by Tara Ford
The elderly man left the shop, completely unaware that he had left two women reeling in disgust, behind the counter.
Six o’clock couldn’t come round soon enough. Jenny could not feel her toes anymore, her fingers had stiffened and her nose ran, at the most inappropriate moments. She understood how the man, of earlier, could have a runny nose in this cold weather but she didn’t get why he didn’t know about it. Surely he must have felt the drops hanging from his nose – it tickles? Maybe he didn’t – maybe it was an age thing. Jenny sniffed and wiped her nose again. She didn’t want to end up with an oozy, drippy nose, when she met up with Aaron in an hours’ time. They’d made an agreement – spurred on by Aaron’s insistence. She would meet up with him at their favourite restaurant, have a meal with him and then go home for an early night – on her own, straight after.
And she did. It was hard. But she did it.
Chapter 35
Surprisingly, there had been a bit of hype, leading up to the ‘Big, Bubble’ day. Apart from the festive feel of the shop, clad in glittery ceiling decorations and tinsel banners, and the approaching holidays, there seemed to be genuine interest in the arrival of Jeffers-Bubble-Bon-Bon. The name still grated on Jenny’s nerves every time he was mentioned, but the fact that the parents from the nursery had started to come back into the shop again and ask about his visit, made up for the skin-crawling thoughts that Jenny had of him.
Bubbly-Bon-Bon, as he called himself, in a high pitched, squeaky voice, had visited the shop, under cover, a few days ago. Dressed in a fawn coloured, full-length raincoat and a tweed fedora with a dark green ribbon around the base of its crown, Jeffers looked like your typical pervert. A flasher type of pervert. In fact, Jenny was more than relieved when he kept his coat on during their meeting about the costings and promotional deals.
As soon as Jeffers had left, Jenny approached the counter, where Dayna was serving a string of customers and she waited for the last one to leave. “Oh my God, Dayna. How could you?”
“What?” Dayna replied. “What do you mean?”
“Him,” Jenny gestured towards the front door. “That Jeffers bloke.”
Dayna huffed. “Long time ago.”
“It was only last year.”
“Yes – I know. A long time ago. I’ve gone up in the world since then.”
“I suppose you have. You do attract the weird ones though.”
“Are you calling, Will, weird?”
“No… no… but… well, isn’t he a bit unusual as well? What with all that school teacher stuff?”
“It’s just a harmless game,” said Dayna, defensively. “Just because it’s all prim and proper with your little entrepreneur, Aaron.”
“It’s not prim and proper – I can assure you.” Jenny sighed, “I don’t want to get into an argument, Day. I’m pleased that you have gone up in the world. It’s about time.”
“Hmm… so just forget about Jeffers-Bubble-Bon-Bon. We’ll never have to see him again after this.”
A rap on the door brought Jenny back from her daydreaming. Peeping her head around the door, Dayna smirked. “Miss bloody Doo-glass is here – wants to speak to you.”
“Oh, really? Wonder what she wants. And it’s Douglas.”
Dayna shrugged her shoulders, “Yea, I know – stuck up cow – do you want me to tell her to clear off?”
“No.” Jenny leapt to her feet. “I’ll see what she wants first.”
Andrea Douglas waited by the counter, a smug look plastered across her face.
“Hello again,” said Jenny, cynically. “What brings you back in here today?”
Andrea smirked, “Boss says we can come in here for our stuff again.”
“Oh, does she now?”
“Yes, it was nothing to do with me, you know. She stopped us from coming in.”
Jenny shook her head, disapprovingly. “Silly really.”
“She said you’ve paid for her car, she’s not suing you and we can use your shop again.” Andrea smiled, uncomfortably.
“Got ripped off, more like,” said Dayna, aggressively. “Sue? She wouldn’t have stood a hope in hell – silly bitch.”
Jenny scowled at her loud-mouth friend, before turning back to Andrea. “Well that’s very good of her to let you come in here again. So… I take it that I’m no longer considered to be a psycho? Or a crazy bitch? I take it that she thought long and hard about suing me for her bruised bottom and obviously made the right choice not to, in the end.” Jenny folded her arms in front of her, defiantly.
