Page 6 of A Family Affair
There were only two tables taken and the far side of the café was empty, so Levi chose a spot by the window on a comfy sofa. From there, he could keep an eye on his car and spot the breakdown van when it arrived. His attention was then drawn to the rest of the café which had a quirky vibe. Colourful prints and furniture added to the ambience of what he imagined to be a popular venue in the town.
Lizzy was on her way back, tiny order pad in hand. ‘So, flower. What can I do you for? We have specials on the board over there… I can recommend the lasagne. Only one portion left, it’s a big slice, as well.’
Levi immediately double-regretted his fateful lunch because he only wanted coffee but maybe… ‘Is it okay to just order a latte and a pastry? I noticed you had some on the counter.’
If Lizzy was disappointed at not offloading her last portion of lasagne she didn’t show it. ‘’Course it is flower. We have…’
Levi, his conscience somewhat appeased, interrupted. ‘You choose. Surprise me.’
Lizzy sucked in air. Her ample bosom that escaped from either side of her tabard rose, as though the responsibility of choosing a customer’s pastry wasn’t something she took lightly. ‘Okey-dokey. I saw a nice big lad hiding at the bottom, so I’ll fetch you that. You look like you need fattening up. Leave it with me, flower. I’ll be right back.’
As he watched her weave around the rest of the seating on the way to the counter, Levi smiled. Lizzy had a twinkle in her blue eyes, and a messy blonde top knot that jiggled when she spoke like it was in on the conversation. She also had a bounce in her step, and an eagerness to please that told him she was someone who enjoyed their job. He liked people like that.
Returning his gaze to the window, Levi became lost for a few moments, his attention on the street outside. People watching: one of his favourite pastimes. Hearing footsteps and the clink of crockery, he dragged his eyes away and expected the return of Lizzy, only to be met by,oh!
Instead of the cheery blonde and bouncy waitress, before him stood well, for want a better word or phrase, a flame-haired goddess. Levi was struck dumb.
‘Hi, your order. Sorry, Lizzy had to take a call; her son’s school; bit of an emergency. Here you go. Latte and what looks like a mutant pain au chocolat!’
Levi watched as she placed his drink and pastry on the table, noticing that a sandwich and mug of tea remained on the tray. He had the incredible urge not to let her go, but how? Keep her talking…
‘I hope it’s not serious, with Lizzy’s son.’ That was the best he could do.
The goddess rolled her eyes and laughed. ‘Oh no, just Tommy being Tommy. He got his head stuck in the school railingsagain, on account of his ears, you see. He’s having them pinned back soon but according to the headmaster, Tommy likes making the other kids laugh but it’s getting beyond a joke now. They had to buy a tub of Vaseline specially for him, so the dinner ladies can rub it on his ears and get him out.’
‘Oh, I see.’ Levi was fascinated by her and the image of a boy with big ears having Vaseline massaged into them, then being yanked out from between the railings.
The goddess continued. ‘Anyway, the headmaster wanted a word with Lizzy about it. Apparently the dinner ladies have got better things to do. I only heard half a conversation, but I got the drift. Right, I’d best leave you in peace.’ She made a half turn then, stopped. Levi almost cheered.
‘I’ve not seen you in here before, have I? We’ve got a loyalty card, just so you know. You collect stars and when you’ve got twenty you get a free drink. You should pick one up on the way out, that’s if you’re planning on coming again.’
Speak, man. Speak!
Finally… ‘No, I’ve not been here before. My car broke down. It’s parked just there and I’m waiting for the breakdown van… they said it could be a couple of hours and it’s chilly out there. I hope you don’t mind me lingering in here. I promise to buy lots of drinks in the meantime.’
At this, the goddess plopped her tray onto the coffee table between the sofas and peered out of the window. ‘Oh what a pain. Which one is it?’
‘The black Golf, with the dint in the door. Not my fault I might add.’Why did you say that? Like she cares. You big sad dork.
The goddess took a moment, appearing to be in no hurry, and in the meantime Levi took her in.
The rays silver from the autumn sun, which hovered above the buildings opposite, lit her hair. Golden streaks against the softest auburn, like honey running through treacle, the red kind you got on toffee apples at bonfire night. Shoulder-blade length and tied back with a blue scarf. She was tall but not taller than he. And this made him feel ridiculously pleased, and somewhat previous. He also noticed that where her white T-shirt stopped, her long arms were scattered with pale freckles, and she wore dark blue skinny jeans that made her legs go on forever, and on her feet, mad rainbow striped socks and pink Crocs.
Finally she turned from the window and rested her gaze, hazel eyes focused on Levi who was acting like a gormless rabbit, totally entranced. But he couldn’t help it.
‘Well you’re welcome to stay as long as you like. The midday service is over and we’re usually quiet for a while, that’s why I’m having my lunch now, while I can. Best leave you in peace, though, while you keep lookout. I’ve kept you long enough.’
When she bent to collect her tray, the goddess looked a bit startled when Levi’s next words burst forth. ‘No, it’s fine. You’re welcome to join me here… but if you don’t want…’ He looked around and cringed, seeing half a café full of empty sofas and tables, the heat in his cheeks a portent of impending embarrassment. Levi expected her to decline.
‘Oh, really? Thank you. That’s very kind. This is my favourite spot. My people-watching post.’ With that the goddess plonked herself down opposite Levi and took a bite of her sandwich, then said, ‘So, tell me what brings you to Valley Mills on this Wednesday afternoon? House hunting I expect. You’re dressed too smart to be off hiking. And don’t let your coffee go cold… drink up.’
Doing exactly as he was told, Levi picked up his mug and as he sipped, silently thanked the god of Match for sending him on a date to be rinsed by greedy Wendy. To the god of knackered old engines for making the one in his car conk out. And while he was at it, he asked the god of breakdown vans to make sure the one on its way to him took a very, very long time.
CHAPTER5
ERNIE
Instead of going home, Ernie had taken refuge in his shed. Situated in the furthest corner of the allotment, it afforded him the privacy he required on what had been a bugger of a day. On arrival he’d kept his head down while he made his way along the path, not wanting to pass the time of day with his fellow gardeners. And unusually, he didn’t want to work the land. Ernie simply didn’t have it in him.
