Page 27 of A Wish for Jinnie
Ed hadn’t smoked in years, but he took a cigarette from Angela’s proffered pack. The first draw made him cough, the second reminded him of the old days: huddled outside a bar with his mates, winding each other up about a girl, or how badly the Scottish rugby team had performed that day.
‘How did you quit?’ Ed asked, genuinely curious. He didn’t consider himself a heavy drinker, although he’d certainly downed way more than the recommended number of units in his twenties. ‘I know AA works for a lot of people, but it’s not for everyone.’
Angela shook her head, the pom-pom on her woolly hat shaking too. ‘I went to a couple of meetings, but I’m rubbish at talking about myself. No, really!’ She swiped Ed with the end of her scarf. ‘This is different. Less intimidating, I guess. I downloaded a book, believe it or not, and it just hit a nerve. Made me realise I was in charge, not the alcohol. It didn’t happen overnight — if only — but I knew I was sick and tired offeelingsick and tired.’
Angela stubbed out her cigarette and pulled her hat further down over her ears. In the subdued exterior lighting she looked ethereal: all angular features and seductive shadows. Wait a minute,seductive?That had come totally out of nowhere. And yet… Ed felt himself shuffle closer, drawn to this woman like a moth to the proverbial flame. She was revealing herself, bit by bit, in a way that captivated him. By comparison, Cheryl was more like a spider’s web, in which he’d become entangled.
‘I used to hide bottles all over the place. Vodka in the bathroom drawer. Whisky in the kitchen, tucked behind the cereal packets. Even a couple of miniatures stuffed under the dirty laundry, because who’d ever look there?’ Angela’s laugh was strained, her eyes refusing to meet Ed’s.
‘Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself.’ He nudged her chin upwards, forcing her to look at him. ‘I take my hat off to you. Well, I would if I was wearing one.’ Ed tugged gently at the edge of Angela’s beanie, glad to see her smile in return. ‘Beating an addiction, whatever it is, is no mean feat. And you’ve raised a child single-handed. I can’t imagine ever being responsible for a child. I’d probably leave it in the supermarket, or something.’
Before Angela could reply, the crunch of gravel signalled someone approaching. It was Jinnie, carrying a tray to collect the empties. She looked tired and out-of-sorts, her smile refusing to stay on her face. She’d come in at short notice, after Rose called in sick. ‘If you want anything else you'd better hurry, because it’s last orders,’ she said.
Ed sprang to his feet, draping an arm around Jinnie’s trembling shoulders. ‘What’s up, gorgeous?’ he asked.
Jinnie shrugged and nodded hello to Angela. ‘Just a dose of the post-Christmas blues, I guess. I always find this week a downer after all the festivities.’
‘Me too,’ said Angela, tightening the belt of her coat. ‘Roll on springtime and warmer weather. Well, as warm as it gets on the east coast.’ She smiled. ‘Hey, why don’t we get together soon, have a girlie day out or something? If you’re not too busy, that is.’
Ed watched Jinnie’s reaction, which was definitely lacking in the ‘whoop whoop, fab idea’ stakes. They were very different people, but didn’t the ‘opposites attract’ saying apply to friendships as well as romances? He sensed — knew — that Angela could do with some female support, and as for Jinnie… She was harder to read, but he couldn’t deny he enjoyed her company. A lot. He’d detected a closeness between her and Sam too, but couldn’t be sure if it was work-related or … something else.
‘I could do something a week tomorrow. That’s just before I start back at Sam’s.’ Jinnie’s teeth were now chattering, so Ed and Angela followed her back inside. ‘We could head into Edinburgh and grab some lunch, do a bit of shopping?’
‘Sounds like a plan. Shall we meet at the station, say midday?’
Jinnie agreed, and as neither Ed nor Angela wanted anything else from the bar, they bade Jinnie goodnight and left.
‘If I wear high heels and shave off my beard, can I come along too?’ Ed strode along next to Angela, who walked surprisingly quickly for someone much shorter than himself.
‘Nah. Doubt you’d be interested in browsing make-up and clothes, somehow.’
Ed did his best to look put out. He actually enjoyed shopping, but was more into niche vinyl record stores and vintage clothing shops.
‘Shame, I might even have treated you to a tattoo and got another one myself,’ he retorted. ‘Anyway, I need to spend time with Mum, and get some work done before my boss flips out over my extended absence.’
Angela pulled a sad face as they approached the small terraced house she shared with Jamie. Its faded blue front door bore a tatty Christmas wreath with several pine cones missing. ‘Well, thanks for keeping me company. Hopefully I’ll see you soon.’ She fumbled in her bag for the house keys as the door swung open.
Jamie stood in the dimly lit hallway. ‘Hiya,’ he grunted, looking none too pleased to see Ed. ‘All right?’
‘All good,’ replied Angela. ‘Ed walked me home and I would kill for a cuppa, so…’
Without another word Jamie turned and disappeared, presumably to put the kettle on.
‘I’d ask you in,’ Angela said apologetically, ‘but I can tell he’s in one of his moods, so best not.’
Ed shrugged to show he wasn’t bothered. He wouldn’t have minded spending more time with her, but having a monosyllabic, grouchy teen acting as a chaperone wasn’t his idea of fun.
‘By the way,’ added Angela, ‘I’ve been tempted in the past to get a tattoo, but I’ve never had the courage. Don’t they hurt a lot?’
Ed considered lying, since his last one had stung like buggery for days, but Angela’s openness and honesty had genuinely touched him. ‘A bit,’ he said. ‘Well, quite a lot, actually, but I don’t think some fleeting pain would be a problem for you. You’re one tough lady, and I know exactly what you should choose if you ever change your mind.’
Angela’s nose crinkled in puzzlement. ‘What’s that, then?’
‘You should choose the wordBrave.’
Chapter 28
New Year’s Eve
