Free Cherry Blossoms by Patricia Keyson

the cottage watching the news on TV, but Jay was restless.
    “ Come on then. I’ll buy you an ice cream at the hotel and you can eat it in the lounge.”
    Jay scrambled to his feet and was out the door before Cherry could switch off the TV and grab her purse.
    * * *
    “ Darius! I thought you were away. Look Mum, it’s Darius.”
    “ The conference didn’t take your interest then?” enquired Cherry feeling a bit uncomfortable.
    “ It was quite boring, Cherry. I thought I’d have more fun playing twenty-one with my mate here, so I came back.” He took a pack of cards from his pocket, shuffled and cut them elaborately and slapped them down on the table. “Ready when you are.”
    “ Do you still want that ice cream?” asked Cherry.
    “ I’d rather play cards first. Can I, Mum?”
    Cherry left them to it and sank into a deep armchair by the window. Exhausted by all the goings on of the last couple of days, Cherry closed her eyes and tried to relax. Things were going well, she told herself. Jay had enjoyed a good day out and was now having a fun time. They had somewhere great to live and she didn’t need to impose on Pat and Maurice. She promised herself an early night. Hopefully, she wouldn’t be overwhelmed by bad dreams of Oliver. She thought of what might have happened if she hadn’t left the blasted oars on the bank. She remembered Oliver’s face with his inviting lips nearing hers. Finding it unbearable to think of what might have been, she snapped her eyes open. Then wished she hadn’t.
    “ Mrs Talbot? What are you doing here?” Cherry struggled out of her reverie and looked up at her worst nightmare.
    “ As a matter of fact, I called in for a pot of tea on my way home. I didn’t know you’d be here, I thought you’d be out with Jay as it’s his half-term holiday.”
    Cherry stood up and faced Mrs Talbot. “Yes, he’s . . .”
    But Mrs Talbot didn’t let her finish. “By the look of things, it’s just as well I did call in.” Her lips compressed, and she looked pointedly in the direction of Jay and Darius.
    “ Twist,” yelled Jay, while Cherry’s insides twisted.
    “ Oh no,” she breathed.
    Just at that moment, Oliver came out of the office and passed through the lounge. He advanced on Cherry and Mrs Talbot. “How do you do? Are you a friend of Cherry?” He beamed his most winning smile at her and extended his hand.
    Short of being rude, Mrs Talb ot had to shake hands with him. Cherry, not sure what was going on, but glad of the diversion, introduced her son’s social worker to her boss and explained that Mrs Talbot had just popped in for a pot of tea.
    “ But now I find that the child is gambling,” she exclaimed, nodding towards the corner banquette.
    Oliver’s rumble of laughter took Cherry by surprise. “Gambling? Oh no, Mrs Talbot. I think you’ve got the wrong end of the stick there. Just a minute.” He darted over to Darius, spoke briefly to him, and then returned. “The man with Jay is my brother. It’s as I thought. Darius is giving Jay some homework. You know, practising adding up, that sort of thing. We used to do it with our parents during the school holidays,” he continued smoothly. “Much better if you can make a game out of these things, I’m sure you agree, Mrs Talbot.”
    Taking up the theme, Cherry said, “Jay does need some help with his arithmetic and Darius was kind enough to volunteer. They only play for matches.” She was so relieved she hadn’t given in and let Jay gamble with pennies. She stole a look at Mrs Talbot who looked uncertain.
    “ Good, now that’s settled, would you excuse me?” Oliver took Mrs Talbot’s hand once again. “I hope we’ll have the pleasure of seeing you here again soon.” He carried on through the hotel lounge before disappearing into the kitchen.
    Cherry frowned at Oliver’s strange behaviour, but he’d certainly saved their bacon this time and she sent silent thanks to him. “May I get you that pot of tea,