Author's note: This and all other chapters of this story, previous and future, are based on my own thoughts and are purely fictional with no connection or representation of, or to, anyone or anything intended.
It's a crisp sunny January day and it's midweek. "Doesn't this sort of weather make you feel happy and alive darling?" Jane looks at Mike smiling "Let's do something this weekend maybe have a dinner party or go out for a meal on Saturday evening. What do you think love?"
"Sounds good to me Jane, we need some cheering up, just a question of whether you want the work of a dinner party, or we invite some friends to join us at the bistro. That one is up to you, but the idea is a good one.
Tell you what Mike, let's invite Rebecca and that Trixie and Steve for a meal at the bistro, make an evening of it. It will give us the chance to get to know them better and I did promise we would see them in the new year."
"OK Jane, you do some ringing around this morning and find out who is available and let's make a night of it. You can book the table as well if you like. I know its short notice but this time of year I'm sure whatever size party we have they can fit us in."
Mike goes off to work leaving Jane making a list of who to call and invite. She ponders and makes her list which ends up making quite a group if they all turn out. First one to call is Rebecca to check she is not working and would like to come along. When Jane calls, Rebecca is delighted and reveals that she has the weekend off as it is so quiet at the moment.
"What about Sam then Jane? Could she come along if she is free?"
"Of course, Beck's, I wouldn't dream of leaving her out. How about she brings Lucy too if she is up for it?"
"Splendid idea Jane, I'll ask Sam later when she is home from college."
"I don't suppose you have any contact details for Trixie and Steve do you Becks? I did have them but the paper I wrote it on probably got thrown out with the rubbish when I was cleaning up after new year."
"I don't have it Jane, but I'll call Sam and ask her to get a phone number from Alan, I'm sure he will be fine with that."
"Maybe ask Alan along as well Becks, why not? The more the merrier."
Rebecca thinks that's a good idea though feels slightly nervous as his mum and dad will be there and knowing how he feels about her, still, there will be a few of us so it should be OK she thinks.
Jane gets on with her chores for the morning while waiting to hear back from Rebecca. She is sat having a snack for lunch when her phone rings, it's Rebecca.
"Hi Jane, got that phone number for you, got a pen and paper handy?"
"Yes, go ahead Beck'."
Rebecca gives Jane the phone number for Trixie and Steve and reveals that Sam is coming and Alan too. Lucy wants to come but is a bit short of cash now. She will have a look and try to make it.
Jane phones Trixie. "Hi Trixie, It's Jane, you came to our house on New Year's to collect Alan from us."
"Hello Jane, yes, I remember, good to hear from you. How are you all? I saw Rebecca the other evening at the bistro, and we had a chat. She's a lovely girl, isn't she?"
"Oh yes Trixie, she is lovely, very pretty and such a good demeanour, very nice. The reason for calling is that we are all going out for a meal on Saturday and wondered if you and Steve would like to join us?"
"We would love to Jane, only the other evening Steve and I were saying we should get in touch."
"I have spoken with Rebecca, and she is coming with Sam and Sam has asked Alan as well, I hope you don't mind Trixie?"
"That will be fine Jane, thank you for the invite. We will look forward to it."
Jane tells her that she will make the booking and get back with a time and so on. Jane then phones the bistro and books a table for 7 possibly 8 if Lucy comes. They are quiet and so not a problem. When it is all booked Jane phones around to tell everyone, the table is booked for 7:30pm.
All set now so Jane starts thinking about the evening and what she might wear, what will the others wear? She is excited at the prospect of getting to know Trixie and Steve better.
That evening as she and Mike are settling down a knock at the door and when Jane answers it standing there is Sam and Lucy all wrapped up in thick leggings, boots, jumpers, coats and wool hats to protect them from the cold. Jane invites them in, and they all go to the lounge where Mike takes their coats and hats.
"We hope you don't mind us calling Jane, but we were thinking of popping to see Neal because we have a project to do for college and he would be ideal to ask if he will be the subject for us. But we feel awkward just calling unannounced and don't want to offend him." Sam takes a breath, and both girls are nervous.
"Well, I don't think you have anything to worry about girls, I'm sure Neal would love to help you out. Tell you what though, why don't I talk to him first and make sure he is fine with it then if he is perhaps, I can come with you for your first visit to ease the way a bit. How does that sound?"
The girls look at each other and both nod in agreement relaxing as they feel relieved that Jane is going to help them sort this with Neal.
"Let me see him tomorrow and maybe we can talk at the weekend over dinner? Do you know if you are coming yet Lucy?" Jane asks and they both agree to wait until the weekend to talk it over giving Jane chance to see Neal properly.
Lucy blushes "I would love to come Jane, but I can't afford to spend loads of money, I don't have a part time job any more like Sam. Will it cost a lot?"
Jane looks at Mike then back at Lucy "I didn't know you had lost your job Lucy; I am sorry to hear that. Tell you what, how about this, and please don't be offended by what I am about to say? How would you like to help Mike and I out at weekends and maybe evenings sometimes doing some housework, laundry, cleaning and stuff? We were talking about engaging someone in the new year to help us because the business is so busy, and it takes a lot of time from us. Of course, we would pay you the going rate, cash in hand, and it would be a part time job for you as well as helping us out. What do you say?"
"I don't know what to say Jane, I mean, yes, that would be lovely."
"We can work out the hours and pay as long as you are happy to give it a go."