Riverside

Mary had an important job to do in the Old Engine Room . . .

MARY was hiding behind her menu in the Old Engine Room, trying not to be seen by Ruby’s mystery date when he turned up.

She kept lowering the menu to keep an eye on Ruby, though, sitting alone at her window table. Ruby shot her a look and tapped her watch. Her date was late.

It wasn’t a good start, Mary thought. She knew how much Ruby liked people to turn up on time.

Mary gave a sly glance over to the entrance of the deli café and saw a man she didn’t recognise walk in. He was alone, she noted, and carrying a small bouquet of white freesias.

She gave Ruby a nod to let her know it might be him and Ruby straightened her back in her chair.

Mary watched as the stranger strode towards Ruby’s table. He extended his hand and a polite handshake was exchanged.

With a look of surprise Ruby took the freesias and laid them at the side of the table. Mary was too far away to overhear anything that was said, but she was close enough to see what was going on and to rescue Ruby if needed.

“Coffee, Mary?” Dave asked, breaking into her thoughts.

She’d been so busy keeping watch that she hadn’t seen him coming towards her booth with his electronic pad poised.

“What?” she replied more sharply than she intended. She looked up into her son-in-law’s kind face. “Sorry, love. I was miles away. A coffee would be lovely.”

She moved the menu back in front of her face, peeping out towards Ruby and her date.

All she could make out about the man was that he was wearing a checked shirt and had a broad pair of shoulders.

The glimpse she’d had of his face as he’d come into the deli didn’t raise any concerns, and Ruby seemed happy.

Mary smiled as she covertly watched Ruby chatting to her date. The pair seemed wrapped up in easy conversation right from the off.

“Would you like lunch, Mary?” Dave asked when he brought the coffee to her table. “Dad’s trying out some specials for our Christmas lunch, if you’d like a taster?”

She shook her head. “I’ve just been up to see Susan and she fed me some of your dad’s beautiful chocolate and orange cake. I don’t think I’ll be needing any lunch after that.”

“OK,” Dave said. “Just give me a shout if you need anything else.”

“Thanks, love,” she said, glancing again at Ruby and her date. “I’ll just have this coffee and then get home. I don’t think I’ll need to stay very long after all.”

Dave left Mary alone at her table, and each time she glanced towards Ruby and her date, she saw Ruby looking happy and relaxed.

Ruby was talking nonstop, but when she stopped long enough to let her date get a word in, Mary noticed the smile on her face.

The laughter from both of them that was drifting over reassured her that Ruby was going to be fine.

Mary had drained her coffee and gathered her bag and coat, ready to go home, when she noticed Ruby discreetly tapping the side of her nose with a finger.

Mary’s blood ran cold. Ruby was signalling for help with each tap. It was one of the signals in the code Ruby had given her – tapping her nose with her right hand, or was it her left?

Mary couldn’t remember which, but she was sure it was the code that meant she needed rescuing.

Wasting no time, Mary flew across the café to her friend’s table.

“Ruby!” She beamed as they’d planned in advance in case such a situation should arise.

Startled, Ruby glared at her.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere!” Mary continued, keeping to the script they’d agreed. Ruby tried to interrupt. “Mary . . .” “There’s a problem at the community centre and they need you immediately. You have to come now, Ruby.” Mary smiled at the man sitting opposite her friend. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I’m afraid Ruby’s needed.”

“Mary!” Ruby hissed. “I was tapping my nose!” Mary nodded.

“Yes, and that’s the signal . . .”

“No, it isn’t,” Ruby said quietly, shaking her head.

Mary willed the floor to open up and swallow her. “Oh. You mean . . .?” Ruby nodded slowly and turned to smile at her date.

“Is there anything I can help with?” he asked, his face a mixture of confusion and concern.

He looked from Mary to Ruby and back again.

“My friend here was just leaving.” Ruby smiled up at Mary, giving a discreet nod towards the exit.

“Yes,” Mary replied, pulling her coat around her. “I was. I’m really sorry for bothering you both. I don’t know what came over me.”

Reassured that her friend was going to be safe with her internet date, Mary left Ruby behind in the Old Engine Room.

As planned, Ruby would call later to share all the news. But first, Mary had her embarrassing story to take home to tell George.

More next week.