“I have some Belgian chocolates I wanted to give you. I know how much you love Belgian chocolates,” said Anthony. “You love chocolates more than you love me.”
Anthony was starting to get very emotional and was trying not to cry. And now he couldn’t help himself. He was now crying loudly over the intercom.
“Look, I’m so sorry for not keeping in regular touch with you before. Obviously coming here was a bad mistake” Anthony sobbed quietly to the intercom but began to regain his composure. “I’m going to put the chocolates underneath the intercom. These were meant for you.”
Anthony could see that his Mum had disconnected from the intercom as he placed the box of chocolates on the ground. Anthony wiped the tears away from his face and started walking back out onto the walkway and towards the car.
Heath looked up expectantly as Anthony walked over to the driver’s side. Anthony shook his head and let himself into the driver’s seat. Heath silently placed his hand on Anthony’s shoulder.
“At least we tried,” said Heath before Anthony burst into tears again and held his head over the steering wheel.
“Why, am I surprised though?” said Anthony as he again calmed down. “I haven’t exactly impressed Mum in the past. I’m paying for my past actions. Anyway, let’s get out of here.”
“You sure you’re all right to drive?” asked Heath.
“Yes, I’ve settled down now,” said Anthony. They both clipped their seatbelts in. Anthony then drove the car to where they were living, at Heath’s unit in Five Dock. While they were driving through Leichhardt, Anthony’s mobile phone received a text message.
“Do you want to get that Heath?” said Anthony as he drove through the green lights.
“Sure,” said Heath as he picked up Anthony’s phone, which was in a compartment under the car radio.
Heath read out the message:
I’ve never heard you say sorry before. I’ve collected the chocolates in case anyone else steals them. Mum.
“Stop messing around with me Heath. What does it really say,” said Anthony.
“I’m not lying, Anthony. That’s the message,” grinned Heath.
Chapter 11
Friday, 27 April – 5:45 pm
“Wow, this place is looking great, Mum,” enthused Ollie.
“I know! I’m very happy about how it’s shaping up,” said Iris.
The former butcher space had been freshened up immensely. The floors were professionally polished, giving it a very smart look with its blonde wood panelling. The greying walls were now painted a cream white. The ceilings were freshened up with a good cleaning and several coats of white paint. The light fixtures were updated with sleek designs. The cool room had been cleaned and refitted with new cooling technology. The shopfront window was sparkling clean and passers-by could not help but look inside out of curiosity before continuing on their way along Oxford Street. On top of the store window, the big gold lettering of LATE BLOOMER BLOSSOMS could be seen.
“The workshop tables should be delivered tomorrow morning,” said Iris. “Come on over and let me show you what I’ve done next door.”
Iris and Ollie walked over to the neighbouring store space.
“It looks exactly the same except the restaurant counter is brand new,” Ollie said.
“Yes, and come over to the kitchen,” Iris said. “I’ve had a kitchen specialist come over and have a look. She said the metal racks are still solid and I only needed to buy an industrial oven and install new plumbing for the kitchen. The cleaners will be coming here tomorrow morning as well.”
“Looks very cool,” said Ollie.
“It’d better be! I wanted to ensure that there was gleaming chrome everywhere to impress the tenant. It was expensive! But I know it’s a good investment,” said Iris.
“Well, it’s your money. You can spend it however you like,” said Ollie. “So have you decided on the successful tenant for this space?”
“No, not yet. I’m tied between all three,” said Iris. “They’re all worthy and have their own unique merits. See that folder? That contains all the applicants’ information.” Iris pointed to the black folder on a nearby table.
“You don’t mind me having a look?” asked Ollie. He went over to grab the folder but it slipped out of his grasp and fell onto the polished tiled floor.
“Oops,” said Ollie. The folder had landed on its spine and was at a page showing the artisan cake maker.
“He’s handsome. Who’s he?” queried Ollie.
