Too old for love, I often recalled my mothers sharp retort, her voice still echoing in the kitchen of our modest terraced house in Birmingham. Mum, why are you still chasing dates? Youll soon be looking after grandchildren, yet youre still playing at romance!
Olivia stared, a tea cup trembling in her hand. Across the table, Nora swirled her spoon in the tea, a halfsmile curving her lips. Something tightened inside Olivia; she set her cup down slowly, trying not to show the tremor in her fingers.
Nora, she began in a hushed tone, Ive been alone for five years, and Im only fifty. I too deserve happiness, you know.
Her daughterinlaws laughter rang, sharp as a knife.
Of course you can wish for it, Nora replied, leaning back in her chair. But finding a young man now is a tall order, and youre, shall we say, a bit past the usual age for courting. Its not the right time.
Olivias cheeks flushed, hurt rising like a lump in her throat. She rose, gathering the cups, her hands uncooperative.
The tea is over, she snapped, dryly.
Nora shrugged, slipped out without a farewell, and disappeared back to her bedroom. Olivia was left alone at the sink, staring out at the grey courtyard, unable to shake the sting of Noras words. They lodged in her mind like a splinter. Was she truly unwanted? Had her time slipped away?
For two days Olivia moved through the house in a cloud, avoiding conversation. Arthur, her son, tried to discover the cause, but she brushed him aside. What could she say? Its my wifes fault? No, she didnt want to be the meddlesome motherinlaw who sowed discord.
On the third day, a call came from Grace, a schoolfriend. Come over for tea, she said. Olivia agreed, hoping a change of scene would lift her spirits.
Grace welcomed her with a warm hug and led her to the kitchen. As they settled at the table, Olivia looked into the familiar eyes of her friend and felt the walls inside begin to crumble.
Grace, I think my life has taken a wrong turn, she confessed, clutching a steaming mug. A year ago Arthur brought his wife home. The young couple are saving for their own place. I try to be a good motherinlaw; our relationship is warm, even happy. Im proud of my son, yet I yearn to be loved again and to love in return. But Nora tells me Im too old for new romance. Perhaps shes right.
Grace placed her hand over Olivias.
Olive, shes not right, she said firmly. I was single at thirty after my divorce, gave my life to my children, and ignored myself. They all moved away, leaving me alone. I still dont know how to look for someone new. But you havent lost your chanceact while you can.
Olivia listened, feeling a weight lift. Grace understood, she supported.
Then Grace, thoughtful, said, Listen, Olive I have a cousin, Tom. Hes a decent bloke, fiftythree, divorced five years ago, with two grown children. Would you like me to introduce you? Meet somewhere, and let fate decide.
Olivias heart quickened. The idea terrified her, yet staying alone forever felt worse.
Lets try, she agreed.
They arranged to meet at a small café on the High Street. Olivia arrived early, fingers nervously fiddling with the hem of her dress. Soon a tall, silverhaired gentleman entered. Olivia recognised him as Albert, a friend of Graces.
Olive? A pleasure, he said, smiling. Grace has told me much about you.
They ordered coffee, the conversation stumbling at first, then loosening as the minutes passed. Albert spoke of his work as an engineer, of his two daughters now living independently, of the year after his divorce when he thought a fresh start impossible. Olivia spoke of her late husband, whose sudden death had left her adrift for years.
Both carried lifetimes of experience; there was no need for pretence. Two weary, yet unbroken people sat opposite each other, ready to give themselves another chance.
When evening fell, Albert escorted Olivia to the bus stop, handing her a modest bouquet of daisies bought from a stall. Simple, of course, he muttered, embarrassed.
Olivia pressed the flowers to her chest and smiled broadly.
Thank you. Theyre lovely.
At home, Arthur whistled when he saw the bouquet. Mum, look at you! Youre glowing, he joked, winking. Olivia laughed, embracing her son, grateful for his acceptance.
Just then, Nora stepped into the kitchen, her expression hardening.
