STRANGE MYSTERY MAN
London, England
Lost in thought and too preoccupied with avoiding any awkward chit-chat with fellow parents, Jamie hadn’t even heard the school bell ring. Suddenly the floodgates opened and a flurry of hyperactivity was coming her way—fast. Did she hear someone shout, ‘Brace! Brace!’? Instinct told her to run and hide but it wasn’t an option. One of the flurry was her very own daughter, who appeared to be dragging alongside another overexcited offspring.
“Muuuum. Mummmmy.” Madison and the other child were approaching at a speed of knots. The owner of the child appeared to be approaching too. Jamie felt a surge of panic at the thought of a potential playdate situation about to unfold; slowly she felt herself shrinking backwards towards the wall, to the safety of the colourful shrubs that flourished within the confines of the school driveway.
“Mum, Mum, this is my friend Abigail.”
Too late.
“Nice to meet you, Abigail,” Jamie lied as she smiled through gritted teeth. Although the girl, who was quite a bit smaller than Madison, seemed harmless enough. Please don’t ask me to invite her over. Please. Oh no, too late, her mother’s here too.
“Hi, I’m Felicity, Abigail’s mum. You must be Madison’s … mum?” Felicity asked, almost questioningly, eyeing Jamie up and down. Having just come from her Pilates class, Jamie was still dressed in leggings and a vest top, with a denim jacket thrown on top, looking younger than her years.
Felicity didn’t wait for an answer. “Abigail keeps talking about Madison. I think they’d like to have a little playdate?”
There it was. Jamie froze. “Ah yes, that would be lovely. We must arrange something … soon.” Please, please let’s just leave now.
“But Mum, I wanted Abigail to come over today.” Madison had adopted her usual pout.
Dammit . “We haven’t organised anything sweetie. Why don’t we make a plan for, say, next week?” Jamie hoped by then she’d have to work and it would become a non-issue, or Maria could look after them.
Now both girls were big-eyed and pouty-lipped, expectantly waiting for a different response. Felicity remained silent. Clearly, she was hoping for a child-free afternoon herself.
“Why can’t she just come today? Pleeeease.” Madison was a master of persuasion. Persistent demands more like.
Flushed, Jamie felt all eyes upon her. She had to think fast. Yes, Maria happened to be visiting her niece that evening, but they were only two small girls. Kate had two girls. Kate had two girls every day. No, it would be fine. They weren’t puppies, for goodness sake. They even looked rather sweet in their little grey and red uniforms. She could handle this. It might even make for an easier afternoon. After all, entertaining Madison alone was often rather challenging.
“Alright then. As long as you promise to behave?”
“We promise.” Two angelic faces with ever widening cartoon eyes. If only that were true.
Driving back in the black Mini Cooper Jamie had rented since returning to the UK, the girls appeared to be settled already, singing along to Shake It Off by Taylor Swift, blaring out from the radio. Jamie smiled to herself. What had she been so worried about? Car journeys with Madison normally involved some sort of theatrics or demands. This drive, by contrast, had been … dare she say it, enjoyable.
Pulling up outside their home, which was now a small three-bedroom mews on the outskirts of Chiswick, the girls giggled amongst themselves as she led them both through the front door, which had been painted a calming shade of duck egg blue.
“Madison, why don’t you take Abigail to play in your room?” Attempting to contain any mess to just one location, “Show her that new game Nonna bought you. If you need me, I’ll be in my room. Just knock.” Jamie hoped they wouldn’t need her. Wow, this was actually easy. In fact, this was better than easy. This was perfect. Madison should have playdates more often. It certainly took the pressure off her.
Back in her bedroom, her hideaway, Jamie flopped herself onto her bed. She felt drained of energy. She’d been working a lot recently, and the early mornings were getting to her. Plus, she was always running on empty, which didn’t help. Even though the house was a rental, Jamie had tried her best to decorate it as much to their taste as she could in the short time they’d been there. It was hard to compete with their beachside duplex in Mallorca, but West London it would have to be right now. Sprawling over the mountain of pillows and throws, Jamie felt like a mermaid swimming in a sea of plush fabric. Suddenly, she remembered her phone had beeped a few times during the drive home. Extending out one long arm like a human Stretch Armstrong toy, Jamie attempted to grab her bag from the floor without actually having to get up. Finally, her fingers succeeded in hoisting the handbag up to her, and diving one hand into the soft cream leather, she fished out her phone. A smile washed across her face as she saw the name on the screen. There appeared to be two messages from him.