“She’s the boss – what are we supposed to do when she says we can’t get our stuff from here? And as for her bruised bum – well, we all think it’s funny but we daren’t mention it in front of her – she goes mad.” Andrea’s face flushed. “And I don’t know about any psycho stuff, either.”
Jenny shrugged, huffily. “Really? Well, ok, never mind about that…” Pausing, thoughtfully, Jenny unfolded her arms and then added, “Ok, give me a list and we’ll reinstate your account.”
Andrea pulled a piece of paper from her pocket and passed it over the counter. “Can we start from tomorrow… and I’ll pay you up front for the week?”
“Ok.” Jenny glared across at Dayna who seemed to be biting her tongue in a torturous way. “We’ll start tomorrow. Same time as before?”
Andrea nodded and gave a half smile. “Thanks,” she said quietly, before turning round and exiting the shop quickly, with her head bowed.
“Should have said no,” barked Dayna. “Bloody cheek if you ask me.”
“I’m not asking you. Think about it, Day. I lost a fair whack of money when they stopped buying from here. We need them as much as they need us.”
“Ok,” said Dayna, resignedly, “I don’t have to like her though.”
“No you don’t – but just keep your mouth firmly closed. I don’t want to upset anyone else around here.”
“Lips sealed,” mumbled Dayna and gave a sarcastic, tight lipped grin.
On the afternoon of Jeffers’ balloon delights, the shop was full of parents, toddlers and screeching, traumatised babies in pushchairs. Jeffers-Bubble-Bon-Bon did not go down well with everyone. Dressed in a sickly-green Santa outfit and a well-worn yellowing beard, Jeffers’ balloon models weren’t so popular with the smallest of children. Even the odd bellow of giant bubbles couldn’t convince the tearful tots.
The balloon-arch display around the front door seemed to entice, not only passers-by but also the parents who hadn’t wanted to come to the shop. Children dragged their apathetic parents inside the shop, after seeing Jeffers do his thing with the balloons. Somehow, he’d managed to convince the parents and children alike, that they too, could learn how to make things from balloons.
“Never seen the shop so full,” Tasha exclaimed. “He’s pretty cool isn’t he?”
“Err… I wouldn’t describe him as cool, Tasha. “Think ‘weird’ would be a more appropriate word.”
“Ah, I like him. Quite tasty for an older man, too.”
“No.” Jenny stared, wide-eyed. “No – seriously? Tasha, he’s a freaky, lecherous piece of filth.”
“Don’t you like him?”
“No I do not.” Jenny peered out of the window at the small gathering of mums clustered around him.
“Why did you have him here then?”
“It was Dayna’s idea, wasn’t it?” Jenny sighed, “I suppose he has helped to pull the parents from the nursery back into the shop.”
“So that’s good then?”
“Yes, I suppose it is.” Jenny continued to watch through the window, as Jeffers twisted his khaki green balloons into Christmas tree shapes and the white ones into angels. Then some of the parents came into the shop, asked for his ‘balloon craft’ book and got a free lollipop… or two.
It went on for several hours. Jeffers was lively, loud and ultra-friendly to Jenny’s customers, creating a healthy beeping of the till and a growing stack of notes in the tray.
“It’s goi
ng well,” said Dayna, cheerfully. “I bet you’ve taken more today.”
Jenny nodded. “Yes, it looks like it.”
“So it was worth having him here for the afternoon?”
“Yes – ok, Day. You win. I don’t want him back again though – gives me the creeps.”
“If it works, don’t knock it.” Dayna grinned, conceitedly. “Going to make Jeffers a coffee, anyone else want one?”
Jenny had to admit that her friend was right. At the end of the day, the till was almost bursting at the seams. Ok, it was overflowing with coins, more than notes, but she had a good feeling about it.
After three counts, Jenny pressed the summary button on her computer and waited to see if the figures were true. And they were. The takings had increased considerably. Not quite doubled but well enough. The only problem was, she couldn’t have Jeffers in the shop every afternoon and there was no doubt that eventually, he would have worn out his novelty appearance. Jenny sighed and looked up as the evening’s ‘thumps’ jumped across the ceiling. At least she had the nursery’s orders back – that would help. Wouldn’t it?
