Too old for love, the voice whispered, halflaughing, halfscolding.
Mother, why are you chasing after dates now? Youll be looking after grandchildren soon enough, and youre still playing at romance!
Olivia froze, a teacup trembling in her hand. Across the kitchen table Natalie swirled her spoon through her tea, a sly halfsmile curving her lips. Something tightened inside Olivia. She set the cup down on its saucer, trying to steady the shaking of her fingers.
Natalie, she began softly, Ive been single for five years, and Im only fifty. I deserve to be happy, too, you know.
Her daughterinlaws laugh cut through the room like a knife.
No, you can wish all you like, Natalie said, leaning back in her chair. Finding a partner at our age is a tall order, and where would you go? Its not the right time.
Olivias cheeks flushed, indignation rising to her throat. She rose from the table, gathering the cups, her hands uncooperative.
The tea is over, she snapped, her tone dry.
Natalie shrugged, said nothing more, and slipped away to her own room. Olivia was left alone in the kitchen, staring out at the grey courtyard, an unwanted knot of discomfort tightening in her chest. Natalies words lodged like a splinter. Was she truly unwanted? Had her time passed?
For two days Olivia moved through the house like a shadow, avoiding conversation. Arthur, her son, kept asking what was wrong, but she brushed him aside. She didnt want to be the meddlesome motherinlaw who sowed discord.
On the third day Gillian, a schoolfriend, rang. Come over for tea, she said. Olivia accepted; a change of scenery felt like salvation.
Gillian welcomed her with a warm hug and led her to the kitchen. As they sat, Olivia felt the familiar sting of her own doubts resurfacing.
Gilly, I think my life has taken a wrong turn, she began, clutching a steaming mug. A year ago Arthur brought his wife home. The young ones are saving for their own house. I try to be a good motherinlaw. Our relationship is fine, even happy. Im proud of my son, but I still want to be loved and to love again Yet Natalie tells me Im too old for new romance. Maybe shes right.
Gillian placed her hand over Olivias.
Olivia, dont listen to her, she said firmly. I was single at thirty after my divorce, gave my whole life to my children, and then I was left alone. I dont even know how to look for someone now. But you still have timetake action.
Olivia felt a weight lift. Gillian understood, she supported.
You know, Gillian said pensively, my cousin Tom is a decent bloke. Hes fiftythree, divorced five years ago, two grown kids. Would you like me to introduce you?
Olivias heart hammered. The thought of saying yes terrified her, yet the thought of staying alone forever was worse.
Lets try, she whispered.
They agreed to meet at a small café. Olivia arrived early, fingers nervously tugging at the hem of her dress. A tall, silverhaired man enteredAnthony, as Gillian had mentioned.
Olivia? A pleasure. Gillian has spoken highly of you.
They ordered coffee, the conversation stiff at first, full of pauses, but gradually the ice melted. Anthony spoke of his work as an engineer, his two daughters now living independently, how the year after his divorce felt like a void he never imagined he could fill. Olivia shared her grief over the sudden loss of her husband, the long road to acceptance. Both carried whole lives behind them, enough to fill the evening without pretense. Two weary, yet unbroken people, ready to give themselves another chance.
When the night wound down, Anthony walked Olivia to the bus stop, handing her a modest bunch of daisies bought from a street stall.
Just a little something, he said, blushing.
She pressed the flowers to her chest, smiling broadly.
Thank you, theyre lovely.
At home Arthur greeted her with a playful whistle, eyes widening at the bouquet.
Look at you, Mum, youre practically glowing. Someones clearly made an impression, he teased, winking.
Olivia laughed, hugging her son, grateful for his acceptance.
Just a pleasant evening with a nice gentleman, she replied, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.
Natalie appeared in the doorway, her expression hardening.
So whats next? Where will these dates take you? she asked sharply.
Olivia stammered, Natalie, its too early to talk about that. We just met.
No, its not early, Natalie snapped. You know hes only interested in your flat, not in you.
Tears welled in Olivias eyes. Arthur sprang up, grabbing Natalies hand.
Natalie, thats nonsense! You dont even know the man. Stop jumping to conclusions.
Natalie pulled away. Im not accusing, Im just seeing the world. There are too many lecherous types out there. Trust only family, Arthur.
Olivia retreated to her room, slammed the door, and sank onto the bed. The simple daisies lay on the bedside tableinnocent, ordinary. Was Natalie right? Was Olivia being naïve? The harsh words of her daughterinlaw echoed, especially painful because they were spoken in front of her son.
Weeks went by, and Olivias meetings with Anthony grew into a source of joy. Walks in the park, cinema trips, endless coffee talks. One afternoon Anthony broached the future.
Olivia, I dont want to rush, but would you consider moving in with me? A twobedroom might feel cramped, but I have a cottage for summer. Im looking for something serious.
Olivias heart warmed. Natalie was wrong.
She headed home, eager to share the news with her son, to prove not all men were scoundrels. On her way, she spotted Natalie on a bench with a friend, voices raised.
I dont know what to do! Arthur wants a baby, and Im not ready. I expected you to help with the grandchild while Im at work, the friend complained. Now youve got a boyfriend and youre off in the clouds! Ive asked you to end it, but you wont listen!
Olivia slipped away, the cold wind reflecting the bitterness in Natalies words. It was never about care; it was selfishness, using her as a free babysitter.
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 five hundred pounds. But we dont want to ask you
Ive decided to give you part of my savings, Olivia said, nodding. So you can finally have your own home.
Arthur jumped up, embracing his mother.
Mum, thank you! This is amazing!
Natalie scowled. Arthur turned to her.
Natalie, cant you thank her?
Olivia stared at her daughterinlaw.
I wont be a free babysitter any longer. Ive chosen myself.
Arthur froze. What?
Olivia recounted everything the street conversation, Natalies plan to use her as a nanny, the sabotage of her new relationship.
Arthurs face went pale. He turned to Natalie, his expression twisting.
Is this true, Mum?
Natalie remained silent, eyes on the floor.
Answer me! Arthur snapped.
She snapped back, I was only trying to do whats best for us, to have someone to help with a child.
Get out! Pack your things and leave. I dont want to see you again, Olivia shouted.
Arthur protested, Youre losing your mind!
Natalie shouted, Im filing for divorce! tears streamed down her face, but they didnt move Arthurs heart. He gave her time to collect her belongings, and the door shut behind her with a final click.
Arthur sank into a chair, his hands covering his face. Olivia knelt beside him, embracing him.
Forgive me, son. Im sorry I didnt see her for what she was. Im sorry I didnt protect you.
Itll be alright, Mum. It will be alright
Three years later.
The country cottage was a riot of green. Julys sun beat down, but beneath the awning where a long table stood, a gentle shade kept them cool. Olivia carried salads with a smile. Anthony manned the barbeque. Arthur cradled threemonthold Max in his arms, his wife Irene setting the plates. Anthonys daughters, Katie and Lucy, fussed over the baby, cooing at every movement.
What a darling! Katie exclaimed, tickling Maxs chin. Arthur, how did you get such a handsome lad?
Arthur laughed, All credit to Irene, Im just the proud dad!
Lucy joined, making funny faces at the infant.
Olivia watched the scene, her heart swelling. A big, noisy family gathered around the table, laughter spilling over. She caught Arthurs eye; his smile held gratitude, love, pure happiness.
She returned his smile, feeling the pieces of her life fall perfectly into place. Everything finally fitfor both of them.
