by S M Mala
‘No thanks. I’ve got to get showered and changed.’ Leon now didn’t want to spend time in her company, reeling from the shock her child was a grown up. ‘I’ve a busy day ahead tomorrow.’
‘Oh well, maybe another time.’
They stood there in an uncomfortable silence.
‘Did you manage to visit Mary?’ Esme suddenly asked, looking up at him.
‘I sorted it out. She needed some small re-wiring to the fuse box.’
‘And she paid you?’
‘I told her to pay you.’ Leon noticed Esme looked stumped and shook her head before smiling. ‘Is there a problem?’
‘How much did you say it would cost?’
‘Seventy-five. She seemed happy about it.’
‘I’ll get the money off her and give it to you. Mary has a way of trying to fleece people by not paying. I’m going to see her tomorrow to sort out her kitchen cupboards. She slams them so hard and wonders why they come off the hinges.’ Again a cheeky smile came to Esme’s list. ‘Will I see you there again, by any chance?’
‘It’s private.’
‘Of course it is,’ she said, touching his arm gently which caught him by surprise. ‘I’m only teasing. It’s your life, and I won’t tell anyone. I do understand.’
Then he glanced at her secateurs and back up to her.
‘Esme, do you actually know what you’re doing when it comes to gardening?’ he asked quietly.
‘Why?’
‘Because the way you hack at things with those,’ he looked at the dangerous weapon. ‘It makes me think you’re not actually sure.’
‘Oh, when I use those I’m usually thinking of cutting off my ex’s penis and other men who have pissed me off,’ she said, smiling brightly. ‘It’s therapeutic. I know gardening isn’t one of my great skills, but it’s a little hobby.’
‘I see,’ he said, trying to stop himself from putting his hand over his crotch, and fearing she might be a little unstable. ‘I’ll see you later.’
‘Sure. Have a nice evening.’
‘You too.’
With that, Leon walked away and wondered what his neighbour thought about him now.
He dreaded to think what she would do when thinking about him, with the pruning weapon in her hand.
‘Do you think it’s a sign that I’m getting old?’
Esme was standing at her mobile coffee van, setting up for the early morning customers. Her best friend Alicia was half asleep while propped up against the door, admiring her own short, cropped, dyed red hair in the wing mirror. ‘I can’t stop thinking about him and I know he’s young.’
Alicia was a personal trainer, as well as a part-time hairdresser and had an early morning session in the park not too far from where Esme was set up. She was like Esme, from Indian Caribbean descent, but a little bit fairer.
And a body to die for.
Once, when Esme was going through her keep fit stage, she did a work out with Alicia.
After throwing up about three times she never did a session again, preferring Pilates and the easy machines at the gym.
They met, Alicia’s two sons were the same age as Alfie, through a single parent group when they were younger. They remained good friends ever since. Alicia was on her second husband, Alberto, who owned a local Italian restaurant down the High Road, as well as several bars. The man was ten years older than her, but she had never seen her friend so happy – even though she spent her life on a carb free diet.
‘I mean,’ Esme continued, wiping her valves. ‘I know he’s gay but I can’t help looking at him. Isn’t that odd?’
‘And he’s got a kid? How?’
‘I don’t know. He only moved in about a month ago.’
‘Seems like you know you’ve not got a chance. For this reason, you fancy him. All that psychobabble shit.’ Alicia then grinned. ‘You could fix him up with Alfie?’
‘God, I wish that son of mine would bin that ancient queen and get a better boyfriend, I do.’ Esme let out a disgruntled sigh and placed all her containers out. ‘Alfie is gorgeous, even if I say it myself, due to being insanely biased. He needs someone nice.’
Esme looked at the early morning workers getting onto the bus.
Her customers were the 6.45am ones, who weren’t the cleaners, and could afford the coffee.
‘And Ralph? Are you going to go out with him again?’ laughed Alicia, shaking her head. ‘He might take you to court if you don’t.’
‘He’s a typical one of ‘those’ guys. Would like to sleep with a black woman just to say he has, but he would never take you home to meet his parents.’
