McCann winked at Tammas: Dont worry about this auld cunt he’s went senile!
He got a bus into town and cut through St Enoch Square for another. Upstairs he sat on the front seat, the packages on his lap. When the bus pulled out from the terminus he was the only passenger on the top deck and after a moment he went downstairs and said to the driver: You passing Baird Street?
The driver nodded.
Back upstairs he lighted a cigarette. He was staring out the front window until suddenly he recognised this part of the road and he jumped up, lifted the packages and went quickly down, but not in time for the driver, and he had to get off at the next stop after.
There was a small general store just before the corner of Baird Street. He bought a packet of cakes and some children’s sweets. Going into Vi’s close and up the stairs he paused to light a cigarette. He stood on the landing beneath the one where she lived and he gazed out the window into the backcourt for several moments.
He rang the doorbell. He flapped the letterbox. He rang the doorbell again. There was no reply. No sounds coming from inside. He bent to peer through the letterbox vent. It was pitchblack. Not a sign of light beneath the kitchen door. He stood for a time then banged the door again and rang the bell, and he flapped the letterbox. And the door across the landing opened noisily. A young woman, frowning at him. She switched on the light in her lobby, stared at him. Can I help you? she said.
What . . .
Can I help you? Are you wanting something?
Eh . . . He nodded at Vi’s door: I was wondering eh – what is she away out or what?
Who d’you mean? Vi?
Aye, d’you know where she is?
She continued staring at him but did not answer.
Eh, are you Cathy?
Do I know you?
You look after Vi’s wee girl.
She nodded and frowned again: Are you Thomas?
Aye. He smiled. Did she leave any kind of message?
I didnt even know she was expecting you?
Eh naw she wasnt but eh, I was just wondering and that if eh . . . He nodded.
She beckoned him across. Come in a minute, she said, there’s a hell of a draught coming up the stairs.
Nah it’s alright Cathy I’ll just eh . . . He raised the packages and the paperbag containing the sweets and the packet of cakes. And he handed them to her. Will you give them in to Vi for me?
Yes. Cathy glanced at them.
Just a couple of presents.
She nodded, and added: Are you leaving a message?
Naw eh I’ll no bother, just – I was here and that. Okay?
Fine.
•••
The grey figures had stopped dancing and singing and the picture of a clock on a church tower flashed onto the screen. As the chimes began Robert, Margaret and Tammas were onto their feet, each with a glass in hand. On the twelfth chime Robert said, That’s it then.
He and Margaret kissed on the lips. The grey figures were now singing Auld Lang Syne with their arms linked. Tammas and Margaret kissed each other on the cheek and then he and Robert shook hands, and they clinked glasses and raised them, made the toast to the new year. Then they drank and Tammas said: Refills! And he took their glasses to the table and poured another one each from a bottle of vodka.
And I’m sticking off that bloody goggle box! cried Robert.
Margaret laughed: He’s away with it already and we’re no even out the house yet!
What d’you mean away with it? Just because I’m turning off the blooming telly! Robert grinned, taking the glass from Tammas.
When Margaret had hers she sniffed it and wrinkled her nose: Vodka!
Aye, said Tammas, you’ve got to take one.
Not me; I’m sticking to the sherry . . . She moved towards the table but Tammas stood blocking her way, grinning at her.
Naw, he said, you’ve got to otherwise it’s bad luck!
Robert laughed: Right enough Margaret!
O God. Well . . . she shook her head: At least put some lime or orange into it. And I’ll have a bit of shortbread to wash it down.
Soak it up you mean! Robert laughed.
Shortly after 12.30 am they were locking the outside door and stepping downstairs and into the street. Quite a few people were about and music came from different windows up the tenement building. On the pavement opposite a middle aged couple who lived up the next close called: Happy New Year! and each of the three replied with the same call.
The streets were damp though it had not been raining for a while. There was a slight fog about. They walked into George Square for the all-night bus services. Tammas then split from them. See yous the morrow, he said.
Take care, Margaret answered, frowning a little.
Tammas looked at her.
I keep telling her you’re a big boy now Tammas but she’ll no pay any attention! Robert winked.
I know what you mean!
Well, replied Margaret, all I’m saying is take care.
Take care yourself, said Tammas. And he grinned: Have a good night.
And you.
He brandished the vodka bottle, still grinning, before continuing on across the Square to where his own bus would be leaving.
•••
At the foot of the staircase in Vi’s close he uncapped the vodka bottle and swigged a mouthful. How’s it going Vi, he said, I just thought I’d first-foot you! He grinned and capped the bottle, stuck it into his side jacket pocket, brought out his cigarettes and lighted one.
Outside her door he took the bottle out again but then put it back into the pocket; he rang the bell and stood with his eyes closed.
There was loud music coming from somewhere up the stairs. After a moment he rang the bell once more, then bent and lifted the flap. No lights, no sounds. He thudded his fist on the wood. Then he glanced hurriedly about and he rubbed the back of his head. He lowered himself down, sat on his heels, his back to the wall beside the door. He inhaled deeply on the cigarette. He took the bottle from his pocket and stood it on the floor. He stared at its label. A movement from Cathy’s house across the landing. And then a cistern emptying and someone’s footfalls on the floor inside.
