Page 45 of Autumn in Sycamore Park
‘Kebab?’
‘You don’t remember? You and Angela had a race. She lost because she’d doubled down on the chili sauce. I imagine she’s feeling a little sore this morning.’
Jennifer cringed. ‘Was I embarrassing?’
‘Not at all. I found you rather … charming.’ Before Jennifer could respond, he started off in the direction of Pete’s van. ‘Come on. Let’s get those coffees in before this gets awkward.’
Jennifer trailed Tom towards Pete’s van, Tom regularly checking over his shoulder to see if she was following. Had she really tried to pull him? Perhaps it was time to ease up on the drink a little.
Tom was already engaged in conversation when she reached the van. ‘I found this in the weeds,’ Tom said, handing Pete what looked like the corner of a bathroom tile. ‘Not sure if you can use it….’
‘Is that red? Yeah, if you find any more, save them for me.’
‘Will do. Two coffees, please.’
‘Coming up.’
‘What was that about?’ Jennifer asked, as they walked back in the direction of Tom’s shack.
‘What?’
‘That thing with the bit of tile.’
‘Oh, that? Pete’s an artist in his spare time. He makes mosaics. Hasn’t he mentioned it? He had an exhibition last year up at the library.’
Jennifer shook her head. ‘I had no idea.’
Tom laughed. ‘Even in a place like this, you’d be amazed what you can find under the surface.’
‘Does everyone around here have a secret life?’
‘It’s not a secret. I don’t hide that I used to be on television. I just don’t make a big song and dance about it.’ He grinned. ‘Not unless you ask, or you ply me with too much alcohol.’
‘Is that why you took it easy last night? Were you at risk of turning John Travolta on the dance floor?’
‘I was about one beer short.’
‘I’ll have to remember that for next time.’
Jennifer glanced at Tom and found him looking at her with a smile on his face. She looked quickly away, and he laughed.
‘So, what have you got on today?’ he said.
‘I’m going to that meeting with Regina Clover,’ she said. ‘About the proposed water treatment plant.’
Tom’s smile dropped. ‘Oh, that. I have to work today, otherwise I’d be tempted to go. Not sure I could handle it without throwing a few chairs, though. Don’t worry, there’s absolutely no way they’ll pass that motion.’
‘Are you sure?’
Tom sighed. ‘I hope I am,’ he said.
20
Memories and Meetings
After saying goodbye to Tom,Jennifer took Bonky back home, spent an hour watching TV while petting James, then gave her flat a quick clean before heading back out. She went over to the café to see if Angela wanted to come, but Angela, looking a little worse for wear, was busy with a large party of elderly people who had stopped by to take pictures of the changing leaves.
‘I’ll give her hell for you,’ Jennifer said. ‘By the way, you didn’t pull my school’s headmaster, did you?’
