Frank's hand was shaking badly as he picked up the receiver.
He'd picked it up and put it down a dozen times in the last two days.
He didn't want to use his cell, because he was afraid he'd drop it.
Before attempting the phone call, he had a couple of quick snorts out of the Scotch bottle and at last he felt the liquor working its magic on him.
Slowly, he settled down and stopped shaking.
He dialed the number.
One ring.
Two rings.
Thr...
"Hello? This is Jen.
" "Oh Jen, I do hope you don't mind my ringing...
" The words tumbled from his mouth.
"Frank? Is it? Frank, is that really you?" "Yes, Jen, it's really me.
Just a sec.
" He had to grab a chair because his legs gave out from under him, such was the relief.
"How've you been?" "Oh, pretty good.
And you?" "'Bout the same.
Jen, look, I was wondering if we could get together for a drink or a coffee or something, say...
" "Yes, Frank, I'd love to.
I'd really love that.
God, how I've thought about you.
About us.
About getting back together" They made a mutually agreeable time for the following morning and Frank replaced the receiver.
He did a little dance around the room.
"Lord," he said to the four walls.
"I never thought it'd go that well.
God, it was a mistake letting her go like that.
Sis.
I must tell Sis.
" He quickly looked at his watch.
"She'll be home by now.
I know she'll be as bucked as I am.
" His sister, Maureen, was some six years older than Frank, and his total opposite.
Where Frank was impulsive, Maureen wanted all the 'i's' dotted and the 't's' crossed.
She treated life more like a mathematical equation.
A place for everything, and everything in its place, was one of Maureen's favourite sayings, but while Frank looked on life like a huge rubber ball into which you plunged, he and his sister were the greatest of friends.
He gave her a quick ring before going round.
She had the front door open before he had a chance to ring the bell.
"Come in, me lad.
" They embraced, and he followed her into the pin-neat kitchen.
"Sit.
" She pointed to a chair, which he spun around and leaned on the back.
"Now then.
You wear that Labrador puppy look on your face if your short of money, or...
good grief, you're making up with that Jen girl.
" Frank's eyes opened wide.
"How in the world...
but isn't it great? She even suggested getting back together, not me.
" "Whoa, there, Geronimo.
Back up the mule there.
Now, baby Bro.
, listen to big Sister.
I seem to remember, about six months ago, you telling me she was too -- 'clingy,' I believe was the word you used.
Too suffocating.
She was the one who suggested actually moving back with you.
No.
Listen.
Getting back together's one thing, but you take it slow and easy, because if she hasn't changed, you're going to be back to square one.
Don't get me wrong.
She's a nice girl.
But slowly does it, all right?" As ever, his sister made perfect sense.