“That’s Malik Zahra. He’s been working in Australia in the food industry for over fifteen years,” Iris said. “He came to Australia as a teenager with his parents from Morocco. He’s worked in bakeries in Lakemba, Auburn and Punchbowl.”
“It also says here that he is fluent in English, Arabic and French. How old is he?” asked Ollie.
“I think he is in his mid-thirties. Why? Do you like his application already?” Iris said as she looked at the portrait photo of Malik.
“It’s your decision, Mum,” said Ollie.
“He’s fluent in French?” asked Iris.
“Yes, that’s what I said,” said Ollie. He handed over the folder to his mum, who put the folder under her arm. They both left the kitchen space and made their way back onto Oxford Street.
“Oh, I forgot to show you where I’ll be living from this evening. I’ve now moved in upstairs,” Iris said. They walked back into the florist store and made their way upstairs.
“Mum, the stairs have stopped creaking,” Ollie said in surprise.
“Yes, I had these stairs repaired by this amazing handyman. Ron is his name. He is in his 60s but I can tell you he looked very fit and up-to-date with his iPad,” said Iris. “Hmm, I’ll need to find him something to fix to see him again.”
“You’re paying him in order to see him again?” asked Ollie.
“Yes,” replied Iris after a moment’s thought.
They both reached the top level. Iris turned the lights on and the space had clearly had a makeover. The walls were painted the same cream white as downstairs. The level had a very minimalist look. The ornate high ceilings looked refreshed. Iris also purchased a new white bed, a new elegant and plush white sofa, a glass dining table with six white chairs and a white cabinet with an enormous flat-screen television. Ollie looked in the kitchen and saw a fridge and dishwasher. All chrome.
“You certainly know how to treat yourself,” remarked Ollie.
“I couldn’t help myself. The moment I stepped into the store, I felt transformed. It’s like I became this other person. I didn’t recognise her. She was bouncy, determined, knew what she liked and only wanted the best. Budget was just a word,” said Iris. “I also bought these curtains.”
Iris walked toward the two large windows. They had thick white curtains. Even with the windows closed, the rumble of passing traffic going past was discernible. The streetlights were bright, hence the need for curtains.
“Well, I’m glad to hear that you had a good time. You’re looking different as well,” Ollie said. Iris’s hair was now looking very curly and had a lush brunette texture. Iris’s face also had a rosy glow.
“Yes, I’ve been introducing myself to several of the stores along Oxford Street, and I went to have a beauty and hair treatment a few stores down,” said Iris. “Speaking of which, there was a cycling store along Oxford Street so I purchased a delivery bike with a custom-made box to hold the flower deliveries. It’s downstairs in the cool room.
Iris and Ollie walked downstairs and Iris opened the cool room and brought the bike out.
“Very nice, Mum,” Ollie said, putting his hands on the seat of the bike and noted the box positioned out in front of the handle bars.
“So, the bike can stay here when you turn up and you can return it after completing all your deliveries,” said Iris.
“Sounds like a plan. Well, it looks like you have everything under control,” said Ollie as Iris returned the bike back to the cool room. “Well, I
better head off. So, you’re fine to live here by yourself?”
“Yes. I should be all right but can you keep your phone on in case anything happens?” Iris asked.
“You’ll be fine, Mum. Upstairs looks really comfortable. You have a nice bed. You’ll sleep really well,” said Ollie.
“I hope so,” Iris said. She kissed Ollie on the cheek and Ollie walked out onto the pavement of Oxford street. He was overtaken by a group of young women, one of whom was wearing a shimmering green sequinned dress. She was laughing with her girlfriends as they prepared themselves for a great night out. Ollie waved back at his mum and started walking to the nearest bus stop.
Iris remained standing by the storefront. She had not told Ollie what was found in the upstairs kitchen.
