Page 29 of It's Now or Never

‘Isn’t that what we both want, Jen?’

‘It wasn’t anything against you personally, I suppose it just felt odd to have to share Gramps with someone else. It’s always just been the two of us. It felt strange to see him moving on; makingplans and enjoying life again. Without me. Does that sound really bad?’

‘No, not at all. I understand and I would never want to come between you and your granddad. I know what a special bond you have and how much he loves you. It was one of the things I liked about him when I met him. The way he spoke about you with such obvious pride and affection. You do know you’ll always come first as far as he’s concerned.’

‘Oh, Marcia, I’m so pleased he’s got you as a friend,’ I said, wondering why I’d ever felt threatened by her presence. ‘Can I gave you a hug?’ I asked.

She nodded, a big warm smile lighting up her face.

‘It would be nice if we could be friends too.’

‘Yes, I’d like that, Marcia. I’d like that very much indeed.’

14

‘Could I speak to Jennifer Faraday please?’

‘Yes, that’s me. Here,’ I said, trying to juggle six jars of chilli jam onto my dressing table, with the phone wedged into the crook of my neck. After several false starts, involving a lorry load of chillies, a ton of sugar and one not-to-be-salvaged saucepan, I’d finally managed to produce the perfect batch of chilli jam. In jars with pretty pink gingham lids, chequered labels and ribbons around the rim, I had to admit I felt pretty proud of my handiwork. Although if I intended to make my fortune selling my range of homemade products, I would seriously need to up my output and soon.

‘Jennifer, it’s Polly Powers from AS Recruitment. I just wondered if you were available for work at the moment?’

Blimey, I’d never expected to hear from Ms Powers after that disastrous interview and typing test a couple of months ago.

‘Oh hello, Polly. Yes, yes, I am.’

‘It’s only a two-day assignment starting today. We had someone lined up for this job, but they’ve let us down at the last moment. Would you be interested?’

Last week had been a write-off with Gramps in hospital, but now he was back at home with his new medication and with Marcia keeping a close eye on him, I’d made a start on the few freelance projects I had on the go, but nothing that wouldn’t keep for a little while longer. Some temporary work would fit perfectly into my new schedule. I was determined to take every opportunity offered to me.

‘Yes, definitely. What is it?’

‘It’s a retail promotion for one of the big department stores in town. They’re launching a new product and want someone to help with handing out leaflets, that kind of thing. You would need to get down there in the next hour if you are interested.’

It didn’t sound very taxing, but it didn’t matter. It was only for two days and until I started bringing in some regular money from my self-employed work I would have to supplement my income with anything that came my way.

While Polly gave me the details of the company, the hourly rate and what to do with my time sheets, I slipped off my dressing gown and threw it on the bed. Thankfully I’d showered so it was just a case of popping some clothes on. I could be there in less than half an hour.

First though, I just wanted to take a few quick photos of my chilli jam. I’d attempted to have a go last night, but the light had been all wrong in the kitchen. After putting the phone down on Polly, I quickly arranged the jars on my bedroom windowsill, lining them up in a row, my cream linen curtains providing a perfect frame for the shot. I snapped away happily. Today was turning into one of those perfectly productive days.

‘Ah, you’re here? Brilliant!’

The department manager welcomed me eagerly. Perhaps a bit too eagerly, I had cause to consider later.

‘Come through. Did the agency explain what you would be doing?’

‘Not really. Only that it was a promotional role.’

‘Exactly. You’ll be working alongside our product demonstrator who will be showing off the features of a new multi-variable vegetable slicer that is being launched today. These are very popular items at the moment, what with the interest in healthy eating, so we’re expecting a big take-up. What we’d like you to do is hand out some product leaflets and discount vouchers.’

‘I think I can manage that,’ I said enthusiastically.

‘Great. If you come out into the back, you can change into your outfit.’

‘Um…’ I trailed behind the manager wondering what my outfit might be. Probably a t-shirt with the company logo on. Or a baseball cap. Or a coloured sash worn over my own clothes. All of those possibilities would have been preferable to what I was actually faced with.

‘A tomato?’ My jaw dropped open unflatteringly. Not half as unflattering as the garish red costume being held up in front of me. ‘You want me to dress up as a tomato?’

‘Yes, it’s fun and eye catching. You certainly won’t be missed in this, will you? Would you like me to help you get changed.’

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