Riverside

Has Anna found her new salon employee?

I’M packed and ready to return to sunny Spain tomorrow,” Carol said. Anna eyed the three pink suitcases on the living-room floor. “I was hoping you might change your mind.” She sighed and put her arms around her sister.

“You’re welcome back any time.”

Carol wiped away a tear. “I can’t thank you enough for putting up with me. I know I’m not easy to get along with at times.” Anna pulled away. “Let’s have none of that kind of talk. Every day has been a pleasure, having you stay with me.” Carol raised an eyebrow. “Every day?”

“Well, almost.” Anna laughed.

Carol glanced at her watch.

“Well, we can’t stay here all day reminiscing. We have interviews at the salon to find my replacement. How many?”

“Just three,” Anna replied. “The first one’s in half an hour.”

****

Later that morning, outside the salon, a nervous young woman stood in the cold winter air.

Chelsea Little squared her shoulders and pushed her feet forward in the new black boots she’d bought specially for the interview.

Chelsea was in her early twenties and had long, straight brown hair with a fringe, a round pretty face and big brown eyes.

She took a deep breath and pushed the salon door open.

“Good morning,” she said cheerfully “My name’s Chelsea Little and I’m here for the interview.”

“Ah, Chelsea,” Anna greeted her. “Come in.”

Once Chelsea was settled into a salon chair, Anna and Carol began running through their questions.

Chelsea answered each one confidently and with a smile, and it wasn’t long before she’d endeared herself to the two sisters.

At the end of the interview, Anna and Carol stood to show Chelsea out.

“Well, you’re the last applicant,” Anna told her. “We’ll let you know by the end of the day.”

Chelsea shook Anna’s hand and turned to leave, but before she could, Carol called out to her.

“Just one more thing . . .” Chelsea turned. “Yes?” she said. Carol waved a copy of Chelsea’s CV in the air.

“It says here you live in North Ryemouth.”

“Yes, I’ve lived there all my life,” Chelsea said.

“Your surname is Little? I wondered if you’re related to Graeme Little who works in the Old Engine Room?”

“He’s my brother,” Chelsea replied. “Is there a problem?”

Carol forced a smile. “No problem,” she said. “We’ll be in touch.”

After Chelsea left, Carol flung the CV on to a chair.

“What’s going on?” Anna demanded.

“The Little family from North Ryemouth are notorious,” Carol hissed. “You can’t have one of them working here.

“You must have heard the stories about Chelsea’s family, surely?

“Her eldest brother Adam threatened George in the heritage centre some months ago.

“And her grandad Eddie is a small-time gangster, by all accounts.”

Anna shot her a look. “But her brother works with Clive in the Old Engine Room and he’s a great lad.

“Everyone at the deli café thinks the world of him.”

“Well, I’d be careful about taking her on, that’s all I’m saying.” Carol huffed.

“I’m ashamed of you for judging her so harshly, Carol,” Anna retorted.

“Doesn’t everyone deserve a break? Chelsea is the best applicant we’ve seen today and I’m going to offer her the job.”

****

In Susan and Dave’s riverside apartment there was a celebration for baby Jack’s first birthday that included grandparents George, Mary and Mike.

Dave walked into the living-room holding a birthday cake aloft. In the centre was a single candle burning bright.

Dave carefully placed the cake down and everyone sang, “Happy Birthday”.

Little Sarah joined in with gusto, while Jack tottered on his feet and held tight to Susan’s hands.

As the candle flickered and everyone sang, Jack stepped forward and let go of Susan.

“I don’t believe it!” Susan cried. “Look, Dave, he’s trying to walk again.” Dave turned to his son. “Come on, Jack. You can do it! Walk to Daddy!”

George and Mary called out, too.

Mike held his arms out. “Come to Grandad, Jack!” Jack took another step forward and tottered along the carpet, taking three steps on his own before collapsing in Dave’s arms. A cheer went up. “He’ll be playing for Ryemouth County next,” George stated proudly.

“I reckon he’s more of a United player,” Mike said.

“Oh, stop bickering, you two,” Mary warned as she looked at her watch. She gasped.

“We need to head to the Ship Inn right now if we don’t want to miss Carol’s leaving party.”

While everyone was in the lift heading downstairs, the candle on Jack’s forgotten birthday cake fell to one side and caught the edge of a cushion.

The cushion began to smoulder and burn.

More next week.