Whats next? Where will these dates lead you? she demanded.
Olivia faltered.
Nora, I said its early to talk about that. Weve only just met.
No, its not early, Nora snapped. You know hes only after your flat. Why would you let him in?
Tears sprang to Olivias eyes. Arthur sprang up, grabbing Noras hand.
Nora, what nonsense is this? You dont even know the man! he shouted.
Nora lifted her hand, defensively.
Im not accusing, Im just cautious. There are plenty of fortunehunters these days. Trust only family, Arthur.
Olivia retreated to her room, closed the door, and sank onto the bed. The innocent bouquet lay on the nightstandsimple, pure. Perhaps Nora had a point? Was Olivia too naïve? Yet the harshness of her words cut deeper because they were spoken in front of her son, trying to turn him against her.
In the weeks that followed, Olivia and Albert continued to meet. Walks in the park, cinema outings, long talks over coffeeall brought her joy. One afternoon Albert broached the future.
Olive, I dont want to rush, but would you consider moving in with me? My tworoom flat would be cozy enough, and I have a cottage where we could spend summer days. Im looking for something serious.
Olivia felt warmth blossom inside. Nora was wrong.
She walked home, intending to tell her daughterinlaw about Alberts plans, to prove that not all men were opportunists. Yet at the corner of her street she spotted Nora arguing with a friend on a bench, oblivious to Olivias approach.
I dont know what to do next! Arthur wants a child, and Im not ready. I always expected you, Mum, to look after the grandchild while I work. Now youre off chasing love, floating on clouds. Ive tried to ask you to end it, but you wont listen!
Olivia slipped away quietly, taking another route. Inside, a chill settled; Noras concern was selfish, merely a way to keep Olivia as a freeofcharge nanny.
Later, at dinner, Olivia asked her son, Arthur, how much more do you need for the deposit on a house?
He looked up, surprised. About £500,000. But we wont ask you
Im willing to part with a share of my savings to help you buy a home, Olivia said.
Arthur jumped up, hugging her. Mum, thats incredible! Thank you!
Nora scowled. Arthur turned to her. Nora, thank Mum!
Olivia stared at her daughterinlaw.
She wont thank me. Im not a free nanny; I chose myself.
Arthur froze. What?
Olivia recounted the street conversation, revealing how Nora had tried to use her as a babysitter and sabotage her new relationship. Arthurs face turned ashen. He turned to Nora, his voice trembling.
Is that true, Mum?
Nora remained silent, eyes on the floor.
Answer me! Arthur demanded.
She snapped back, I was only trying to do whats best for us, to have someone help with a child.
I want you out! Pack your things and leave. I wont see you again, Arthur declared.
Nora shouted, Youve gone mad, Arthur!
Youre the one whos lost it, he replied. Im filing for divorce!
Tears streamed down Noras face, but they did not move Arthur. He gave her time to gather her belongings, and the door shut behind her with a final click.
Arthur slumped into his chair, covering his face with his hands. Olivia knelt beside him, embracing him.
Forgive me, my son. Forgive me for not seeing her true colours, for not shielding you.
Itll be alright, Mum. Everything will be alright
Three years later, the cottage that Albert and Olivia now shared was a riot of summer green. The July sun beat down, yet under the awning by the long garden table a cool breeze lingered. Olivia set out salads with a smile. Albert tended the barbecue. Arthur cradled his threemonthold son, Max, while his wife, Irene, laid out the feast. Alberts daughters, Katie and Lena, cooed over the baby, delighted by every little movement.
Oh, what a beautiful little fellow! Katie exclaimed, tickling Maxs chin. Arthur, how did you get such a handsome son?
Arthur laughed. All thanks to Irene, Im not to blame!
Lena leaned in, making funny faces at the infant.
Olivia watched the bustling family, her heart full. The laughter, the warmth, the togethernessall painted a perfect picture. She caught Arthurs eye; his smile held gratitude, love, and happiness.
She returned his smile. Everything had fallen into placefor both of them.