He finished the cigarette, stubbed it out on the wall; he rose and stepped to Cathy’s door and chapped it loudly. An elderly man answered. Come on in, he said and he returned inside, leaving the door open. After a moment Tammas followed him, shutting the door quietly behind himself.
Some people, mainly middle aged, were in the front room chatting. They looked at him as he entered.
Happy New Year, he said.
Happy New Year, replied a couple of the people.
And a woman said: What time is it son?
I’m no sure.
It’s nearly bloody half one! muttered a guy who was wearing a tartan bunnet.
Dont be so bad tempered, she told him.
Bad tempered! Hh! The man turned away from her and he glanced over at Tammas.
I was looking for Cathy . . .
You’re no the only one!
Sssh, muttered the woman.
Well no wonder.
She’s up the stair with George, the woman said to Tammas. She’ll be down in a minute.
One of the other women pursed her lips and shook her head: They’ve been up for nearly an hour as it is.
Sit down, said a man.
Naw it’s okay thanks. I better just eh go up and have a word. Actually I’m looking for somebody that lives across the landing.
Aw. The man nodded, lifted a tumbler, sipped from it, frowning at the guy with the tartan bunnet. And he said: Give the boy a drink.
The boy can get a drink if he likes.
It’s okay, replied Tammas, going to the door. I better go up the stair.
Remind them there’s visitors down here and they’re having to be going soon, muttered a woman.
Tammas nodded. He went upstairs and chapped on the door of the flat where the music seemed to be coming from. A young
girl of about 13 answered and rushed back inside without acknowledgment. Then a woman appeared. I’m looking for Cathy, he said.
Cathy! the woman called down the lobby: Somebody for you!
Cathy appeared, holding a drink in one hand. She frowned at first and then smiled. Thomas! Happy New Year, she said.
Happy New Year. He leaned to her and they kissed on the lips briefly. I’m looking for Vi.
She’s over in Milly’s. Do you know where she lives?
Naw.
Cathy nodded, coming out from the house. Come on, she said, I’ve got the address downstairs.
He waited in the lobby while she went into her kitchen to find it. There seemed to be no one speaking in the front room. When Cathy gave him a slip of paper with the address written on it she smiled and added, You’ve got time for a quick yin first!
Eh naw Cathy naw, I better no.
Och come on!
Naw, honest, I better just eh . . . He grinned, patting the neck of his vodka bottle. Got to keep sober! And you’ve got company in there as well Cathy.
Tch! She made a face and whispered: Is that what you call it!
He smiled.
She paused at the door, touching his wrist: Look, see if you dont get a bus or that, if you cant find a taxi – just come back; we’ll be going for a while up the stair. Especially when that mob through there decides to leave!
Great.
Honest, I mean that, just come back. And no too late or I’ll be drunk!
Okay . . . he grinned: That’s a promise!
•••
Tammas had been walking for some time. His knowledge of Paisley was limited to the main roads and the driver of the bus had only been able to offer him the general direction of Milly’s street. Since the Glasgow city boundary traffic seemed fewer and not many taxis passed. Two had appeared for hire but they were travelling on the opposite side of the road and did not stop when he hailed them. There were three youths up ahead, younger than him. They watched his approach. One of them said, Hey jimmy you got a light?
Tammas was smoking. He took the cigarette from his mouth with his left hand and he gripped the neck of the vodka bottle with his right. What was that? he asked.
You got a light? A match?
A match . . . He sniffed. He passed the cigarette to him.
The youth used it to light his own cigarette then passed it back. Ta, he said.
Tammas nodded. He looked at them for a moment. He walked on at the same pace, without looking back. About five minutes after this a taxi slowed to round a corner at a junction ahead of him. He hesitated, then began running, following it along the street. It halted halfway up and a couple got out. They paid the driver. Tammas shouted: Hey! Taxi!
The man and woman stared at him. They were entering a garden, walking the path to the door of a semi detached bungalow.
Can you take me to this address? he said, showing the driver the bit of paper.
Ah sorry son, replied the driver, I’m going back to Glasgow.
Come on and take us eh? I’m walking in circles.
The driver shook his head. Sorry.
Aw come on eh? I’m lost. I’ve got to get. Honest.
The driver looked at him. He sighed. Okay, but hurry up.
Aw ta, thanks a lot.
Where is it?
Tammas handed him the bit of paper.
Less than five minutes later and they were there. A garden surrounded the house and when he pushed open the gate it swung back smoothly. There was a porch at the front door and a light was on in it; lights were also on inside the house. But no noise could be heard. After a moment he uncapped his bottle and swigged at the vodka. He said, Fuck – and then he pressed the doorbell.
Vi opened the door. She gazed at him. He was grinning. Tammas, she said. What you doing here?
First-footing! He brandished the vodka . . . Am I to get allowed in?
She shook her head slightly, released the doorhandle and stepped to the side so that he could enter. She shut the door softly and guided him into a kitchen. They stood in silence. Tammas stared about at the different things. Then she said, They were lovely presents you got. You shouldnt’ve bothered.
