Erica was just packing up for the day when the front office door opened. She looked up to see Jimmy looking about him, eyes big and darting, skin ashen.
Oh. ‘Hello there,’ she said, unable to keep the surprise from her voice and no doubt from her features. ‘You’re out and about!’ Der. Way to state the obvious, Mum, she heard Mackenzie’s voice say in her mind.
He swallowed several times before speaking. ‘Yes. Hi, Erica. I’m …’
She moved out from behind the counter. Bruce followed and went over to Jimmy and looked up, her tail waving back and forth.
‘Hello there, Bruce. Have you had a good day?’ Jimmy said, rubbing the dog’s ears.
‘Hello,’ Walter said, appearing from down the back hall.
‘Walter, this is Jimmy – who lives behind the bakery,’ Erica said.
‘It’s great to finally meet you,’ Walter said, holding out his hand.
‘Likewise,’ Jimmy said, accepting Walter’s hand. ‘Sorry I didn’t come to your dinner that night at your place,’ he said. ‘Thanks for the invitation. I just …’ He blushed slightly and gazed at the floor.
‘You’re welcome. And it’s not a problem at all. There’ll be a next time,’ Walter said.
Erica watched Jimmy take a deep breath, as if summoning something from within.
‘I’ve had a few issues with crowds of people. Well, being with people, really,’ Jimmy said, looking up. His cheeks were flaming and Erica’s heart surged towards him at seeing his discomfort. ‘But I’m getting better.’
‘That’s the main thing,’ Walter said. ‘Good for you.’
‘Thanks to Erica and Bruce here,’ Jimmy added.
‘That’s excellent news. I’ll get out of your way. I’m heading off – just going to leave some paperwork on the desk for you, Erica,’ Walter said, moving past them.
‘Sorry if I’m disturbing you,’ Jimmy said.
‘You’re not. Not at all,’ Walter said. ‘Bye, Bruce,’ he said, patting the dog, who had turned towards him, as he passed. ‘You’re a good, good girl.’ He ruffled her ears and was rewarded with a lick when he finished.
‘See, Walter,’ Erica wanted to say, ‘she’s fine with you.’ But she was still a little stunned at Jimmy being there in front of her. He also looked a bit different, she realised, and couldn’t place how or why for a moment beyond the fact he was in the wrong context – she was used to only seeing him at the bakery or his caravan or in the pale light of early morning.
Ah, that’s it, he’s dressed up more than usual. He was usually in khaki or navy workwear, but here he was in well-fitting jeans, navy jumper and relaxed chocolate brown suede coat.
‘I was wondering if you’d like to have an early dinner at the pub with me,’ Jimmy said as the silence began to stretch into awkward territory. As in a date? Erica wondered. Oh dear. I hope not. ‘You’d be welcome to join us, Walter.’ Excellent, not a date, then.
‘Oh, thanks, Jimmy, but I’m a bit weary to be honest. I need to get home. Next time?’
‘Okay. No worries.’
Erica couldn’t say no to the pleading look in Jimmy’s eyes. He seemed almost frightened that she might. And she sympathised with how hard just walking across the road at this hour – in broad daylight – to ask this question might have been for him. ‘I’d love to join you,’ she said. ‘Oh. But I have Bruce. Not sure I should leave her unattended yet in the flat.’ She looked at the dog, who looked back at her, tail swaying.
‘You could leave her here – in the office,’ Walter suggested. ‘Or I’m sure if you go to the pub down that way,’ he said, pointing, ‘they’ll let you have her in the beer garden. They have those big heaters, but you might still be a bit cold. Anyway, I’ll leave you to it. See you tomorrow, Erica and Bruce. Jimmy, it was lovely to meet you. Enjoy your evening.’
‘You too, Walter,’ Jimmy said. Erica noticed he seemed a lot more comfortable now.
‘Wait there, Jimmy. I’ll just get my handbag and coat and Bruce’s lead,’ Erica said, moving back behind the counter again. ‘Let’s try the beer garden and if it’s a problem I’ll bring Bruce back here. Okay, let’s go. Come on, Bruce, there’s a good girl.’ She put on her thick coat and hooked the lead onto the dog’s collar.
‘Thanks so much for this, Erica,’ Jimmy said, waiting outside on the step with Bruce while Erica locked the office door behind them.