‘I thought you said they were dead.’
‘See! I rest my case!’ she laughed out. ‘Come back for coffee afterwards then we can get some cake. You know espresso first thing makes you want to pee.’
‘And on that note, I’ll bid you farewell. Are we still on for tomorrow night?’
‘It’s Friday and you’ve got a free pass, which I have most evenings. I’ve got lots of wine, and I’ll order a takeaway.’
Trade started to get busy as Esme greeted her regular customers and had the usual banter. About nine it turned into the mummy brigade, who dropped their kids off at school.
Completely engrossed in making coffee, Esme realised she had an audience.
Ralph was standing at the bus stop, looking at her.
‘Hello there,’ she said, smiling at his grin. From what he was wearing, it was obvious he was working from home. ‘Shouldn’t you be somewhere important?’
‘I am,’ he said, walking slowly up to her. ‘I was wondering if you’re free for lunch today.’
‘I have a few jobs to deal with,’ she said, noticing he was eyeing her up and down.
Today Esme was wearing a leather jacket, hooded top, ripped jeans and boots. He seemed to like the get up from his expression. She knew he was probably used to women in expensive clothing and heels.
‘What about an afternoon cocktail?’
Esme immediately knew he was insinuating something else.
‘Actually, come to mine for a quick drink. I expect you’ve got dinner planned, haven’t you? I have to sort out my accounts tonight so I can’t get too pissed,’ she lied through her teeth.
‘I have to leave about seven so I could get to yours for five thirty?’ he asked, walking closer and looking down.
He was about six foot and seemed to like the fact he towered over her. Esme was convinced it was because Ralph could see down the front of her top, but today, there was no joy for him.
‘Would you like coffee?’ she asked sweetly, ignoring his glance. ‘On the house, of course.’
‘Espresso, when you’re ready.’
Serving the remaining customers, she could sense he was standing a little too close.
‘Hello Esme,’ she heard someone say then turned to see Leon and another man smiling at her. ‘So this is where ‘Hot Java’ hangs out?’
‘I know where ‘Shoots and Leaves’ likes to go,’ she quickly replied, grinning at Leon and his friend, who started to laugh.
‘Hey Leon,’ said Ralph, stepping forward and shaking his hand. ‘Have you got a quote for the garden?’
Doing a double take, Esme was surprised that Ralph was getting something done with his overgrown field. Then she noticed Leon was checking her out, as well as his friend.
She wondered if there was something wrong, like a split in her jeans exposing a little bit too much flesh or her large white knickers.
They would probably put most people off.
‘What can I do for you, gentlemen?’ she asked, handing Ralph his coffee. ‘I’ll see you later.’
‘Sure,’ he said, unexpectedly giving her a kiss on the cheek before walking off.
Discreetly, she wiped her face and used disinfection tissues to clean her hands.
Leon spotted her doing it then frowned.
‘Can we have two cappuccinos?’ Leon asked and turned to his friend. ‘This is Graham. He helps
with the landscape gardening.’
‘Nice to meet you,’ she said, preparing the coffee and smiling at them. ‘Off on a job?
‘A few things to sort out this morning,’ Leon replied and smiled. ‘And you? Busy?’
‘I’m doing this until eleven then I’m out and about.’ She finished making the beverages and handed them over. Leon was rummaging in his pocket. ‘Free of charge. You’re a neighbour, so you’re welcome anytime.’
‘See, I said you moved into a good neighbourhood,’ Graham said, smiling brightly.
‘Are you sure?’ Leon asked. ‘Let me give you something.’
‘I won’t accept it. Milk and sugar are on the side. Enjoy your drinks.’
Again, there was a rush of people, and she worked quickly, then noticed Leon and Graham were drinking their coffee, a little further away, glancing over.
‘An espresso and make it snappy!’ Alicia said, rushing to the front.
‘Go to the back of the queue and wait like everyone else.’ Then she whispered. ‘The neighbour’s here.’
‘Where?’ asked Alicia.
‘Oh, don’t make it too bloody obvious. Over there with the smaller guy. Brown hair and-.’
