Page 41 of Just a Number

“Mum gave you the key, yeah?” I dig into my pocket to pull it out and waggle it in front of him. “Sweet, I’ll catch ya later.” He jogs down the stairs and raises a hand with a wave as he heads inside. I shut my door and look around in amazement. It’s only temporary, I know that. But it’s safe and having my own space is monumental after years of tiptoeing around Doug.

After making some scrambled eggs on toast, I wrestle the sofa into a bed, grab the sheets that Mel left on the leather chair, and get busy making it. The honey scent of her perfume is more prominent on these sheets, as if she’s laid on them or sprayed it directly on them. I can’t help myself from inhaling deeply.

I cleaned up after dinner and set my laptop up on the wifi, which thankfully works. I close the blinds at the two windows and lock the door before heading to the bathroom to grab a shower. Mel’s even left toiletries for me to use.She can’t help herself. She has to go above and beyond.

By the time I’m clean, I am done in, not even having the energy to find some clothes to wear as pyjamas. I crawl between the sheets, naked, and breathe in the scent of Mel’s perfume as I fall asleep.

Days pass by and I barely see Mel. I hear her car pull in and out every now and again, but I’ve mostly steered clear of the house. Zack invited me over one night for beers and gaming, but she’d been nowhere to be seen. I wasn’t sure if she’d been hiding upstairs or out for the evening.

Abby offered me a clothes rail and some drawers as she was replacing hers. Her and Tom drop them off late one morning before the bar opens. Tom and I lift the wooden drawers up the stairs while Abby carries the dismantled rail. They both look around as we enter and seem impressed with the set-up.

“Glad you got sorted.” Abby pats me on the shoulder.

“Me too. Still on the lookout for something else, but this is amazing.”

“Why leave then? You’re well set up,” she asks, quirking a brow in my direction.

“It’s not a long-term solution. Just to help me out.”

“Talk to Mel. If you’re happy here and not giving her any trouble, perhaps she’ll let you stay longer.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

Tom, as usual, stays quiet but is paying attention to the conversation.

“Have you seen much of her? Mel?” Abby asks, and it’s only because I was glancing at Tom that I notice his frown.

“Err, no, trying to keep out of the way. She’s already done so much. I don’t want to end up being like an extra person she’s responsible for.” I wince at the thought.

“Maybe you should offer to cook her dinner as a thank you. Or wash her car or something?” I glance sharply at her at the carwash comment. Does she know about Mel and I? Did Mel spill the beans on the bet we’d had when I’d made her come multiple times? There’s nothing in Abby’s gaze that I can see, but I wonder if it’s a feigned innocence.

“Maybe. Or cook her breakfast, perhaps?” Her eyebrows lift at that.Ha, gotcha!So the ladies have been talking about me, have they? I hope it’s good.

“Come on Ab, we should get going,” Tom interrupts. “Glad you’re settled, Alex. I should have more shifts for you from next week if you want them. We’ll be busier over the Christmas period and then Sean is off travelling after that.”

“That would be great. As many as I can get. I can work the pottery stuff around it.”

“Ooh, do you have any of your pottery here for me to look at?” Abby asks, her face lighting up.

“Not much, just some mugs I made and a bowl.” I gesture to the kitchen where they’re kept. She gives Tom a quick pleading glance, and he gives a slight nod.

“Show me.”

I walk her over to the kitchen and show her the mug and bowl on the drainer where I washed them after breakfast. They’re pretty rudimentary. Some of my earlier stuff but serviceable. I could pick apart the flaws I see in them now that I have more experience, but the signature of my evolving design is clear in the lip of the bowl and the handle of the mug. They are bothglazed in a deep blue with flecks of brown. It’s one of my favourite glazes.

“Oh wow, amazing. Do you sell this stuff?” she asks.

“Not that stuff. It’s my earlier practice. I’ve got a shelf at the Art Centre with stuff I sell. And an Instagram page too.”

“Oooh, what’s your IG handle? I’ll add you.” I tell her and she pulls up the app, searches for me, and hits the follow button. “I’d love to buy a mug from you.”

“Pick one you like from my page and I’ll bring it for my next shift,” I tell her, knowing full well that I won’t charge her. It’ll be a small token of thanks for the furniture and support she’s given me since I started at the pub.

“Awesome, thanks.” She hesitates and then stands on her tiptoes to plant a kiss on my cheek and give me a hug. My arms come around her with a squeeze of surprise. “I really am glad you’re settled. Don’t forget to do something to thank Mel. Maybe she’d like some of your pottery, too. If you charm her, I’m sure she’d be happy for you to stay longer.” She gives me a wink and turns towards the door. “Let’s go,” she says to Tom as if it’s been him holding her up all this time. He rolls his eyes as she goes out the door and then gives me a friendly nod. He pauses at the door and looks back at me.

“She’s interfering, but I think she means well.”

“Yeah, I know. Thanks.”

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