Cameron: Can’t stop thinking
about the other night.
Think I need another Jamie
fix very soon
Cameron: Also pretty sure I
have a boot fetish now!! ;)
Damn, he was cute. Jamie had continued sleeping with him. The attraction between them was so irresistible that she wasn't ready to give it up just yet. And besides, one night with Cameron was probably equal to three spin classes. It was a ‘win win, hell yes baby, win’ situation.
Looking at her phone, Jamie suddenly remembered Kate. She’d seemed uncharacteristically out of sorts in her email yesterday. She had to reply to her immediately before she forgot. Feeling too lazy to get off the bed, she decided to email from her phone.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Stop it already
My dear dear silly Kate. First of all, STOP IT ALREADY. You are absolutely allowed to find another human being attractive. Everyone does, it's human nature. Goodness knows I see men I fancy all the time. Actually, that’s not true, but when I do, I really enjoy it. Don’t tell me you don’t get all hot when you see Chris Hemsworth in a movie, or David doesn’t gawk over Zo? Kravitz. Yes, it is totally NORMAL. So stop chastising yourself over nothing. But I for one am glad about something … you finally found your fire. You see, it was there all along. And if Salsa Man—I’m intrigued—was the one responsible, then that’s a good thing. I think these classes are doing you a world of good. Getting you out, injecting a little excitement. Really, nothing to feel guilty about at all. Oh and what I wouldn’t do to be on a beach with you right now sipping Cosmo’s … sigh. Always here for you,
Jamie Xxx
Lost in her email, Jamie didn’t hear the door at first. Then another knock came louder.
“Mum, why aren’t you answering?” It was Madison.
So soon? Still unwilling to get up from the bed, Jamie yelled back, “What is it?”
The door flung open. Standing at the threshold were the girls. “Mum, we’re hungry,” announced Madison, as Abigail stood beside her in solidarity.
“What do you mean, you’re hungry? Didn’t you eat at school?” Jamie was pretty sure that Madison’s food consumption that day had probably been more than hers. “Just help yourself to anything in the fridge.”
“But, Mum”—Madison’s whining had returned, like an uninvited guest—“there isn’t anything in the fridge.”
Jamie huffed out loud as she reluctantly removed herself off the bed. What was she talking about? Maria always had food in. Flouncing downstairs to the kitchen barefoot, with the two Hungry Hippos in tow, Jamie opened the doors of her American-style fridge freezer and … gasped. It was true. Her mother had clearly not had time to fit in a visit to Sainsbury’s that day—nor the previous day by the looks of things—and all that sat in the fridge were: some eggs, a carton of milk, a whole uncooked chicken, some salad leaves and a few pots of yogurt. Nothing that was ready. Nothing that could be placed in the microwave for two minutes and then ‘ping’ dinner would be served. Arrrrgggghhhh . Jamie turned to the slate-grey cabinets and one by one started to open them, hoping to find something edible inside other than cereal. The contents revealed: pasta, rice, many tins and jars of unidentifiable herbs and spices … and of course, cereal. But, all except the latter required actual cooking, something she wasn’t sure she could successfully manage.
Turning back to the fridge. “How about a yogurt? Oooh, look, strawberries and cream flavour … yummy.” Jamie tried her best to sound enthusiastic, but the girl’s faces revealed otherwise.
“Mum, we don't want yogurt, we want food.”
Dammit . If she could survive off a yogurt, surely these two could last a few more hours.
Abigail was silent. Jamie peered back into the fridge, hoping something else would miraculously appear … and then, as if by magic, behind the pots of yogurt, Jamie spied a block of gruyère cheese. Hallelujah, there was a god. “Ooh,” she squealed with delight and relief, as she took out the half-opened packet. “Cheese.” Jamie looked pleased with herself. She liked cheese. She’d often have a piece of cheese when she felt hungry. Dairy, high in calories, good for their growing bones. What more did they need?
Madison pulled her mouth downwards. “Cheese? You want us to eat … cheese?”
