Page 99 of Snow Falls Over Starry Cove
20
Home Truths, David Lodge
It’s early Thursday morning, two days until Christmas Eve, and I’ve used my own keys to let myself into Bend or Bump. I switch on the lights and take a good look around. This place really should be called Everything and the Kitchen Sink, as any object you can think of is for sale here, stashed away in the many low alcoves off the main room. Do you need candles, soap, oil? No need to go to the chandlers. Rope? Tools? Lamps? Cookery? Rain macs? No fear, it’s all here.
Despite the blustery day, I open the door wide and put out the portable sign. Then I write in bold chalk letters: Come in – we’re open for business!
There.
I pick up a cloth and begin dusting the few clear surfaces, but who am I kidding? This place needs a total rehaul. I wonder if I could ask Faith if she does business premises as well. What we need is more storage. Preferably working in vertical, using the walls. What customer is literally going to want to dive through this stack of textiles here, for example? And the smell! I pick up the shop phone and dial Calvin’s mobile.
‘Yes, miss?’
‘Calvin, I hate to trouble you. Do you think that maybe you could run an errand for me when you have a moment?’
‘I am just finishing picking up some dry cleaning and will be right with you. Where are you?’
‘I’m at Jago Moon’s shop.’ I still can’t bring myself to saymyshop.
‘Very well. I’ll be there in a few minutes.’
‘Thank you, Calvin.’
And he’s true to his word as always, Calvin. By the time he gets here, I’ve already formed bundles from the textiles based on their colour and texture.
‘Could you please take these back to the dry cleaner and have them redelivered in separate packets? Thank you.’
‘My pleasure, miss.’
After, much to his horror, I help him load the boot, I go back inside, ready to tackle my next job. Definitely the windows. I don’t know why Jago keeps it so dark in here. Probably to make it more comfortable for all of his demons piled up inside. I push the shutters open – demons begone! – to change the air and then start looking for a mop and bucket in the back room. Which is as neat as can be, with all the cleaning products and utensils.
As I’m finishing my first window, the shop phone (which I had installed, much to Jago’s dismay) rings.
‘Hello? Bend or Bump,’ I say into the mouthpiece.
‘My, you do sound grand, Emmie!’
It’s the ex-MIL. Just what I need. What part of ‘don’t ever contact me again’ does she not understand?
‘Hello,Audrey…’
‘Hello, my dearest.’
Here we go again. I was always her dearest when she needed to manipulate me with her false offerings of motherly love.
‘Why are you calling me?’ I ask. ‘I thought I had made it clear.’
‘Oh, Emmie, please reconsider and call my son. He’s extremely upset that you’ve abandoned him practically at the altar.’
Straight to her dramatic point as usual.
‘Audrey, again – I have abandoned no one at the altar. And I’ll thank you for not interfering.Again.’
‘Interfering? This is my son’s life we’re talking about. I am hismother. You don’t know what that means to love unconditionally. When you have a child of your own, you’ll love it no matter its faults. A husband doesn’t always enjoy the same privilege. Luckily, I’m here to love him, no matter what.’
And on she goes about sacrifice and duty and responsibility. But not a single word about love. I can’t listen to another breath.
‘Audrey, I’m sorry, but we’re done here. I have to go now.’
