Chapter 8
M was sitting staring at her Anniversary photograph again when Joanna walked downstairs after taking her luggage up.
"Mum, you alright."
"Yes love."
" I remember when that picture was taken." Joanna said, sitting down beside her.
"Happier times." M replied.
"Quite."
Bill walked up the steps to M's house and knocked a few times.
"Who on earth could that be." M asked, getting to her feet.
"No Mum, you stay there. I'll get it."
Joanna got up from the sofa and made her way to the door to answer it. When she opened the door she was greeted by Bill.
"Bill, hey." She said, hugging him.
"Hello Joanna, how are you."
"I've been better."
"I'm sorry about your Father."
"Thank you. Come on in, Mum's in the sittingroom."
Bill closed the door behind him and followed Joanna through. He saw M holding the photo of her and David and how sad she looked.
"Take a seat Bill. Would you like a tea or coffee."
"I wouldn't mind a coffee, thanks Joanna."
"Mum."
"Nothing for me love." M smiled.
Joanna went through to the kitchen, leaving M and Tanner alone.
"How are you Ma'am."
"I'm alright. How's the office."
"I'm not here to talk shop. I'm here as a friend."
"Thanks Bill." She smiled.
"So, how are you really holding up."
"I miss him Bill. It's so lonely at night without him there."
"It will get easier over time."
"We're going to start funeral arrangements tomorrow. Joanna's here and James has offered to help too."
"Well that's good and if you need any extra assisstance, just ask."
"Bill can I ask you something."
"Yes ofcourse."
"Why were you so cold towards James this morning."
"I'm sorry Ma'am."
"I'm not blind Bill, I saw the way you were with him."
"I just think it was inappropriate of him to stay over here last night."
"I asked him too, I couldn't face being on my own. Look, he didn't try anything. I'm not his type anyway."
Bill's started fiddling with his hands which didn't go unnoticed by M.
"What is it." M asked.
"What Ma'am."
"You look anxious."
"No I don't."
"Oh, yes you do."
"Look, he cares about you."
"I know he does. You all do."
"More that you realise I mean and whilst he wouldn't dream of trying anything right now, does not mean he wouldn't in the future."
"Did he tell you that or are you just jumping to conclusions."
"He told me but don't let on that I said anything."
"Don't worry Bill, I won't drop you in it, not directly anyway."
"Right now, all he wants is to help you through this awful time, just let him."
"I will." She smiled.
Joanna came through with the coffee's and sat them down on the table.
"Sorry it took so long. The kettle over flowed."
"Not to worry love. Look you two, I could do with a lie down. Why don't you to go for a walk or something, catch up."
"The sounds like a good idea." Bill said.
"Okay, I'll just go grab my jacket."
"Maybe we could go and get some dinner too, if you want too."
"I'd love too, lets go." She smiled.
M waved them off and walked back inside and dialled James number.
To Be Continued…
