A Perfect Christmas

by Lynda Page

  Glen said to her, ‘So you’re happy then with the change of company name?’

  Before Lucy could answer, out of the corner of his eye Glen noticed a ragged old man shuffling his way towards a short cut that led down the side of the works towards the canal tow path. He was carrying a sack Glen knew would contain his worldly belongings. Excusing himself to Lucy, he dashed out of the entrance gates and after the man. Catching up with him, Glen took out his wallet and removed a pound note, which he pressed into the old man’s filthy hands. ‘Buy yourself a hot meal,’ Glen told him.

  The man looked at the money in astonishment then up at Glen. In a cracked voice he said, ‘A whole pound! You’re giving me a whole pound, guv? The type-a place I eats at nowadays, yer lordship, this ’ud buy me four hot meals and I’d have change. Bless yer heart, guv. You’re a gent, so you are.’

  ‘Well, I know what it’s like to be hungry.’

  The tramp looked him up and down, noted the good cut of his suit and the handmade shoes he wore. He shook his head of matted grey hair. ‘I doubt it, sir. Maybe missed a meal, but not several days’ worth at a time.’

  Glen watched the man as he shuffled off. I can assure you I do know, he thought.

  Lucy had watched what he had done, the same as she had on many occasions now. She knew that until the day he died her father would never be able to pass by a needy-looking soul without giving them something to help them on their way. His compassion was only one of the countless good traits he possessed and she felt it was a privilege to be his daughter.

  When he rejoined her, he said, ‘Now, where were we? Oh, yes, I asked you if you were happy with the company’s change of name?’

  She shook her head and to his dismay said, ‘Sorry, Dad, no, I’m not.’ Then she gave a laugh at his worried expression and changed his frown to a broad smile when she added, ‘I’m ecstatic.’

  He smiled in delight. ‘Good, I’m glad. Of course, you’ll be at liberty to change it to what you like when it all becomes yours, but for now I’m glad you approve. Right, young lady, we’d best get back to it before the workers all go on strike, thinking the bosses are slacking while they do all the work.’ He leaned over and kissed her cheek. ‘I’ll see you tonight at dinner, love. I hope Agnes has made us one of her delicious steak and kidney puddings.’

  ‘She won’t have because she’s got the afternoon off. And you won’t be seeing me at dinner tonight for two reasons. The first is that I’m going straight from work to Belinda’s as we’re off to the flicks together. We’re going to grab some fish and chips on the way.’

  ‘You’re out again tonight? I can’t remember the last time we all sat down and ate our evening meal together,’ he said, pretending to sulk.

  ‘Oh, Dad, stop exaggerating. I admit, I just grabbed a snack last night as I didn’t want to be late for meeting Neil, and of course I wanted to look beautiful for him, but the night before that I ate with you and Jan.’

  ‘Oh, yes, you did. I suppose an old dad should be grateful for small mercies. How is that young man of yours? When are we finally going to meet him?’

  ‘Well, as I said, we’re just taking it slowly. You know what our history is, Dad, and the last thing I want is to appear to be pushing Neil into anything, but the way things are going, I’d say it won’t be long. Anyway, the second reason you wouldn’t have seen me at dinner, even if I weren’t going out, is that you won’t be eating dinner at home tonight yourself. You’re meeting Jan, remember? To have dinner at the place you are thinking of for the wedding reception, to make sure the food is to your liking. You’re meeting her there at six o’clock.’

  ‘Oh, thanks for reminding me. I’d forgotten.’

  Lucy scolded him, ‘Oh, you liar, Dad. You never forget anything to do with Jan. You love that woman more than anyone and can’t wait to marry her.’

  ‘Very true I can’t wait to marry her, but it’s not true I love her more than you.’

  Lucy laughed. ‘Well, equally then.’

  ‘Okay, I’ll agree to that, but don’t tell Jan because she thinks I love you most and her second, and then she might get above herself.’ He took his arm from around Lucy and gave her bottom a playful slap. ‘Now come on, I’ve got a business to run.’

  She slapped his bottom back. ‘And I have one to learn.’

  Arms linked, laughing and joking as they did so, they hurried back inside the factory.