The day before, Ron, had been undertaking a few odd jobs in the kitchen where he had found an aged and yellowed page of a newspaper. Ron had handed it over to Iris and she was quite surprised that such a page still survived in its condition. Iris had a look at both sides and saw on one page an article about a French dignitary visiting Sydney. There was an accompanying photo and she saw with a jolt that there in the photo, with the visiting French dignitary Pierre de Lys, was the French ambassador Pascal de Tulipe, all posing in front of Bondi Beach. Iris had a closer look and saw that not far off in the background stood Jack, a stunningly beautiful man but a lone figure. Jack looked deep in thought about something. Iris checked the date of the newspaper and saw that the page was dated 20 December 1972.
Was Jack an employee of the French consulate? Or did Jack have a relationship with Pascal? Iris stood mystified. Perhaps the truth will eventually come out. In the meantime, her business was to start trading from the following Tuesday and Iris was nervous. She took a deep breath and turned off the store’s lights.
Chapter 12
Friday, 27 April – 9:17 pm
Ollie walked up the sets of stairs to the Penrith unit. He was not rostered on at the Balmain pub this evening. He felt uneasy. Here he was, the entire flat to himself. He was not sure what to do with himself. Perhaps, he could order Thai food and watch some television show.
Ollie let himself into the flat and walked over to the sofa and sat down. He did not have to be alone. He could invite a friend over but he was not in the mood for company.
Walking along Oxford Street had brought back so many memories. He just had to make sure his mind did not wander, but it was too late.
January 2015
Meggie, Jane and Clara all squealed in unison as Ollie entered The Hourglass, a cool and small licensed bar in Darlinghurst.
“We’re over here, Ollie,” called out Jane. Meggie, Jane and Clara were co-workers from the Balmain pub.
“Happy Birthday, Ollie!” cried out Meggie and stood up to give Ollie a hug.
“You need to have fun tonight,” said Jane, enjoying her third or fourth drink.
“Yes, you so do,” Clara said, glancing around the bar. “There’s got to be someone you like here.’’
“What about that guy over there,” Meggie said, pointing out a young man with a tight tank top and equally tight jeans.
“Look guys, I am not the type of guy to just pick up, not that there’s anything wrong with that. I’m for quality, rather than quantity. I just want to have a proper date,” said Ollie.
“You mean you’re boring and no fun?” said Clara.
“That’s not what I meant, I can be fun,” protested Ollie.
“Yeah right,” said Jane. “Your idea of fun is reading a book. I’ve seen guys check you out but you’re totally distracted by reading a book.”
“I love books,” Ollie said. “And I like guys too but I’d rather wait to find the right guy. I’m just going to head over and buy a drink.”
“It better not be bloody pineapple juice again,” said Meggie.
Ollie walked over to the bar to order his lemon, lime and bitters. There was definitely a big turnout of guys at The Hourglass. The balmy weather was the likely catalyst.
“There you go. That’s $4,” the bartender said as she placed the drink on the bar counter.
Ollie handed over the correct change and grasped the drink in his hand. As Ollie turned around, someone else had walked towards him at exactly the same time. Half of the lemon, lime and bitters spilt over the other person’s checked shirt.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” said Ollie mortified as the drink fizzed and foamed across the other person’s broad chest. He froze as he absorbed the drink and the indignity of the situation.
“Sorry, totally my fault. I wasn’t looking where I was going,” the person said as he looked up and their eyes locked in a gaze. In that gaze it was almost as if they had recognised each other, yet they had never physically met before. “Can I buy you a replacement drink?”
“Sure,” Ollie assented.
“I’m mesmerised by this muscular and mature man,” thought Ollie. Silver Fox was a lean and clean-shaven man with salt and pepper hair but mostly salt. Ollie looked over to Meggie, Jane and Clara, who all gave him the thumbs-ups. Jane was also making crude kissing gestures with her mouth. Ollie looked away.
“Can I have a,” the man smelt his shirt, “a lemon, lime and bitters, and one light beer,” the man said. The bartender smiled and proceeded with making the orders. The man then turned his attention to Ollie.
“Call me Silver Fox. It’s what my friends call me,” he said loudly over the hubbub of the bar.
“Hi Silver Fox. I’m Ollie,” said Ollie. Ollie was feeling a light and nervous feeling in his stomach.