Jamie looked perplexed. What was wrong with cheese?
Abigail broke her silence. “Actually, Miss King, I’m lactose intolerant.”
What? Lactose what? She’s ten. How could she be anything intolerant? Bloody hell. What is the world coming to? Frowning profusely, she racked her brain for something, some solution. Suddenly a brainwave. Sushi. She supposed she needed to eat something herself, having starved all day already, and what better than sushi? Light, nourishing and most certainly lactose-free. Jamie momentarily toyed with the idea of leaving the girls as she dashed out. It would certainly be faster, but could she really leave them alone? Moreover, should she? One wasn’t even hers. Dammit, she had no choice but to take them.
“Okay girls, come with me. Let’s go grab some food.” She figured if she could find a parking space outside, she could at least leave them in the car whilst she ordered. She didn’t want a repeat of her disastrous lunch with Madison. Which reminded her—her cap. She’d forgotten all about it. Perhaps she could pick that up too.
* * *
Leaving the girls in the car, just about visible, Jamie popped into Yoshi Sushi to place their order, before jumping back in and driving to The Brasserie whilst their food was being prepared. Parking spaces and Jamie were a strange phenomenon. She always expected to find one just outside, and she always did. At least she had the gods to thank for that small mercy.
The atmosphere in The Brasserie was markedly different from the last time she was there—less chaotic, less children. If only the girls weren’t in the car, she would’ve had a drink.
“Hi there, I was in here a couple of Sundays ago and left my cap behind. You haven’t found it by any chance? It’s grey and by Pinko. I was sitting just over there.” Jamie pointed over to one of the back tables.
“I don’t do the weekend shift but I’ll go and take a look in the lost property,” said the youngish blonde girl who sadly must’ve been doing tasty French waiter’s shift that day.
Hovering near the window to keep an eye on the car, Jamie suddenly became aware of someone looking at her. Glancing up, she noticed a man in a suit sitting in the far corner smiling at her. She squinted her eyes. Did she know him? He certainly was very well dressed in his all black suit, subtle pinstripe pants with black shirt and blue-black pullover. It looked very Ozwald Boateng, but then again it could easily have been Gucci? Jamie wasn’t as au fait with menswear, but she knew good tailoring when she saw it.
Now he was practically beckoning her to go over. Shit, who is he? He obviously knew her. Just as she was about to walk over to get to the bottom of it, another man, also wearing a suit—although not nearly as stylish—arrived and they shook hands. Mystery Man shrugged as if to say, ‘Sorry, busy now’ but then the penny dropped. Oh my gosh . It was the man with the young boy from lunch that day with Madison. Blimey, he looked different. Not exactly a babe as clearly over twenty-five, so couldn’t possibly fit into that category, but striking, nonetheless. He hadn’t looked so sharp previously.
Quickly running out to check on the girls, Jamie was happy to see them giggling away as she peered through the car window. As she re-entered The Brasserie, she saw Henri, the head waiter, looking around. “One cap for you, Miss King.” Henri had clearly been looking for her.
“Ooh thank you Henri,” purred Jamie as she took the cap, but her eyes were drawn back to Mystery Man. She couldn’t help but wonder what he did for a living? And what he was doing at The Brasserie on a Monday just before 5:00 p.m.? Meeting? Early dinner? Dinner. Shit. Dinner. The girls. She had to go.
“Miss King? One more thing. This is for you.” Henri slipped Jamie a napkin with what appeared to be writing on it. What was that? A message for her? Oh no . Henri wasn’t making a move on her, was he? She daren’t look. She popped it into her bag.
“See ya,” she said, dashing out before he could say anything else.
Driving back to Yoshi Sushi, Jamie collected dinner before making their way back home. Thankfully, the girls seemed to be whine-free for the journey. Hot-footing it into the kitchen, Jamie emptied the contents of the boxes onto plates and placed them onto the wooden counter of the small island where they usually sat to eat.
“What’s this?” grimaced Madison as she inspected the contents of her plate. Her face even more contorted than the ‘I hate The Brasserie’ face but before Jamie could answer, Abigail piped up, “It’s sushi.”
“Sushi? You mean raw fish?” Madison looked horrified as she poked at the California rolls with her fork, almost expecting to see signs of life. Jamie had decided against chopsticks. Sushi and chopsticks might have been a tad too ambitious.
