Page 64 of Autumn in Sycamore Park
‘That’s too bad.’
Jennifer chuckled to herself as the first of the buses pulled in and began to reverse into the parking spaces. Other kids were walking through the school gates, bags over their shoulders, hands in pockets.
‘Wow, look at that muppet,’ Rick said, nodding at one little boy who’d just come in through the gates. ‘He’s wearing an Argyle hat. Might as well put a sign on his head that says “Give me a kicking, please”.’
‘Don’t be unkind,’ Jennifer said, giving him a nudge in the ribs.
‘And I don’t know why he’s looking so happy. They lost seven one.’
‘Rick, just give it up,’ Jennifer said. ‘I know it’s all an act. You’re a nice guy, really.’
‘Oh, bugger off.’
‘You’re the carer for your disabled mother,Eric,’ she said. ‘I saw you in the supermarket.’
Rick turned to glare at her. ‘Tell no one,’ he said. ‘And knock off the “Eric” business.’
‘What’s wrong with it?’
‘It’s a loser’s name.’
‘Loads of cool famous people are called Eric.’
‘Name one.’
‘Well … oh, good morning, Matthew.’
‘Good morning, Miss,’ Matthew Bridges said, giving his brand new Plymouth Argyle hat a nudge up above his eyes.
‘That’s a nice hat,’ Jennifer said.
‘Gav’s dad got it for me,’ Matthew said, beaming. ‘We lost but it was a great game. That free kick that put us one nil up….’ He swung a foot through the air. ‘Pow!’ He grinned again. ‘Gav said he’s going to come round and give me a few pointers. He reckons I could make it on the wing if I can learn to cross.’
‘Gav?’ Jennifer lifted an eyebrow. ‘Are you two boys friends now?’
Matthew made a face. ‘We’re notfriends, Miss. Only girls have friends. We’remates. Dad said Gav can come fishing with us on Sunday, after the festival.’
‘That sounds great. How’s your mum?’
Matthew nodded. ‘She’s great. We popped in to see her early this morning before school. She gave Dad a cake recipe to make for the festival since she’ll still be in hospital.’ Matthew sniggered. ‘But I reckon he’ll burn it. He can’t even tell the difference between sugar and salt.’
‘Oi, Matt!’ came a sudden bellowing cry from across the playground. ‘Get over here. We need one more for five-a-side!’
‘Coming, Gav!’
Matthew dropped his schoolbag at Jennifer’s feet and ran off to join the game. Jennifer watched him for a few seconds, then shrugged and bent down to pick up his bag.
‘They’ll lose anything that’s not tied to them,’ she said to Rick, who just puffed his cheeks out and shifted from foot to foot, shivering in the morning chill.
‘So, are we mates or friends?’ he said, giving her a sideways glance.
‘We’re work colleagues,’ Jennifer said with a smile. ‘But if you’re brave enough to join me and Amy at an Argyle home game in a couple of weeks, I’ll let you graduate to friend.’
Rick grimaced. ‘Colleagues it is, then. I’d never be seen dead at an Argyle game.’
‘Not even Argyle ladies?’
Rick stared at her a moment, then stuck a hand in his pocket and pulled out a small leather-bound diary. ‘So, what day are we talking about, again?’