‘Oh, no wonder you’ve turned into a fag hag,’ giggled her friend, discreetly looking over. ‘He’s hot. Another man wasted on another man.’
‘They keep looking over. Is there something wrong with what I’m wearing?’ she asked, watching Alicia look her up and down. ‘A rip or something?’
‘No,’ she replied and frowned. ‘I can see why you’re fantasising about him.’
‘Don’t say that,’ she replied, checking to see if Leon heard and smiled at him. ‘But he is attractive and young, don’t you think?’
‘Looks the same age as you.’
‘My sweet friend. I shall give you a double shot for that.’
‘Daddy!’
Mali ran to Leon when he picked her up from school.
Since he took Graham to see Esme that morning, his mate had suddenly become quite smitten. He kept telling Leon to ask her out as she was sexy. Leon put that down to it being a warm day and Graham getting too much sun to the head.
But Leon knew that Esme was speaking to a woman about him and wondered what she was saying.
‘Mali!’ he said, bending down to hug her. ‘Did you have a good day?’
The scowl said it all then she noticed Mr Reeves, Mali’s teacher, come towards him.
He was an incredibly good looking, young, man.
The first time Leon met him, he thought Mr Reeves was a model, based on his stature and appearance. All the mothers were completely agog on seeing him in the playground.
Even the dads, including Leon, had to take a step back in awe of the stunner. It was noticeable, after school, more parents would congregate where Mr Reeves would walk out.
‘Mr Sachs,’ Mr Reeves said, walking up to him and stopping. ‘I need to have a word if that’s okay?’
He was softly spoken and grinned at Mali.
‘What did she do?’ Leon asked, watching his daughter cross her arms and scowl up at her teacher.
‘She got a little bit upset when we were talking about our parents. Mali said her mother was burnt to death on a stake as she was a witch.’
Leon choked, knowing that statement came from his mother when describing Bennylita. Then he noticed the little smile coming to Mali’s lips.
‘You shouldn’t have said that,’ Leon whispered to Mali. ‘That’s not true.’
‘Nana says so.’
‘Nana sometimes likes to say things she shouldn’t,’ Leon replied, looking apologetically at the teacher. ‘I’m sorry Mr Reeves. I think she’s been listening to adults.’
‘That’s okay, but it gets a little bit worse,’ Mr Reeves replied, leaning closer to Leon. ‘She then told the other children that their mothers would leave them and run away because they don’t care.’
‘Oh God!’ he said, rubbing his forehead.
‘Some of them started to cry.’
‘Good! I not like them!’ Mali said, now holding her dad’s hand. ‘They say I not got a mummy and I only got a daddy. They say I adopted, and I not! They smell!’
Then she poked her tongue out as if to make a point.
Mr Reeves started to laugh and put his hand over his mouth.
Leon thought he reminded him of someone but couldn’t figure out who.
‘Sorry, but she looks like my mum when she’s getting feisty,’ Mr Reeves giggled and shook his head before bending down to make eye contact with Mali. ‘Don’t be horrible. I know what it was like to be teased at school. Don’t sink to their level. You’re a very good girl, and I want you to be happy. If the others are mean, tell me and I’ll sort it out.’
‘They smell!’ she said, and peered into Mr Reeve’s eyes as Leon stood there, not knowing what to do. ‘Horrid!’
‘I’m sorry Mr Reeves; I’ll have a word with her when I get home.’
‘Okay.’ Mr Reeves smiled at Mali before walking back towards some teachers in the playground.
‘Am I in trouble?’ she asked, holding Leon’s hand tightly.
‘You spend too much time with your Nana.’ He led her out of the playground and past the gate, walking down the road. ‘You shouldn’t say those things.’
‘But they are mean to me,’ Mali said, looking up, and he crumbled, seeing her sweet face. ‘They say you not my daddy.’
‘Oh, I am your daddy, and you are certainly related to Nana,’ he said, before mumbling to himself. ‘You’ve got her foul mouth; I’ll give you that.’
