Modern art
Lisa found she rather liked it after all…
Lisa stirred her tea more vigorously than she’d intended. It was great that her son took her out somewhere every other weekend, but…
Gordon had done very well for himself, building up a successful accountancy business. He’d married a lovely girl he met at Uni. Nicer people you couldn’t hope to meet, but their idea of a fun day out was very different from hers. It wasn’t so bad in summer when at least she got some fresh air, but in chilly March…
She’d left them looking at a room full of weird sculptures, pleading sore feet. They’d be back soon. She’d just checked her watch when a man spoke to her. “Is that you, Lisa?” It was Graham Dawson. He’d moved into her road a couple of months ago. She knew he was in his sixties and lived alone, but that was about it.
“Do you mind if I join you? I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Lisa pretended to be offended.
“Sorry,” he said quickly. “I meant, modern art isn’t for everyone…” Then he realised she was teasing and smiled.
“You’re right though,” admitted Lisa. “It does nothing for me. The sculptures look as though they’ve been thrown together. I’ve seen better stuff at the tip.”
Graham chuckled. “What brings you here today? Meeting someone – a date?”
She shook her head. “This was my son’s idea. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with them, but sometimes, the conversation is so far above my head that I can’t join in.”
Graham nodded. “My daughter is head of the history department at the local college. There are times I have no idea what she’s on about. Do your family know how you feel?”
“They don’t get much free time and I wouldn’t want them going to places they don’t enjoy. I love seeing them, so for me it’s not about where we go.”
“Where would you go, if it was up to you?” Graham asked.
Lisa didn’t hesitate. “The zoo. I used to go when the grandchildren were small. There’s a lovely little café and plenty of places to hide from the weather.” She laughed. “I probably enjoyed it more than they did.”
“I haven’t been since I was ten. My kids weren’t into zoos. How about we go together? If you get any time off during the week, that is. You could still see your family at the weekend.” “Actually, I’m retired. I’m sixty-three.” “And there was me thinking you were in your fifties.”
Lisa smiled. It was blatant flattery, but she liked it, just the same.
Graham continued. “I do voluntary work, part time so Wednesdays or Thursdays are best for me.”
“Thursday sounds good,” replied Lisa. “So, what brings you here? Do you like modern art?”
Lisa’s son and his wife chose that moment to appear. Once she’d made the introductions, Graham asked if he could show Lisa the rest of the gallery.
As her family walked away, Lisa sighed. “I feel guilty, sending them off on their own.”
“It’s only once. If they like modern art, they’ll hardly miss you.” Graham finished his coffee. “Right, are you ready?”
“Not so fast,” replied Lisa. “You didn’t answer my question. What brings you here today?”
“Ah… This is where I work. I do guided tours. I popped in to pick up paperwork.”
Lisa gasped. “And I’ve just persuaded you to go to the zoo!”
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s not where you go that matters, it’s who you’re with – you said so yourself. So, are you ready for the grand tour?”
Lisa stood up. “What if I have no idea what you’re talking about?”
“You will. My tours are for children. I give them lots of fun facts, no confusing waffle. Did you know that one of Matisse’s paintings was displayed upside down for six weeks before anyone noticed?”
“I’m not surprised,” replied Lisa. “It’s hard to tell sometimes. Right. I’m ready – but I want the seven year old tour.”
Graham laughed. “My pleasure,” he said as he took her hand.