Page 35 of The Second Chance Supper Club

Cath felt like some company the next morning. With still a week to go to the next supper club, she felt rather strange and at a loose end. Seeing Trevor in person again and his message last night had fired up all kinds of emotions, and so had her bike ride with Will – though that one she’d keep to herself. She also realised she was missing her old friendship group – that camaraderie, having someone to chat things over with. She had Nikki’s number. Hmm, she had a feeling she’d be easy to talk with and someone on her side, so she fired over a quick text:

Don’t suppose you fancy going for a walk with me some time? Could be followed by a coffee or a quick drink in the pub. x

A reply soon came back:

Hah, what kind of a walk are we talking? Be warned I’m no hiker. x

Followed by: Am pretty full on with work most days, but might be able get away for a short walk after school-pick up time – if I have a bit of notice to organise the boys.

And then: Can deffo fit in a Prosecco at the pub, sometime though! x

Cath sent back: Not too far. Short walk in the hills perhaps. Be nice to have some company. And yes, be good to have a quick drink afterwards. x

Nikki: You okay, hun? How did things go with Trevor after that supper night? X

A text was no place to open her heart nor let down her guard. Cath’s answer was brief: Okay. Let’s chat some more when we see each other. x

An hour or so later, and Nikki had got herself sorted. They settled on the next day, when Nikki’s Hamish had rugby training and Angus was already going back to a mate’s house for tea. There had only been her youngest Scott left to sort, and Granny had jumped in to pick him up from school. That would give them an hour for a walk, plus time for a quick drink afterwards.

Perfect, Cath had replied, delighted that Nikki was open to meeting her outside of the supper club. She was already looking forward to it. Cath felt that this was the friendship she should be nurturing. A far safer friendship zone.

Chapter 23

Cath pulled up outside Nikki’s house, her walking boots at the ready in the rear footwell.

She waited a short while, and just as she was wondering whether to get out and knock the door, Nikki appeared in jeans and trainers, pulling on a lightweight rain jacket, with a hang-dog look.

‘Hey, I can’t believe I said I’d be up for this … after a full day’s work an’ all,’ Nikki was muttering, as she opened the car door. But she also had a smile for Cath, too.

‘Afternoon, Nikki,’ Cath was full of cheer.

‘I’m no walker,’ Nikki continued as she got in. ‘I do enough exercise all day. I’m only doing this for you, you know. So … where are we heading?’

‘Homildon Hill. It’s not too far away. I know you’re pushed for time.’

‘Ah, I knew it. A bloody hill … up in the moors too, that one. You’ve got me going off hiking, haven’t you? I’ve only got trainers, mind. Don’t possess hiking boots … on purpose.’ Nikki had seemingly reverted to stroppy teenager mode.

Cath had to laugh. ‘That’ll not get you out of it.’ She grinned, as she pulled the Mini into gear and they set off. ‘You’ll be fine up there in trainers. It’s been pretty dry lately.’ ‘Hah, I could be at home with my feet up and a nice cuppa.

I’ve got no boys in the house, and Kev’s still out on a job.’ She was shaking her head, but her smile gave away that she wasn’t overly bothered. Nikki loved a bit of drama and was enjoying her theatrical moan.

After a ten-minute drive, they were pulling up into the car parking area above Kirkton in the Cheviot Hills.

Cath then swapped her shoes, lacing up the hiking boots with a flourish.‘Ready?’

‘As ready as I ever will be … I suppose.’ Nikki was still pulling a face.

And they were off. Walking and talking as they went. It was a dry, fresh afternoon. The walk started gently along a mud track, then up through a small pine-tree wood.

Nikki reckoned she was ‘puffed out’ by the top of that. Hah, they were still near the start. They reached a wooden gate which opened out onto rugged, beautiful moorland. Bracken adorned the slopes, bold and tall with its lacy summer fronds of rich green, and in between there were patches of sheep-grazed, short stubby grass. A hoot from a pheasant echoed through the valley. The path wound on … and up.

Pausing for a moment, to look at the view and catch her breath, Nikki asked, ‘So what was going on that day, with Trevor, your ex, turning up?’

Cath slowed too, taking in the rise and falls of the hills around them, the landscape softening as it rolled towards the coast. The indigo-blue of the North Sea away on the horizon. She took a breath, then said, ‘Yeah, Trev turning up like that, that hit me right out of the blue. I had no idea … he’d not phoned or anything. It was all a bit weird. We’re meant to be split, over, done and dusted – except for dealing with our son – and suddenly there he was talking about missing me.’

‘So, what went on between you? Before … ?’ Nikki prompted gently.

‘It’s been awful to be honest, Nikki. These past couple of years have been such a dark, tough place. Things began to feel all wrong at home … and then, finding out about his girlfriend, it all began to make sense, in the most dreadful way.’ ‘Oh, I’m so sorry, Cath. I knew you must have had a hard time, whatever had happened before you moved up here. But that sounds pretty damned heartless.’