Chapter Thirty Seven
When Is Enough, Enough?
Links to previous chapters: Ch1 Ch2 Ch3 Ch4 Ch5 Ch6 Ch7 Ch8 Ch9 Ch10 Ch11 Ch12 Ch13 Ch14 Ch15 Ch16 Ch17 Ch18 Ch19 Ch20 Ch21 Ch22 Ch23 Ch24 Ch25 Ch26 Ch27 Ch28 Ch29 Ch30 Ch31 Ch32 Ch33 Ch34 Ch35 Ch36
There were three of ‘em waiting for me at the end of my shift! They were accompanied by a fourth, Hero, straining at his leash to greet me. I was most gratified. I knew the Rev would be there, we had arranged that he would be. We had both laughed about the fact that of all people in the area, he and I were the most likely to be assaulted by Wayne Turner. Still, there’s safety in numbers even if it’s only a two. What I didn’t expect was that Sarika would turn up… and even more surprisingly she had Richard with her. I thought to myself, inwardly smiling, ‘If Big Bad Wayne turns up, Richard can give him a good spinal adjustment!’ Chiropractors have some tricky moves. My mind turned, completely unbidden, to some tricky moves I might like him to make on me. With a struggle, I banished the thoughts and focussed on the current situation. The last thing I need at the moment is a bloke in my life!
Ever since Wayne had driven behind us all as we walked home from a family meal at the Victory Café, steered his bloody ute up over the kerb and tried to ram into us, me in particular, I have been unwilling to leave work alone after dark. Wayne must know that I work there, at the Victory. It’s likely that he is even more frightened of being caught by the police than he ever was, and is keeping away, but my fear takes over. I cannot help but relive that moment. The pram, being pushed out of the way by the Rev, the screeching of the tires, screams from Mum and Sarika. I am incredibly grateful that little Horatio slept through the whole thing, but my imagination dishes up images of what could have happened to him if he had been hit. In the most gruesome detail! As it was, the poor old Rev got all scratched up as he hit the pavement, bumping into a telegraph pole on the way down.
I’d probably rather think about Richard and his potential non-chiropractic moves than to think back to that night. I turned my attention to him then and gave him my best smile.
“Good to see you Richard,” I said. “Thanks for coming by, and you, Sarika.”
I gave Horace a big hug and thanked him also. It’s good to have friends. The Rev has saved my life twice now. He has scars, to prove it!
We walked, chatting about the bits and pieces of our day, all together, up Wentworth St towards the rectory, where I lived with Mum, the Rev, Mrs Hobson and the love of my life, Little Horatio. All the while I was listening with one ear, for any sounds of villainous vehicles coming up behind. Mum was taking care of Horatio tonight while I worked, and Iris (Mrs Hobson) would be sure to have a hand in spoiling him rotten. I wondered how many times he ever heard the word ‘no’ when that pair had him in their clutches. He had reached the ‘terrible twos’ and should be learning that the world is not completely designed to meet his every desire.
We reached the front porch. The Rev took Hero inside, leaving Richard, Sarika and I on the doorstep, laughing at Richard’s story of the drunken dancers at the concert they had been to earlier.
“I felt like giving them all my card for some spinal repair work!” he said.
We laughed; Richard is brilliant at describing stuff.
“Do you want to come in for a while?” I asked.
“Oh, no thanks Michelle, it’s late. Don’t want to intrude,” said Richard.
That’s the kind of guy he is, thoughtful and considerate. He’s funny and good company too. My spirits have been cheered a lot by talking things over with him lately. He’s often around when I’m serving coffees on my day shifts. I’ve spent quite a few lunch breaks in his company. I’m lucky that he also gets a break from his clients at the right times.
“Thanks so much for walking home with us, Richard,” I said warmly.
He reached over and touched me on the arm. His hand was warm and gentle, a bit like a caress.
“It was an absolute pleasure, Michelle,” he said.
He was looking deeply into my face, and he looked shy and flustered all at the same time. Where was Sarika when I needed her? She had walked over to her car, which was parked on the street.
“Michelle… Can I ask you something?” Richard said.
I could see, even in the dim lights of the porch and streetlamp, that he had turned quite red.
“Well, I guess you’re going to anyway,” I quipped, smiling to defuse the tension.
“Can I… would you… should we… would it be okay…will you…”
I waited.
“Will you come out to dinner with me next Friday? I know you work in a restaurant, so it won’t be very exciting, and I know you are very tired being a mother and working so much. Feel free to say no if you’ve seen too much of me lately…”
I laughed.
“Thanks for making all my excuses for me Richard!”
“Oh, then you won’t?”
“Hahaha, of course I will, silly! You’re a good friend to me and I love your company.”
“I know we’re friends, but I was thinking it would be more like a… date.” He turned redder and looked down.
Enough is enough. Relationships have been the ruination of my short life! I’m not really ready to date anyone! I may ruin his life! Besides, there is so much happening, what with attempted murder, and criminals at large! I’m a mother! I have responsibilities! I thought he fancied Sarika! I know Sarika fancies him! This is all too complicated!
But he is soooo lovely.
“Okay, what time will you pick me up after work?”