Locking the front door, Jenny felt a swirl of excitement swish through her body. Tomorrow she’d be closing earlier than normal. Tomorrow she’d start her Christmas holiday’s opening hours. Tomorrow she would feel like she was getting her life back, albeit temporarily. Tomorrow, there would be no Aaron. He’d gone. Wales would have him for Christmas and sadly, she wouldn’t.
If you’re going to be out in the sticks – I’ll wish you a happy Xmas now. Hope you have a good time at your auntie’s. See you when you get back. Happy Xmas! Jen x
Chapter 36
You too, Jenny. Just crossed the Severn Bridge, pouring down now. Stopped for a Costa – happy days! Have a good rest over Xmas. Oh, and Mum said she’ll pop in to see you over the holidays. Said she might have a few ideas for you. No pressure, told her we’re good friends, so don’t start panicking that you’re meeting the mother-in-law or something ridiculous like that, lol. See you soon. Aaron xx
A lie in. Except that Jenny was wide awake by twenty to six. Who gets up at six o’clock on Christmas day, she thought, before turning over and closing her eyes again. Only families with young children. That counted her out then. Drawing a deep breath, she let out a long sigh before drifting off again.
Dad had cooked a super-size turkey with all the trimmings. A feast of Christmas home cooking, which he loved to do. And sprouts. Hundreds of them.
“This is the first proper meal I’ve had in months,” said Jenny, feasting her eyes over the spread. “I’m full-up just looking at it.”
“Get it eaten then. It’ll be no good hanging around here when you’ve all gone.” Dad sat down and smiled. “Happy Christmas to you all.”
Picking up their glasses of wine, Jenny, Jacob and his bossy wife, Becky, returned the goodwill.
Jenny didn’t like Becky very much either but she didn’t hate her like Dayna did. Jenny and Becky were two completely different personalities and sometimes they clashed. But for the sake of Dad, they always made polite conversation and smiled at each other a lot when he was around. It all felt very false but it made Dad happy and that was all that Jenny cared about. As for Jacob, he didn’t care much either way. Quiet and placid, Jacob tended to keep himself to himself and deliberately not notice his wife’s bossiness or indeed, react to it. So Becky usually harped on about trivial things, moaned, childishly, about everything or bossed people around, to her heart’s content. No one seemed to care too much.
“Thanks Dad. I’ve had a really lovely day. And the food was amazing. I’d forgotten how good your roasties were.”
“Well I’ve told you many a time, Jen. You are welcome to come for dinner on a Sunday… and bring your man friend along too, if you like. What’s his name? Aaron?”
“Oh, yes… Aaron. Ok, thanks Dad. I may just take you up on that.”
Dad nodded his head and winked. “Just tell me when you’re coming.”
“I will.” Jenny smiled, warmly, and threw her arms around him. “Right, I’d better go – got to be up for the papers tomorrow morning.”
Jacob muttered, “See you soon, Sis… don’t work too hard.”
“Yes,” added Becky. “Take it easy… if you can. Bye.”
Jumping into her car, Jenny drove away with a sense of sadness. It was Christmas day and families were gathered together having fun, eating too much and watching festive TV. Jenny was going home to her empty, undecorated flat, to get an early night before work in the morning. It was a lonely existence, owning a failing shop and having to work non-stop. She really hadn’t put this into the equation when she’d submitted her business plan to the bank.
Happy Christmas. Have you been working today? Hope not. Give me a shout if you get fed up and/or lonely. We could go out for a drink?
Thanks, Calvin – Happy Christmas to you too. No, haven’t worked today, went to Dad’s for dinner. Back to work tomorrow… Jenny paused, thoughtfully. Should she tell him that she’s seeing Aaron? Or leave it for another day, just in case it spoilt Calvin’s Christmas entirely? One way or another, she had to get the simple message, that she had no further interest in him, across to Calvin… Thanks for the offer but it wouldn’t be a good idea to go for a drink, Calvin, we’re finished – remember? Enjoy your holidays and take care. J
Woohoo! Happy Crimbo, Jen. Sorry so late – been hectic here. Xaylan has been so spoilt by everyone. He loves the game you bought him (well, I bought it and you paid for it, lol). Guess where I’ve been invited tomorrow? Love and hugs Day xxx
America? To meet Will’s family? Lol x
No, don’t be silly. Going to spend the day at his penthouse suite! OMG! Sex-filled Boxing Day!