“Has anyone said you are looking very handsome today, Ollie?” asked Silver Fox.
Ollie blushed.
“Thanks Silver Fox. It’s my birthday today, I’ve turned 24,” Ollie said loudly over towards Silver Fox’s ear.
“No way! We have to celebrate!” cheered Silver Fox.
“You don’t have to. Aren’t you with someone here? Your friends or your partner?” said Ollie.
“I’m single if that’s what you’re asking. And I just came down for a drink. This is my favourite bar,” said Silver Fox loudly to Ollie.
“I like this bar, too. I’m single as well,” Ollie said.
Silver Fox gave a broad smile.
“Did you want to join me and my friends over there?” said Ollie pointing his head over to where Meggie, Jane and Clara were sitting.
“Sure, why not,” said Silver Fox. Ollie and Silver Fox carried their drinks over to join Ollie’s co-workers.
“Ooh Ollie! Who have you brought over, said someone who doesn’t pick up?” said Meggie excitedly.
“Hello to you all,” said Silver Fox shaking the hands of Meggie, Jane and Clara.
“You know what, girls? I think we should let Ollie and Silver Fox get to know each other,” said Clara with raised eyebrows and an insinuating tone.
“Totally agree!” said Jane nodding. Meggie, Jane and Clara then all got up to leave.
“No, don’t leave me by myself,” Ollie pleaded quietly to Meggie.
“You’ll be fine, mate,” said Meggie. Jane nudged Ollie in his side and gave a not-so-subtle wink.
“Bye!” said Meggie, Jane and Clara in unison as they tumbled out onto Oxford Street, looking for the next bar to frequent.
Ollie snapped out of the reverie. He did not want to think about what happened later that evening when Silver Fox officially asked him out on a date. Ollie went to his bedroom and soon fell fast asleep.
Chapter 13
Monday, 30 April – 12:55 pm
Iris stood at the corner of the north side of Hyde Park as she had a few minutes to spare before meeting Sakura to confirm her decision of tenant. It was a very sunny day with a slight cool breeze. Iris could see corporate workers sporadically slumped over the green expanses of the park. They were still, calm and languid as they caught up on sleep and their daily dose of Vitamin D.
Iris walked by the various Moreton Bay Fig trees and saw several trunks were extensively scarred with incoh
erent scribbles and a scratchy image of a heart. She made her way down the steps, walked along Park Street and waited at the set of traffic lights before crossing the street towards Sakura’s building. Iris walked into the foyer, stepped into the lift and walked into the office of Foxglove Mimosa Snowdrop Lawyers. The receptionist smiled and asked Iris to take a seat. Sakura soon came into the waiting area.
“Great to see you again, Iris,” said Sakura. “How’s everything going?”
“Things are going really smoothly. I’m going to officially start trading as a florist tomorrow,” said Iris.
“That must be very exciting,” said Sakura as she and Iris sat down in her office.
“It is, and the neighbouring store has been brought up to standard. So the successful tenant can move in straight away.” Iris said.
Iris had booked Ron to double check the safety standards in the restaurant space. She had also used the time to get to know Ron a little bit better. Iris was shattered to discover that Ron was a happily-married man with six grandchildren. Wonderful for Ron but not so great for Iris.
“So, what is your decision, Iris?” asked Sakura.
“Oh, yes,” said Iris, snapping back to reality. “I’ve decided to accept Malik Zahra’s application.”
“Great. So, if you’re happy I’ll make the calls now and get the legal documentation underway,” said Sakura.
“Sounds good to me,” said Iris.
“Let’s give the successful tenant a call. We’ll use speaker phone,” said Sakura as she typed on her computer and brought up Malik’s personal details. Sakura clicked a button and a phone call tone could be heard.
“Hello, Malik speaking,” answered an accented male voice.
“Hello Malik. This is Sakura, the representative looking after the lease for Oxford Street, Paddington. How are you? I’m not interrupting you at the moment?”
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