“Yes. I love sushi. We had a lot of it when we went to Japan. My Uncle lives there. Thank you, Miss King.” Abigail, at least, was smiling.
Jamie was impressed, and, not wanting to look ignorant in front of her friend, Madison decided it was best to keep quiet and tucked in as well. Rather, she pushed the contents masterfully around the plate—a skill she’d probably learnt from her mother.
Jamie took a plate for herself and perched on a stool at the end of the island to read Henri’s note: ‘Sorry 4 intrusion but couldn’t help notice you with your daughter last time. Had many moments like that with my son. I’m a single parent, how about you? Not always easy. Perhaps we could join forces one day? Strength in numbers. Karl.’ He’d left his mobile number.
Oh gosh. Not Henri then. Karl. Who was this Karl? The man in the suit? Yes, it was the man with the son. Why had he sent her this note? Did he want a date? She wasn’t looking for another plaything just yet. Cameron was doing just nicely and besides; this man was far too old for her. Yes, he was stylish and probably successful. The suit looked expensive enough, but he must’ve been in his mid-thirties, at least. That and he had a son; at least Cameron gave her an escape from parenting duties. Screwing up the napkin, Jamie tossed it into the bin and resumed picking at her sushi. Midway through her second bite, it suddenly crossed her mind that perhaps this Karl was a member of the High Road Brasserie. After all, she had seen him there twice already. What would happen if she were to bump into him again? There would be embarrassment, and Jamie hated awkward situations. She couldn’t be rude and not respond, could she? No, she ought to say something, if only a ‘thanks, but no thanks.’ Scrambling over to the bin to retrieve the note, Jamie decided to send a polite text later.
* * *
With the girls now sitting watching Big Hero 6 on Netflix until Abigail’s mother came to collect her, Jamie continued to ponder the dilemma at hand. To respond or not to respond? Clearly, she had no physical interest in this man, but it had been a rather sweet note, harmless even. She shouldn’t assume that he was suggesting anything sexual, or should she? Oh shut up girl; all men want something sexual. Why else would he write you a note? To be chess buddies? But it wasn’t as if he’d made any suggestive remarks. Either way, she had to respond and get things clear and the sooner the better. It wasn’t as if she actually had to organise to meet him. With that reassuring thought, Jamie pulled out her phone and began composing her text.
Jamie: Hi Karl. Thanks for the note.
Very sweet. Must’ve seemed
like a total novice with my daughter!
Yes, I am a single parent. And
yes not always easy as she can
be rather a handful! Very busy
with work right now but no
doubt bump into you soon at The
Brasserie. Bye for now. Jamie
Jamie pressed send, not expecting to hear back at all. She was startled to receive a beep so soon after she’d sent it. Surely it wasn’t him? None of the guys she ever engaged with would dream of sending a text back immediately. Opening her new message, the text read.
Karl: No problem, don’t get to
meet many people in the
same situation as myself
and sometimes it would
just be nice to talk to someone
else who really understands.
Most of my friends are single with
no kids or happily married.
Was a leap of faith, most unlike
me to do that. Sorry again
for the intrusion. Karl
Hmmmm . That was unexpected. Strange man, this Karl was. Honest and pretty much totally in sync with her own thought processes. Perhaps he was just a nice guy? Huh, that was an oxymoron if she ever heard one. But who knew? In a most uncharacteristic manner, it suddenly crossed her mind that maybe, just maybe, his motives really were honourable, and the thought of having a friend that could genuinely appreciate what single parenting was like, was extremely appealing. What’s more, if he were a ‘friend’ then she wouldn’t have to play the ‘game.’ The more Jamie thought about it, the more keeping the door open with this Karl guy appealed to her; she could always disengage herself from him later. In fact, she could always make it clear that she was only interested in a platonic friendship from the onset. With this thought in mind, Jamie, for the first time ever, replied immediately.
Jamie: No intrusion. Very lovely note.
If you have any advice on
how to handle loud moody
almost-teenagers, I’d be
sooo grateful!!
‘Beep. Beep.’
Karl: Ear plugs!
Ha ha, he was a funny guy, and Jamie let the little smile play on her lips for just a fraction longer than usual.