Page 69 of Tiers of Joy

“Can I have your number? I’d really like to see you again.” He smiles.

I gag slightly.

“Sorry, um, I'm just not in that place right now. I’m still not over my dead husband. Sorry, I hope you find the woman for you.” I smile and jump out of the truck and practically sprint to my door.

I’m definitely going to hell for using the dead husband excuse but surely in that situation it is acceptable.

“Oh my god. I’m dying.” Sally roars with laughter down the phone.

“Right? I mean, the boy has issues. Oh god Sally, what the hell was I thinking just sleeping with him like that?!” I groan.

“You were being a healthy, sexually active woman who saw a hot bit of man meat and took it. Sure, the guy clearly has mummy issues beyond repair, but he was pretty.” I hear her giggle.

“Well I didn’t even get an orgasm out of it. What a waste!” I complain.

“Yup, it’s a waste of a hot looking guy alright. They are always either gay or have issues that run deeper than the grand canyon.” She sighs.

“That’s true.” I yawn. “I'm getting to bed, I'm exhausted.” I say as I climb into bed.

“Night mummy!” Sally giggles and disconnects.

I smile and shake my head and lay down. It could only happen to me.

Chapter Seventeen

A month! It took me a month to shake off Tanner. He kept trying and trying to ask me out again. I was being nice but then I got pissed off and was horrible. Sally said I must have some kind of voodoo pussy. In the end Bob had a word with him and said I would forever be on my own as a lonely old spinster and that I was going to join the nunnery. I did tell Bob that I’m sure he will notice when I’m not actually gone, or a nun for that matter, but Bob said he couldn’t give less of a shit. We left it at that.

I had a new sticker put on the side of my truck to advertise the bakery and I’ve started doing delivery for larger orders. I got an order last night for Bob. I pull up outside and carrying the large box of cupcakes I knock on the door.

Bob’s wife Ruth opens the door.

“Hi Ruth, delivery.” I smile.

Her smile slips briefly.

“Come through.” She opens the door wider for me.

Odd. I walk through, hearing voice chatting and laughing.

“If you could pop them in the kitchen that would be great. Thanks Esme.” She smiles.

“Sure, no problem. So are you guys having a little celebration?” I ask.

“Err sort of. More of a reunion.” She smiles.

“Ahh that’s lovely, well there’s twenty cupcakes there. I’m sure that’ll keep you going.” I state, finishing off unloading them onto the cake stand.

“Thank you Esme. You want to say hello to Bob?” She asks.

“Sure.” I shrug.

I follow Ruth into the living area, looking at the family photos on the wall as I pass them.

“Bob look who came to see you!” She says excitedly.

“Hey Bob, I just dropped you some cup…” I pause.

Standing next to Bob is Gaige. I feel the colour drain from my face.

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