The next morning Vera searched the fridge and cupboards for something half decent to make for breakfast. She hadn't expected a guest and was almost cursing herself for her lack of organisation when it came to a food shop. She sniffed certain items from the fridge before discarding them.
A figure appeared at the kitchen door.
"Good morning" Vera smiled. "Did you sleep OK".
"Yes thanks, I think it's the country air, I have never slept so well".
Vera put the kettle on. "I was going to make us breakfast you're not vegetarian are you".
Molly smiled "No, I wouldn't last without a bacon butty".
"Oh tell me about it". Vera answered as glanced into the empty bread bin. She shut the cupboards "I know a man with a van that makes the best bacon butty, get your coat pet".
As they sat at a small plastic table eating their sandwiches Vera smiled. "I hope you don't go back down south telling people all I do is eat from vans".
"Al Fresco". Molly stated
Vera looked confused as she watched Molly take a bite.
She wiped sauce from her mouth "It's outside dining, Vera". She smiled.
Vera nodded in agreement "Al Fresco. Sounds better than not being bothered to cook I suppose".
Molly laughed "I love Al Fresco".
Vera turned towards her "How about I take you somewhere nice for dinner. There's a lovely little Indian not too far away, if you like, no pressure".
"Sounds lovely". Molly replied.
Vera smiled as she started the engine and pulled away from the small car park.
Vera didn't really know where she was driving to. "Anywhere in particular you would like to go" she asked.
Molly nodded "Not really".
"What do you normally do when you are at home". She asked hoping she would get a clue as to what to do until dinner time.
"Shopping I suppose, are there any nice shops around here".
"Oh aye" Vera answered as she made a u turn and followed the signs into town.
Vera wasn't a lover of the shops, especially at weekends. She always tended to avoid them unless it was absolutely necessary. The bright lights in department stores gave her hot flushes and getting her legs bashed by pushchairs only added to the pain.
She followed Molly around the shops and would occasionally have a sneak peak at the price tags on some of the items in the shops.
"This would look well on you". Molly stated as she lifted a top.
"Not really my thing". Vera smiled "Shopping I mean."
Molly looked disappointed "Oh you should have said, we could have done something else".
Vera laughed "No, you knock yourself out pet, I should give it a chance".
"Give it here". Vera took the top from Molly and eyed it. She could see the look on Molly's face so decided she would make the purchase.
"They have nail varnish over there" Molly began
"Don't push it". Vera answered as she made her way to the till.
Later that evening they arrived at the restaurant. Vera wore her new top and felt slightly uncomfortable as it wasn't the typical dowdy top she was used to. Molly had to reassure her before leaving the house that it suited her, which it did.
They sat at the table and began reading through the menu. Molly was a slim young lady and was dressed in a colourful top and skinny jeans. Vera remembered herself at that age and how slender she was then. She thought Molly had a weight battle coming to her within the next decade if her genes were anything to go by.
They sat throughout the meal and made polite conversation. Vera insisted on driving so only had the one drink while Molly polished off the bottle of Merlot.
As the bill was paid they made their way out of the restaurant and decided to go for a night cap in the local pub so Vera could join her in a few drinks. As they stepped out of the restaurant Vera heard her name being called. She turned around and noticed Kenny and a woman slightly younger than himself.
"What are you doing here on a school night" Kenny asked as he eyed up Molly.
Vera gave a nervous smile "Oh you know, thought I might as well make the most of a Sunday night, nothing good on TV".
Kenny nodded as he looked at Molly, waiting for an introduction.
"Well I'll let you get on, enjoy your night". Vera answered as she gave Molly's arm a gentle push. She didn't want to have to make introductions and explain the situation and the middle of a doorway certainly wasn't the place.
"Yeah you too", Kenny replied "Oh great news about Joe". He stated
Vera turned to face his as she stood on the street. "What news"
"Promotion. It will certainly keep his missus happy for a while".
Vera nodded and smiled "Oh aye, aye".
Joe had been offered promotions in the past but she thought the offer was satisfying enough for him. He never contemplated taking them and she was adamant this time was no different.
She drove herself and Molly back to the village and went into the local. They sat by the open fire and warmed their hands while they were waiting for their drinks.
"So what time will you be setting off tomorrow". Vera asked.
The bar lady placed their glasses on the table and Vera thanked her.
"Oh I expect I will be leaving as early as I can. It's a long drive and I want to get home before it's dark".
Vera took a sip from her drink "Will you come up and visit us again".
Molly gave a nervous grin "If I am welcome".
"You are always welcome".
"I start a new project on Tuesday so I will be busy for the next few weeks, but after that perhaps we can arrange another trip".
"Well you have my number and my e-mail". Vera stated "And I have yours, so lets not leave it so long. You can stay at the cottage tonight, the offer is there, no pressure like"
"Why not it will save the faff in the morning of coming to get my car".
The next morning Vera cooked omelette as a farewell breakfast as eggs were the only suitable breakfast ingredients she had in the house.
Vera walked Molly to her car shortly after 8am.
"It was lovely meeting you, I really enjoyed my weekend".
Vera smiled, she could feel her eyes well up. "That's ok pet, thank you for coming all this way".
She was unsure whether or not to put her hand out for an handshake or give her a cuddle. She would prefer the latter but didn't want to scare her away.
She opted for the handshake and Molly accepted before getting into her car.
Vera watched her disappear down the drive and immediately regretted the handshake.
Joe arrived at the office and was greeted by Kenny.
"She not in yet" Joe asked as he noticed the unoccupied office.
"Not yet, I saw her in town last night with some girl, pretty little thing. She looked like she couldn't get away quick enough. Who do you reckon she was".
Joe shrugged "How should I know, perhaps a niece".
"Isn't she an only child". Kenny turned in his chair to face Joe.
"I don't keep tabs on who she goes out with Kenny, besides I have to tell her about the promotion".
"You mean you haven't told her"
Joe shook his head "She has no idea".
Kenny bit nervously on his bottom lip "Oh I may have let the cat out of the bag".
Joe looked confused "What do you mean".
"I said to her last night about what good news it was". Kenny began.
"Oh tell me you are joking, I haven't told her yet".
"She didn't seem bothered". Kenny replied as Vera walked into the office.
"Morning you two". She smiled as she walked past them.
She turned on her computer and began flicking through files on her desk.
Joe entered "Do you have a minute".
Vera signaled for him to sit down.
He shut the door and sat opposite her.
He stuttered nervously "Ehm I though I should tell you, I have been offered the promotion".
Vera began typing on her computer and didn't look up. "I know" she smiled.
"I thought you would be mad".
Vera stopped typing. "Why would I be mad. You have been offered jobs before".
Joe caught her gaze. "But I have accepted this one".
Vera stopped typing and swivelled around in her chair so she was facing him.
"What are you saying". She asked.
Joe nervously fumbled in the inside pocket of his jacket and retrieved an envelope. "I couldn't have asked for a better boss. You understand, don't you".
He placed the envelope on the desk.
"What's this". Vera asked although she knew the answer.
"My months notice. Look Vera the kids are getting older we just want the best for them I need this promotion".
Vera nodded in agreement and smiled at him. "Well done pet, you deserve it".
Joe stood up not expecting that response and returned to his desk.
As he left Vera picked up the envelope and read the contents. She threw it to the side like a child in a temper and clenching her hand into a fist she hit the keyboard as hard as she could.
