“What in God’s name is that awful racket?” Nan blasted, marching to the back door and stalking outside.
I could not stop myself from laughing when I saw Joe pacing up and down the lawn at speed using the latest high tech electrical mower. Nan walked over to the plug and yanked it out of the socket and cut the noise instantly.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing? What have you done with my old mower?” She barked accusingly at Joe.
“Nothing.” Joe shrugged innocently. “It’s still sitting in your shed if you ever want to use it again. I thought this new model might be more suitable for a keen gardener like yourself.” He smiled and proceeded to reel off all the advantages of the electronic mower and why she should use it.
“However, if you really hate it I can always take it back to the shop. I did buy it for you as a gift from me to say thank you for raising such a beautiful Granddaughter, but I’d hate to insult you.”
Man was he smooth, Nan’s face looked a picture and she was tied up in knots.
“No! Don’t take it back. I suppose I could use it from time to time.” She was trying to act nonchalant and doing a hideous job. I could so tell she wanted to take over the mowing and have a go at using her new toy.
“I was going to buy an automatic mower but I figured with a garden as spectacular as yours, you enjoyed mowing it yourself.”
Nan smiled and nodded to herself, desperately trying to hide how impressed she was right now.
“Oh and I brought a new strimmer, some electronic weed killer thing and a garden vacuum too. They’re in the back of my car. Once I’m done here I’ll give those a try then pack them all into your shed for you.” His smile was so infectious I couldn’t hide my own grin.
“Looks like Joe has it all under control Nan, why don’t we get some dinner ready?”
“Hmm…” she said backing away from the garden hesitantly then she turned her back on Joe and winked at me.
“I like this one. He reminds me of your Granddad.” She sucked air through her teeth and let out a ‘woo’ sound. Nan never failed to confuse me and keep me on my toes.
“I’m glad you like him, but how on earth is Joe like Granddad? Granddad was quiet and gentle. That’s so not Joe.”
“He might have been quiet and gentle with you Ella, but he was all man to me, a real alpha male. He was an animal.”
“Oh God way too much information Nan, I don’t want to think of Granddad like that, it’s gross.”
“Don’t ask the question if you don’t want to hear the answer.” She snipped and I tried to change the subject to a safer topic.
“So how’s Simon? Have you seen him much?”
“He pops round from time to time, he always asks about you Ella.” I grimaced.
“Don’t worry, he’s got a new girlfriend. I think she’s called Rebecca or Becca something like that. She’s not a patch on you though.” Nan said proudly.
“Of course not, no one is!” Joe’s voice sounded from the doorway.
“Exactly, my Granddaughter is a good catch.” Nan sniffed.
“She is indeed. I don’t think Simon was too impressed to see me earlier when I went into the village.” Joe looked satisfied with this fact as he smirked across at me. My stomach hit the floor with dread.
“You saw Simon? Did he speak to you?” I prayed he’d say no.
“No he didn’t he crossed the road and walked off in the opposite direction, but not before he’d stopped, shook his head at me and growled something inaudible my way. I don’t think he likes me, I can’t for the life of me think why though.” He mused giving me a cheeky grin.
I went over to where Joe stood at the door and gave him a playful nudge in the ribs. I could just imagine how much he loved a stand-off with Simon on the village high street.
“Maybe we should invite Simon over for dinner tonight? He’d love to see you Ella.” Nan raised an eyebrow at me. She knew exactly what she was doing, she loved drama.
“Over my dead body.” I replied, and both Nan and Joe laughed.
“Spoilsport!” Nan chuckled.
30