Page 21 of A Wish for Jinnie
‘Hmm, like Scrooge?’ Jo donned a pair of oven gloves and wrestled the stew from the oven, her glasses steaming up in the process. ‘Dammit, can’t see a bloody thing!’ she exclaimed.
Ken leapt to the rescue, seizing a couple of tea towels and manoeuvring the hot dish on to the hob.
‘Thanks,’ said Jo. ‘You’d think in my line of work I’d be a bit more proficient when it comes to oven-wrangling.’ She wiped her glasses and left the stew to rest, joining Ken in polishing off the nibbles.
‘So, tell me to mind my own business — people frequently do — but how come a good-looking lady like you doesn’t have a man in her life?’ Ken topped up their glasses, his gaze steady and curious. Other women might be offended by his directness, but not Jo. She had chosen to keep her private life under wraps, but hadn’t she invited Ken around to share confidences? Mind you, she could have a little fun first…
‘Well, it’s probably because I’m gay.’ Jo watched Ken’s mouth form an ‘oh’ shape. ‘I haven’t met the right woman yet, although I’ve had my eye on Janette for quite a while. It’s that pink and white-checked overcoat, I think. Gives me goosebumps every time I see her in it.’
Getting to her feet before she burst out laughing, Jo started dishing up the stew. Ken got up too, and gave her a playful nudge.
‘Oi!’ she scolded. ‘Watch out, unless you’d rather wear your dinner than eat it.’
Ken picked up the tasting spoon and blew on it, before putting it in his mouth. ‘Heavenly,’ he pronounced. ‘Unlike the wee devil who made it. If you’re gay, I’m the tooth fairy. And before you get the wrong idea, I don’t have a prejudiced bone in my body.’
Piling dumplings on the plates, they took their places. Ken tucked his napkin into the top of his jumper — ‘I’m a hellishly messy eater’ — and they each waited for the other to take the first mouthful.
‘Your dumplings look incredible,’ said Ken.
There was a pause as they eyed each other, then they both erupted with laughter.
‘I think we’re straying intoCarry Onterritory,’ sobbed Jo. ‘You’ll be complimenting me on my baps next.’ She pointed at the basket of bread rolls, waiting to soak up the excess sauce.
‘Aargh, stop, woman!’ Ken snatched at his napkin and dabbed at his eyes. ‘I came here for a peaceful evening. Now you’re twisting my words and making me laugh, and it’sexactlywhat I need right now. Exactly what I need.’
Jo picked up her fork and stabbed at a chunk of beef. She managed to spear a carrot too, and used her knife to cut a sliver of dumpling. All stalling tactics, because she felt, shefelt— what did she feel? Glad that they were so relaxed in each other’s company, of course. She was happy that they could laugh together, be a bit silly, tease one another. It was basic human interaction, nothing more. It didn’tmeananything: at least not anything that could be frowned upon. Unless you were a card-carrying member of the ‘men and women can never just be friends’ brigade.
‘So, you didn’t buy me and Janette as a couple? That’s a pity.’ Time to simmer things down, and keep humour to the fore.
‘As I said, I didn’t believe a word of it. Well, you had me going for a split second, but Janette…’
Jo gave a reproving stare. ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I happen to think that Janette is a total gem, with a crusty exterior which belies her inner sparkle. Any man or woman would be blessed to be with her.’
‘Aye, right.’ Ken buttered a bap and plunged it into his stew. ‘Don’t get me wrong, Janette is a pillar of the community, but I happen to know she has a black belt in macramé.’
More hilarity ensued, Jo developing a stitch in her side from the constant laughter. Ken related some comic tales from the pub, and Jo pitched in with exploits from her younger days.
‘Seriously, you climbed out of a bathroom window to escape a date just because the poor chap had bad breath?’ Ken chortled, upending the bottle to share out the last of the wine.
‘That was the icing on a very unpalatable cake,’ Jo replied. ‘He also had wandering hands syndrome. It was like being attacked by an amorous octopus. I legged it to the loo, and figured the only way was up and out. Wouldn’t fancy my chances now, mind you.’ Jo patted her hips, aware that she was more curvy than fat. Not that she was fishing for compliments or anything…
‘As I said, you’re a good-looking woman who still hasn’t explained why she’s single, but I’ll shut up now.’ Ken mimed pulling a zipper across his mouth.
‘No big secret,’ said Jo, clearing away the empty plates. ‘I just never met the right man, but that’s OK. I love my life, simple as it is, and I don’t have to answer to anyone. I’d never settle for second best. If I met someone, I’d want what you have.’
No sooner had the words left her mouth than Jo felt like kicking herself. What shemeantwas having a relationship as solid and loving as Ken and Mags's. Instead, judging by Ken’s downcast demeanour, she’d just reminded him that he was losing the love of his life little by little each day.
‘Sorry.’ Jo started rinsing the plates, her back to Ken. ‘That came out wrong. I didn’t mean to upset you, I —’
Ken lifted her soapy right hand from the washing-up bowl and squeezed it. ‘You didn’t. Jo, coming here tonight has been a tonic. Truly, it has. I was wondering if I’d forgotten how to laugh, but you’ve shown me I still can.’
Slowly Jo withdrew her hand, and dried it on the towel draped over the Aga handle. The atmosphere in the room had changed. There was an intimacy, an electricity that hadn’t been there before.
Perhaps Ken sensed it too. He mumbled something about getting back before Mags returned. Jo refused his offer of helping to do the rest of the dishes, and he fetched his coat.
‘Thanks, Jo.’ Winding his scarf around his neck, Ken shuffled from one foot to the other. Jo wanted to hug him, but her arms remained welded to her sides.
Finally Ken gave her an awkward half-hug, and a kiss that landed on her forehead. ‘I hope we can do this again sometime,’ he said. Jo smiled and nodded, and with another gust of icy air, Ken was gone.