‘Thanks for inviting me. It’s hardly an imposition, Jimmy. I’m keen for a meal out and, just between you and me, I’d rather have company. So, you’re doing me a favour.’
‘Oh. Great.’
Erica noticed his shoulders and also facial features seemed to relax.
‘They won’t take meal orders until six, so do you want to go for a walk first?’ he said.
‘Um. No, not dressed like this,’ Erica said.
‘Oh, yeah, sorry. I didn’t think.’
‘It’s okay – no need to apologise. I’m happy to go now and sit and have a drink. But only if you’re up for that,’ she said, putting her hand on his arm for emphasis. ‘Honestly, you need to do what you need to do. I know just being here now is a big step. Sorry if I’m sounding patronising. I don’t mean to.’
‘You’re not. You’re being a good caring friend. And I’m really grateful. You know what? Let’s go and be normal people – me, that is, not you; you’re very normal already – and sit and linger,’ Jimmy said.
‘Are you sure?’
‘No. But it’s what I think I need to do.’
Erica watched as he took a deep breath and stepped off the final step and onto the pavement. ‘Come on, Bruce, you’ll look after us, won’t you?’ she said.
Erica was pleased to find the outdoor courtyard area was furnished with artificial turf so Bruce had something soft and insulated on which to lie down. She hadn’t quite thought about that and idly wondered if she should get some kind of mat to carry with her. She hated seeing dogs on hard, cold – or hot, for that matter – concrete while their owners socialised. Thankfully they were also in a corner out of any breeze and under the heater, which was so efficient Erica had to shed her coat. She wondered if the hotel staff even noticed Bruce at their feet. There hadn’t been anyone to ask when they’d arrived – the only person they saw was the young woman behind the bar who took their orders and also eventually brought their meals out.
They enjoyed a drink – both sticking to lemon, lime and bitters – and then a schnitzel before leaving at around seven p.m. Erica made a mental note to tell Issy and Mackenzie she might have found an even better schnitzel than the ones they’d had at the pub at the other end of the street.
‘Thanks so much again, Erica,’ Jimmy said, as they left.
‘No worries. Happy to help. How are you feeling?’
‘Okay. Good, actually. It was almost a bit of an anticlimax – in that I’m now thinking: what was I so worried about?’ Jimmy said.
‘I know what you mean. The worry and procrastination is often worse than the actual thing you’re bothered by. What’s that quote? I think it’s “We have nothing to fear but fear itself”, isn’t it? Or something similar. It’s so true, but still we humans worry …’ she said, shaking her head sardonically.
‘Yes. Exactly,’ Jimmy said. ‘Honestly, I feel like a new man. I used to be quite sociable once, before …’
‘That’s great. I think it’s like riding a bike – you’re just out of practice and have to get your confidence back again.’
‘Yes. I think you’re right. Fingers crossed.’
‘Would you like to come up for a cuppa?’ Erica said as they stopped at the corner by Walter’s office. ‘I’ll understand if you’re exhausted or just don’t want to. No pressure at all.’
‘I know it’s only early, but I am a bit knackered, actually. And I’ve got the usual early start.’
‘Fair enough. Don’t underestimate what tonight will take out of you emotionally – and physically, for that matter. Stress is exhausting, as is facing and overcoming fears.’
‘Yeah. Thanks so much for understanding,’ he said, hugging her.
‘I do. You’re not alone,’ she said, feeling a surge of maternal protection towards him.
‘Thanks, Bruce – you’re a big help too,’ he said, giving the dog a pat. Erica had almost forgotten the dog ambling along beside them. ‘See you in the morning?’ he said, looking at Erica.
‘At this stage, yep.’
Again, she waited for him to cross the street and close the gate behind him. As she did, she thought she might have to be careful she didn’t leave Bruce somewhere; she was so quiet and well behaved. She returned Jimmy’s goodbye wave.
As she went around the side of her building to the back, she had the strange and fleeting thought that this was what Renee meant about people coming into your life right at the perfect moment and for a reason. She’d had Walter. And now Jimmy had her. It was bizarre that they’d had such similar experiences – and positively freaky that it was due to the same person – but it felt good to make a difference in his life.
‘You’re such a good girl, Bruce,’ she said as the dog bounded up the stairs in front of her.