R iverside

Chelsea has started to act very strangely . . .

RUBY and Mary were both red in the face and gasping for breath. “Our new teacher’s brutal,” Ruby whispered. “She is,” Mary agreed. “But focus on the treats we can have once we escape from this yoga class.”

A pristine pair of white trainers appeared mere inches away from Ruby and Mary’s faces during their downward dog.

“Ladies, less chatting and more stretching,” the yoga teacher said, then she walked away.

Ruby collapsed to the floor, followed by Mary, then nodded towards the door.

“We could make a run for it now, if you like?”

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to run,” Mary replied. “But we could sneak out while the teacher’s not watching.”

They quickly rolled up their mats, picked up their towels and tip-toed out of the community centre hall.

Soon they were sitting in the seat by the window at the Old Engine Room café, watching the river flow by.

On the table were two frothy coffees and warm cheese scones, with butter melting on top.

“There’s a talent contest at the Ship Inn next week,” Mary said.

“George is dusting down his old joke books; he fancies himself as a standup comedian.

“It’s a charity night, so no-one will take it too seriously if his jokes fail to raise a smile.”

“It sounds fun.” Ruby smiled. “Jim told me that Sam and Claire had a hospital appointment in the fertility clinic.

“They have to go back for more tests and Sam’s beside himself with worry.”

“What’s he up to today?” Mary asked.

Ruby looked puzzled. “Sam?”

“No, Jim!”

“He’s taken Buster for a walk again, but I don’t understand why,” Ruby replied.

“He was Jim’s dog when Jim owned the pub,” Mary pointed out. “What’s wrong with him taking him out for a walk?”

“Jim’s spending a lot of time with Buster,” Ruby remarked. “He’s buying him outfits from the internet.” “Outfits?” Mary laughed. “Little coats and hats,” Ruby explained. “He takes Buster to the dog grooming parlour each week. I think it’s rather odd.”

“Well, I think it’s sweet,” Mary replied.

“But you should see the money he’s spending, Mary.

“And when he takes Buster for a walk, he’s out for hours. There’s something strange going on.”

“You always wanted Jim to find himself a hobby,” Mary reminded her friend. “And now he’s got one, you shouldn’t really complain.”

Ruby lifted her scone and took a large bite.

“Our new yoga teacher works us too hard,” Mary commented. “I’m in two minds about returning next week.”

Ruby was thoughtful. “I’m going to give it a miss,” she said at last. “I’m going to follow Jim when he takes Buster for a walk, to find out what’s going on.”

****

In the hair salon, Anna was admiring her reflection in a mirror.

It was the first time she’d worn her new black jumpsuit and it flattered her, making her legs look longer than they were.

“I don’t know why I wore this to work,” she said to apprentice Chelsea.

“Black shows all the dust up and it’ll get covered with hairs.

“But I’m meeting Mike straight after work and I wanted to look nice.”

“Where are you meeting him?” Chelsea asked.

“For a drink in the Ship,” Anna replied.

Chelsea didn’t seem to notice Anna’s outfit and barely glanced in her direction.

“Can I take my break now?” she asked.

“Of course,” Anna replied. “I can manage on my own for now. Going anywhere nice?”

“I might go into town and have a look around the shops,” Chelsea replied.

Chelsea headed outdoors into the warm spring day, leaving Anna on her own.

When Chelsea returned an hour later, Anna did a double take.

Gone were the leggings and baggy top that Chelsea had worn that morning. In their place, Chelsea sported a figure-hugging black jumpsuit, identical to the one Anna wore.

Anna didn’t know what to say.

She waited for Chelsea to say something first, but the girl began shampooing and cutting hair as soon as she returned to the salon.

Later that afternoon, Anna sidled over to Chelsea and they stood together, their reflections staring back at them from the salon mirrors.

Chelsea had pushed her hair behind her ears, in the way Anna wore her hair.

“That outfit suits you,” Anna remarked. Chelsea smiled.

“Do you think so? I thought it might be too . . .” She paused, searching for the right word. “A little too mature for me.”

“It looks fine,” Anna said. “Are you going somewhere nice after work?”

“I thought I’d call at the Ship,” Chelsea replied.

“We could walk together, if you like?” Anna offered. “I’m meeting Mike, but you’d be welcome to join us for a drink.”

“I’d love to meet Mike,” Chelsea replied with a grin, leaving Anna wondering what was going on.

More next week.