Getting her a cupcake and heading towards the house, he noticed Esme was washing her coffee truck and smiled on seeing Mali. Leon checked out her backside quickly before moving up to her wet chest plate.
It was a very appealing sight.
‘Hello there! Did you have a nice day at school?’ she asked, wiping her van down. ‘That cake looks nice.’
‘Got told off,’ Mali replied, shrugging her shoulders. ‘What you doing?’
‘Washing my little van,’ she replied before looking at Leon.
‘Why’s it got three wheels?’
‘Because it’s easier to park,’ laughed Esme. ‘Why did you get told off?
‘Girls are mean to me.’
‘Oh, that’s not nice.’
Again, he wasn’t quite sure what he was feeling but something lifted in his chest when she smiled. Esme stopped what she was doing and walked towards them.
‘Horrid,’ Mali said as if explaining it all in that one word.
‘Obviously. Children can be mean but remember the nice ones remain your friend; the horrid ones will eventually go and be horrible to someone else.’ Esme then looked at Leon. He was staring at her, thinking about what Graham had said all day about his gorgeous neighbour. The expression about how he would like to ‘give her one’ came to his head. ‘Did you like the coffee?’
‘What? Yes,’ he said, snapping out of the thought of giving Esme one over her black fly infested camellia bush. ‘It was very good.’
‘I’m pleased.’ Then she looked at her watch and grimaced. ‘I have to go. Someone’s coming for drinks. See you guys later.’
Taking her bucket and sponge, she rushed back into the house.
‘I like Esme to be my mummy,’ Mali said, startling Leon. ‘She is nice and has lollipops and lives here and makes nice food and smiles at me.’
‘And that makes a good mummy?’
‘And you smile at her and she smiles at you. Do you think she wants to be my mummy?’
‘Oh Mali, if life were only that simple.’
‘Stop it Ralph.’
He was trying to move too close as they sat on the patio under the heater, placing his hand on her thigh. ‘This is just a drink.’
‘Esme, you know what I want.’
‘Well, I’m happy for you but it’s not what I want.’
She shoved the gin and tonic into his hand and watched him smirk while re
moving his arm.
‘I was watching CNN today,’ he said, sipping his drink and smiling brightly. ‘Your husband was mentioned.’
Immediately her smile slipped.
‘That’s nice and he’s my ex-husband.’
‘Oscar Reeves is a powerful and debonair man.’
Putting the glass to her lips, she never liked speaking about him, especially when Alfie was in earshot. It hurt too much, and she couldn’t comprehend how it would affect her child.
‘He’s doing great things,’ continued Ralph, leaning closer. ‘Maybe that’s the next thing for me, getting involved in politics.’
‘All I know, from experience, there are a lot of hypocrisies.’ Then she grinned and heard Mali in the background, laughing. ‘Which might be perfect for you.’
‘What does that mean?’
‘Mali, can you just eat your fish fingers without using them as spears,’ Leon said which only made the little girl laugh.
The child’s laughter in the past few weeks was a joy to hear. Then she glanced at Ralph’s annoyed expression.
‘Your neighbours are a little noisy, don’t you think? I thought you’d be delighted another white van brigade has moved in.’
‘Better than a Ferrari, any day,’ she replied, raising her eyebrows. ‘You know what makes me laugh about you? When you didn’t know who my ex was, you were so stuck in your opinion on what and who I was. Someone making the street look a mess when, in fact, I worked with the local counsellors to improve the place.’
‘Esme, I told you ages ago I was sorry.’
‘And after being here for fifteen years, which is thirteen years longer than you, I’m faced with a campaign about removing my vehicles. I hasten to add, they are on private property.’
‘And your point it what?’ he asked, giving her a surly glare.
‘Then you found out who my ex was and it all changed. I wasn’t just another one of your proletariat, looking to make good in the world. I then became appealing.’
Ralph started to laugh, shaking his head from side to side as he did so.
He was openly a snob as he was middle to right on the political scale.
Which meant he was right wing.
This went against everything Esme believed in. She wondered why she was entertaining the thought of spending time in his company.