention of Ruby’s aunts, Mary smiled.

“Are they both well?” she asked.

Ruby nodded. “Never better. But Beryl says she’s getting itchy feet and fancies a move – all the way up here to Ryemouth, in fact.”

“After all those years of living in London?” Mary was surprised to hear this. “I thought she was keeping her distance after she turned down Bob Lewin’s proposal the other week?”

Ruby took a long sip of her coffee.

“Well, she and Pearl seem set on the move. They’ve asked me to keep an eye out for properties that I think they might like.”

“There’s one upstairs coming up for sale,” Mary said, her voice lowered.

“In the apartment complex?” Ruby asked, surprised. “Nothing’s come through on my e-mail from the estate agent’s.”

Mary leaned across the table to her friend to be sure that they wouldn’t be overheard.

“Jenny’s leaving.” “No!” Ruby cried.

A few heads turned towards her from around the café, but Ruby just politely smiled back.

“What’s going on?” she whispered.

Mary nodded towards Ruby’s almost-empty coffee cup.

“We’re going to need another cuppa,” she said. “There’s a lot to tell.”

Over their second coffee, this time with a slice of Mike’s Easter chocolate tart, Mary confided in Ruby.

She told her how Jenny had called round to see her and George the night before and revealed she was going to sell up and move away to live with Eric and his mum.

“She’s never thinking of taking Eric back, is she?” Ruby whispered. “After all that fraud business at work? And losing all their savings in the internet scam?” Mary nodded.

“She’s putting the flat on the market today.”

Just then, an estate agent’s van pulled up outside and a man carrying a For Sale board made his way to the main entrance of the apartment complex.

“Looks like she’s not letting the grass grow under her feet,” Mary commented.

“It might be the perfect place for Beryl and Pearl,” Ruby said, mulling over the idea.

She glanced out of the window to the van and pulled her phone from her bag.

“If I get in quick, I might be able to book them a viewing for later today.”

Mary watched as Ruby started chatting to the estate agent at the other end of the phone.

“Yes, that’s right,” Ruby said, smiling at Mary as she spoke. “The Ryemouth riverside apartments. Three bedrooms, did you say? And the price? Yes, that sounds within budget . . .”

Ruby chatted on, scribbling notes on a pad as she spoke, but then suddenly her face fell.

“What did you say?” she asked. “How can that be? The man’s just arrived this very minute with the

sign. Are you sure?” Mary watched, eager to know what was going on. Ruby raised her eyes to meet her friend’s.

“Yes, thanks for letting me know,” Ruby said finally then hung up on the call.

“I don’t believe it,” she said.

“Whatever’s the matter?” Mary asked.

“Someone’s already put in an offer for the flat without seeing it. They’re coming to view it this afternoon.”

“Oh, that’s a shame,” Mary said. “But there’s plenty of other houses around here for sale. I’m sure you’ll find your aunts something.”

“No, Mary,” said Ruby. “You don’t understand. The estate agent said that the offer on the flat has come from a Mr and Mrs Peterson.”

Mary’s blood ran cold. “Not Doreen and Jack?” Ruby nodded.

“I’m afraid you might be seeing George’s sister again sooner than you thought.”

More next week.