Better get your school books ready then, lol. Have a fab day x
Ha ha, might ask Tasha if I can borrow her nurse outfit – have a change of theme. Hope you’ve had a good day off and enjoy your shorter day tomorrow. Love ya! Day xxxx
Jenny stared up at the ceiling, thoughtfully, from her warm and cosy bed. Hmm… at least she was only working until four o’clock tomorrow. Maybe life wasn’t so bad after all. At least she could catch up with her washing and ironing in the evening, cook her frozen chicken, meal-for-one and watch some Boxing Day TV, whilst munching on a mince pie or two. Heavenly. Almost.
Jenny really didn’t know why she’d bothered opening the shop, at all. Apart from Dolly and the other regular newspaper buyers, no more than twenty other people had come in. No more than £80 had been taken in the till. It had probably cost more to run the shop for the day. Jenny grumbled under her breath. Although the nursery were using her services again, they were closed for the next two weeks. “I don’t know what I’m going to do if it’s dead like this for the next two weeks.”
Tasha stared, worriedly, at Jenny, not knowing what to say.
“Well, there hasn’t been much point in us being here today, has there?”
Tasha shook her head, apprehensively. “It’ll be better tomorrow, won’t it? We’ve still got lots more leaflets to deliver.”
“Yes, sure it will. I’m sorry, Tasha, I don’t mean to sound grumpy. Just tell me to shut up.”
“No – I couldn’t do that. You’re my boss.”
“Yes you can – you don’t have to put up with a grumpy boss, you know.”
Tasha laughed, nervously. “I don’t mind… really I don’t.”
Tasha had been right. Custom had picked up by the following day. Everyone seemed to have run out of bread and milk. Even the newspaper buyers had stretched their pockets to buying a loaf or a small carton of milk. Jenny was taken aback that they’d actually bought something else, apart from their paper. So they did have money. And there she was, thinking that her stock wasn’t good enough for the elderly clique or that they just didn’t carry any other money in their pockets. But Jenny had now decided to change her tune. Instead of saying that things were going well, when asked by polite and friendly customers, she was now go
ing to tell them that if they didn’t start using her, they’d lose her. “Use it or lose it,” she said, over and over again.
“Blimey, you’re going for it today,” said Dayna, placing two mugs of hot chocolate under the counter. “Can’t believe that you said that to those two old men.”
“Well it’s true, Day. If they don’t start using us and buy a bit more than a paper, then we won’t be here in a year’s time.”
Dayna puffed out her cheeks. “Yes, I know, but maybe you could say it in a nicer way. You sounded quite abrupt then.”
“Did I?”
Dayna nodded, “Yes, you did.”
“Well I’m fed up with being polite to them… especially when they come in here, buy a cheap old paper and then stand around chatting to all their friends for bloody hours.”
“Go to your office,” said Dayna, picking Jenny’s drink back up and passing it to her. “Go and have a chill out. I’ll do the till.”
Resignedly, Jenny left the counter and stomped down the aisle to her office. Maybe she was a little grumpy still.
On way home today. My granddad died suddenly, last night. Be in touch soon. Aaron xx
Oh no, I am so sorry to hear that, Aaron. My thoughts are with you and your family. Love Jen x
Thanks. Don’t expect my mum will come to see you now. Sorry, Jen. I’ll see you soon, I hope xx
Hope so, too. Take care and let me know if there is anything that I can do. Jen x
“Well… God knows when I’ll be seeing him again,” moaned Jenny, miserably. “Just had a message. On his way home – his granddad has died, suddenly.”
“Oh dear, I’m sorry to hear that. You are really not happy at the moment, are you? And this just adds to everything else.”
Close to tears, Jenny stood at the end of the counter, stared past Dayna and out through the window. “Oh, ignore me. I’m fed up, that’s all. Everyone is enjoying their Christmas hols… except me.”