Page 85 of Versions Of Us

After Pam takes a few photos, I help Mackenzie back through the gate.

“Thanks Pamela,” Mackenzie says. “That was so awesome, but we need to get going.”

“You’re welcome anytime, Mackenzie.” Pam smiles and then her voice takes on a sternness. “Oh, and Alex? Whatever it is you’re looking for? I hope you find it soon.”

And just when I’d thought I’d dodged any kind of judgement from Pamela Riley, there it is.

The pity.

The disappointment.

She let me off easy though. Because I deserve a lot worse.

Chapter 36

KRISTEN

The Cliff Haven carnival is in full swing, and it seems there’s an even bigger turnout this year than last. When I’d arrived at the showground just before 3pm, the sun had been high in the sky, the heat still scorching. But it’s now just after six and the light is slowly but surely being swallowed by the horizon, the air still balmy.

The bake sale has proved to be a complete success. Along with the carload of baked goods I supplied, Jules had been able to get some other volunteers to donate both sweet and savoury treats.

The community has been more than enthusiastic in helping our cause, buying them up in droves. In fact, we’re down to our last tray of muffins with only a few random cookies, scones and brownies left. Chase’s raffle tickets were sold out hours ago too.

“Hey, look.” I elbow Chase in the arm where he’s seated beside me in a folding chair. “Here comes Mrs. Mayfield. I bet you twenty bucks she buys up the last dozen muffins.”

“What? A whole dozen?” Chase eyes me sceptically. “No way she’s gonna buy that many. You’re on.”

I hold out my hand with a wink and Chase shakes it firmly.

“Hope you brought some cash with you,” I smirk.

“Hopeyoudid. Easiest twenty bucks I’ll ever make.”

Mrs. Mayfield has been a regular at the Haven since before I’d even begun working there. Besides knowing all about her pet chihuahua and her love of cryptic crosswords, I’ve learnt that she has a standing regular order. Black coffee and a banana muffin.

“Hey, Mrs. Mayfield,” Chase says in greeting as she approaches the table.

“Hello, Chase,” she replies in a soft British accent. “What’s all this?”

“We’re here to raise money for the Cliff Haven helpline,” I explain.

“Oh, how lovely!” she says, delighted. She eyes the cardboard tray of muffins beneath the thin film of plastic wrap. “Are these banana?”

“They sure are, Mrs. Mayfield,” I say with a smile. “Would you like one? They’re three dollars each.”

“Hmm,” she muses, her pointer finger coming to rest on her chin. “How much for the lot?”

“It’s thirty dollars for the whole dozen,” Chase answers, shooting a quick dubious glance in my direction.

“I’ll take them all,” she says. She reaches into her tan, leather purse and plucks three ten-dollar notes. I throw Chase a conspiratorial grin as she passes them over the table.

Chase takes the money and tucks it safely into the cash box while I hand over the tray of muffins. “Thank you so much for your support, Mrs. Mayfield. You enjoy those!”

I grin as she walks away in the direction of the Ferris wheel.

“How the hell did you predict that?” Chase asks.

“Are you kidding? Everyone knows Mrs. Mayfield has a weakness for banana muffins.”

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