‘Thanks,’ she murmured as they walked. ‘Sorry I’m being slow. My head’s still a bit muzzy.’
‘You’ll probably feel rubbish for a while. Wiped out. Take it steady.’ He held her arm as she wavered. ‘I’m Jason, by the way.’
‘And I’m Flo. Haven’t seen you around lately.’
‘I’ve got a job.’ Jason announced it with pride. ‘Washing up in the new Italian restaurant down the road. Sorry, do I sound smug? That’s because I am.’
She smiled. ‘That’s brilliant. Well done.’
By the time they reached the flat, Flo was perspiring and feeling light-headed again, and needed Jason’s help up the staircase.
‘This is really kind of you,’ she said as he guided her across the living room and over to the sofa. Legs wobbling, she collapsed on to it in the nick of time. Oh, the relief of sitting down.
‘No problem. Can I get you anything?’
Her mouth was like cotton wool. ‘I’d love a cup of tea. Two sugars, please.’
He was back from the kitchen thirty seconds later, holding the almost empty litre carton of milk from the fridge. ‘This has gone off, I’m afraid. It’s sour.’
‘God, sorry. Yes, I knew that.’ Life at the moment was full of too many things to remember; it was a constant battle to stay afloat. ‘I was on my way to the supermarket when I fainted.’
‘Was that the list that fell out of your handbag? There’s no way you’re up to shopping now,’ said Jason. ‘Would you like me to go to the supermarket for you?’
She hesitated. ‘I don’t want to put you out.’
‘Honestly, not a problem. Happy to help. Here.’ He passed over her handbag and Flo gave him the list she’d compiled, then opened her purse. When she paused for a second, Jason said, ‘It’s OK, I promise not to run off with your money.’
‘Don’t even say that.’ Unable to remember what she’d written down, she handed him three twenty-pound notes. ‘There, that should be enough. Thank you so much.’
‘My pleasure.’ Was he secretly wondering why she was looking so awful? If he was, he didn’t ask. Glancing at the items scribbled on the shopping list, he said, ‘I’ll be back in half an hour. You stay where you are.’
The weakness and wooziness had receded by the time the doorbell rang twenty-five minutes later. Flo buzzed him in and said, ‘Really, thanks so much for this,’ as he carried the bags past her into the kitchen.
‘Stop it. Do you have any idea how good it makes me feel, being in a position to help someone else?’ Jason was in his forties, thin and wiry, with well-muscled arms and a scar across his left temple. But his voice was gentle, his expression compassionate. ‘You helped me out. I’m just glad to have a chance to return the favour.’
As he spoke, he was efficiently unpacking the three supermarket carriers on the table. She’d pretty much run out of all the essentials, so there was fresh milk, bread, butter, eggs, coffee and tissues, along with ham, Marmite, two packets of liquorice allsorts and three bottles of Tabasco.
‘OK, all that chilli sauce isn’t for me.’ Feeling the need to explain, Flo said, ‘I work at Nairn House, and one of the residents asked me to get it for her. She likes to keep a good supply . . . oh.’
Her voice faltered as Jason took the last item out of the carrier bag and said mildly, ‘Is this for one of the residents too?’
Flo sat down at the kitchen table and felt her own heartbeat thundering in her ears. She’d compiled the shopping list during her lunch break, sitting outside in the shade with Annie and Bridget. Annie, as nosy as ever, had peered over and said, ‘Two packets of liquorice allsorts? Really?’
‘I’ve eaten most of Margot’s, so I’m replacing them. And the other bag’s for me.’
‘Didn’t think you liked liquorice allsorts,’ said Bridget.
Flo had shrugged. ‘I just fancied them for a change.’
And Annie, never backward in coming forwards, had said bluntly, ‘Oh love, you’re not pregnant, are you?’
It was a completely ridiculous question. For a couple of seconds the possibility skittered through Flo’s brain . . . They’d been careful, hadn’t they? And her period was late, but after the shock of the accident, that was only to be expected. Oh no, the prospect was too terrifying to contemplate; she shook her head rapidly, let the idea scurry away and said, ‘No, of course I’m not.’
But while she’d been adding Tabasco to the list, she’d been aware of Annie and Bridget exchanging significant glances.