Ach! He shrugged. He added, Christ! What a time I had getting here! Terrible! He nodded at her. He laid the bottle on top of one of the cupboard units and he took out his cigarettes, offering her one but she shook her head. He struck a match for his own, staring about the room again. Big place, he said. Milly’s?
Belongs to Joe actually.
Aw. Aw aye.
It’s worth a lot . . . What did you no get in touch with me for?
Sorry, it was just eh. He sniffed and inhaled on the cigarette.
Vi had folded her arms; she was gazing at him. She shook her head and she turned and walked slowly to the window over the sink and she looked out through the slats in the blind. How did you know where to come?
Cathy. I thought you might’ve been there if you werent in your own place . . .
Vi made no answer.
There was a few people in her house.
You shouldnt’ve come Tammas.
What?
You shouldnt’ve come. Vi was still looking out through the slats in the blind. She had spoken very quietly.
After a moment he said: What’s up?
She sighed. You know you never even told me you wanted to see me again – when you went away; you never even said you wanted to see me again.
What?
She turned to face him; her arms were still folded and she was leaning with the small of her back against the sink. I mean you didnt even get in touch with me.
He nodded.
Vi sighed again and she smiled slightly, shaking her head. She strolled to the cupboard unit next to the refrigerator and she handled some of the glasses there. She was wearing a longish dress. She stood about three yards from him. He cleared his throat and dragged on the cigarette. I’m sorry, he said. He nodded. That’s a nice dress Vi, it’s nice.
She glanced at him. What did you come for?
Just first-footing you! He grinned.
She shook her head and looked away.
That was daft, no getting in touch with you, honest Vi, I’m sorry.
She nodded. What made you come away out here?
I told you first-footing.
It’s a long way.
Aye you’re no kidding – even worse when you’ve got to hoof it!
Hoof it?
Aye, Christ, took us ages to get a taxi. Walked for miles!
She nodded, looking at him.
D’you want a vodka? He patted his jacket pocket.
I’m drinking gin – I’ve got one through the room.
Aw . . .
Vi glanced at her wristwatch.
Is Joe and Milly in there?
Milly is but Joe’s in his bed.
In his bed! Tammas grinned.
Vi shrugged. He said he was tired – and he’s going to Ayr Races the morrow afternoon.
Christ aye, I forgot it was on. You going as well?
Hh! Sitting about in that bar! She glanced at the wristwatch again.
After a moment he said: Is there something up?
No.
He nodded. Sure you dont want a vodka?
No, I told you.
Aye, sorry. Tammas glanced at the length of grey ash at the end of his cigarette and he tapped it onto the palm of his left hand, walked to deposit it into the sink. He took another puff on the cigarette then doused it; he pushed it through the drain. When he returned to where he had been standing he did so without looking at her. And took out his cigarette packet.
You’ve just put one out, she said.
Aye it’s this drinking, makes you thirsty . . . He glanced at her before striking the match. He blew it out and put it back inside the matchbox. I dont suppose you’ve got a can of beer at all?
I’ll get you one.
He watched her walk round him and out through the doorway, shutting it behind
herself. Minutes passed. He was across by the window looking out by the time she returned. Remaining by the door she gestured him over: Come on ben.
He frowned at her.
It’ll be okay.
He sniffed and followed her without speaking.
It was very warm in the other room and the lighting was dim. Charlie, the guy who had backed the losers at the racetrack, was dozing in an armchair and Vi’s brother-in-law Stan was sitting next to Ann on a long sofa. Milly was there and so too were half a dozen other people. There was a hi-fi system and a Frank Sinatra song was playing quietly. Vi patted him on the wrist, indicating a laden dining table in one corner of the room. She gave him a can of export and pointed at the empty glasses, then left him; she walked over to sit down behind Stan. Another man who was sitting nearby leaned closer to begin chatting. The others were talking among themselves. One of the men was accompanying the singer on the record, but only by mouthing the words.
Once he had poured the can of beer Tammas stuck the empty beside a pile of others and he hesitated for a moment, looking across at the folk, and he waited there, before going slowly to a dining chair at the side of the table. He nodded at Stan who had gazed at him. He sipped the froth off the beer, inhaled on his cigarette and lifted an ashtray down from the table, placing it on the floor near his feet. Eventually he glanced around the room at the different things on display, at the pictures on the wall and the large curtains reaching from the ceiling to the floor. The song ended and another one started, also by Frank Sinatra. And then one of the woman stood to her feet; she was saying something to Milly about the weather and she finished saying it before coming across to the table. She smiled at Tammas as she lifted a large plateful of sandwiches in one hand and a smaller plateful of cakes in the other. She offered them about to the people in the room. When she returned the plates to the table she said to Tammas: Help yourself.
No thanks, he replied. He continued sipping at the beer, not gazing at the others in the room. When the record ended one of the men put on another one in the same style. Tammas brought out his cigarette packet then returned it immediately. He shifted on his chair and glanced at the assortment of stuff on the table. Then Vi was rising from the sofa. Her feet were bare. She yawned, coming over to the table, to lift a sandwich; she bit a piece, looking at him. It’s warm in here, she said.
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