Page 17 of Friends Rucked Up

***

He’s already gone when I wake up the next morning and I don’t mean for a quick run. When I look out of the window, his car’s not on the street. On the kitchen counter there’s a scrap of paperwith my name scribbled on it with black biro. I open it up finding a note from Alfie telling me to help myself to anything I want.

My stomach sinks with disappointment. There’s no cute smiley face or heart of endearment. My flat might be ready when I get home from work, and I won’t have any reason to stay over. Alfie and I have unfinished business. Distance isn’t going to help us.

I take my time getting ready hoping he’ll return. He took his car, though, so it’s unlikely. He could’ve gone to the rugby ground or a nice park to workout. He doesn’t come back and I’m disappointed when I leave. I’m still sulking when I get into work.

I change into a uniform my manager found for me that actually fits. Pulling my hair back, I tie it up with a bobble while mentally preparing myself for the day. The tea trolley is already loaded outside the kitchen door, and I push it into the lounge.

“Morning, Gordon,” I say, passing him his newspaper and putting his tea down on the table.

“Morning, young lady.” He eagerly takes the paper, searching the headlines.

“Any good news?” I ask.

He studies the cover before turning the first few pages. “Since when are you interested in the affairs between the ink?” He gives me a pointed look.

Can he tell something is bothering me?No.I’m just being paranoid.

“I’m interested sometimes,” I say weakly.

“Okay. Tell me what’s wrong.” He scrunches the edges of the paper.

He really is that intuitive. I have to try harder to convince him.

“Nothing. Can’t a girl just be interested in her favourite guy?”

“You can, but I know you. Did your evening with the rugby player not go to plan?” He turns another page before he continues to skim the stories.

“Actually, we had a great time. He cooked me dinner and gave my feet a massage.” I add extra warmth to my voice.

I did enjoy last night, but I’m showing my enthusiasm for Gordon’s sake. He pretends not to be invested in the information I’m telling him, but I can see the spark in his eyes. I’m not clear from suspicion yet.

“That sounds like courting to me.”

If I was drinking, I’d have probably choked. “Now, I know you’re invested in my love life, but I can tell you on this one you’re wrong. I made a joke about kissing, and he turned me down flat.” It’s a good job I’m not a spy because I folded quicker than a novice on his first training day.

He nods although his gaze doesn’t lift from the words on the newspaper. “What reasoning did he give you?”

“Some line about me being beautiful but it would complicate things.” I can’t help myself; I’m invested in what he thinks because I can’t work Alfie out myself.

He scrunches the paper as he lowers it to his knee. “I was not wrong; the proof is in the excuse he gave you. Don’t forget my Turkish delight when he finally gives in.”

I roll my eyes while a humorous smile creeps onto my face. There’s no convincing the stubborn old man, he’s too set in his ways to see Alfie was just being polite. He might be acting strange, but it’s not because he likes me. We’re not in high school, if he wants more from me, he could just say.

“Enjoy your tea. I’ll catch up with you later.” Moving on with my drinks trolley, I serve the rest of the residents.

After lunch, I finally get a second to phone the housing office. I give my details and pass the security checks.

When I get through to the right person I ask, “Do you have an update on when I can return to my flat?”

“Someone will be checking the safety of the building tomorrow. I’m sure this will all be cleared up within the next twenty-four hours,” she says with a friendly tone, although it’s almost like a rehearsed answer making me wonder how many calls she’s had from my neighbours.

Most people are probably desperate to get back into their place, and I feel for them. Our lives have been turned upside down, and I’d give anything to get access to my clothes. I can’t help feeling sad about leaving Alfie, though. I like my own space and usually relish in it, but something has changed. Having a warm bed and good conversation hasn’t been so bad. In fact, I’m going to miss it.

Chapter Eight

Alfie

---