The women had relented in the end and given Arthur a few hours off. It was as well they had. Adrenaline pumped through him, making his heart pound and his hands shake. As he’d driven back from Erica Barnes’s mansion his mind had raced over what he’d witnessed and panic had threatened to engulf him.
When they’d arrived back in the city, the women had eyed him the way a butcher studies a slab of meat, before offering him time off. He knew that decision hadn’t been unanimous: Lara had objected to the idea at first and only consented with reluctance.
Still, time off was time off. However he came by it, Arthur was grateful. He spent a little time at home, during which he’d calmed down somewhat, then headed out to complete some domestic chores. Which was why he found himself juggling a basket of groceries and a parcel at the same time as he stumbled down the aisle of Raul’s Mart towards the pay desks. The basket was heavy and made a loud thump as he dropped it onto the checkout counter. Raul’s Mart had become his favourite store over the last few months, even though it was a bit on the pricey side. ‘Hey, honey!’
And there was the reason the shop was his go-to place for supplies! Taylor worked there. She was idling at her checkout, chatting to Roberta Poletti, a conversation that halted the moment she spotted. ‘Hey! Why aren’t you at work?’
He beamed at her, despite himself. ‘I got a break. I’m going back in a while, but wanted to drop in first. Here, I got this for you.’ He presented her with the parcel. ‘I hope you like it.’
She giggled. ‘Oh, Arthur, you shouldn’t have.’ She rolled it around her hands, checked if it rattled, prodded its contours. ‘You’ve got me curious. What is it?’
‘You’ll have to open it to find out.’ He wanted her to rip the wrapper off, eager to see her reaction to the gift, yet simultaneously wanting her to take her time, so he might savour this moment of anticipation.
‘Yeah, come on, Taylor, break into it,’ Roberta said from behind Arthur’s back. ‘You can’t leave it in its packet. That would be damn rude.’
‘It would, wouldn’t it? Okay. So, it’s…’ She undid the knotted string before gently peeling away the paper and burst out laughing. ‘How on earth did you get that?’
‘I went into the newspaper office a few days ago and asked for a copy.’
‘And they said yes?’ She held the photograph at arm’s length, admiring it. ‘It suits the frame.’
That was a relief. He’d spend ages in the framers working out which one went best with the photo.
‘What is it? C’mon guys.’ Roberta was beside herself.
‘It’s the picture of me and Arthur when we won that singing competition a few weeks ago. Look at the size of that trophy! It’s a shame they wouldn’t let us keep it.’
‘Cheapskates, hey?’ said Roberta. ‘I say, if you win it, you should be allowed to keep it. Still, youse guys look like youse had a lot of fun.’
‘It was the best!’ said Taylor. ‘I’ve not sung in a bar for such a long time. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy it. Once I was up there it was like… well, it was like before I stopped…
‘And it wasn’t just me up there giving it. Arthur did a fine job of it, too!’ She leaned over and kissed him full on the lips. ‘Thanks, honey! This is really sweet.’
‘I’m glad you like it.’ He’d bought it on a whim. It had been a wonderful evening, one to remember in a photo. She’d taught him how to sing Vincente Torro’s new song and she’d thrilled everyone with a rendition of The Dowie Dens of Yarrow which he’d accompanied with harmonies. That combination had been knockout. He wasn’t a boastful man, but God, they blew the competition away.
She turned the picture over in her hands. ‘I love it and know just where to put it in my apartment. Now, I’d better ring those things of yours through the till so you can get to work’.
She’d turned the conversation away from the photo quickly. It wasn’t as if the store was busy. In fact, there were only a handful of shoppers in there. Doubt flashed through him. Was she brushing him off because she wanted him out of the way, or did she genuinely care that he got back to work on time? What if all the business with Manny was only a ruse for her to work her way out of their relationship? What if she was letting him down gently? His heart would rip itself from his chest if that were true.
‘Awwww, why’d you stop singing, hon, if your voice is that good?’ Roberta asked, catching Arthur by surprise.
Taylor blinked, pausing as she scanned a packet of chips. ‘Another time,’ she said. She buried her head in her chest, muffling her voice, and concentrated on her task, pushing Arthur’s groceries through as rapidly as possible. ‘On you go, then,’ she said after he handed her the cash.
‘Thanks,’ he said. Everything was suddenly awkward and strained. Perhaps they wouldn’t make it to their holiday? They might not even make it beyond sunset. Uncertain, he mumbled something about seeing her later, picked up his full bags and left, panicked by her reaction. He needed to find out what had stopped her singing. Maybe then he’d discover what he’d done wrong.
As he left, Roberta said, ‘I’m loving that suit Arthur. I’d make you my man if I weren’t a married woman.’ He blushed, even as Taylor admonished her colleague. ‘Roberta! Hands off. He’s mine.’ His cheeks coloured some more. Perhaps things weren’t so bad between them, after all?
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