Page 130 of Time To Learn

“Fuck,” he whispers before he turns to walk back to his station. Wearily, I follow close behind him, watching him as he picks up some of his things, the silence stretching out betweenus.

Finally, he puts his arms on the back of a chair and, still frowning, he rests his head as his gaze scrutinises me. I don’t flinch from his hard stare.

“Apology accepted,” he exhales loudly.

“Thankyou.”

“Look, I understand why you couldn’t make it, but if it happens too often, I’m not sure if you can stay working for me. I’m sorry, but it won’t be good for business.”

“But –,”

“However, let’s play it by ear, yeah?”

Nodding, I breathe a small sigh of relief.

“Sure.”

“Good.” He jerks his chin at the door behind me. “Now, get the shop open, and while we wait for your first client, tell me more about Laura and her daughter.”

Wearily, I shake my head at him and walk to thedoor.

“You’re worse than an old biddy,” I grumble, “always wanting me to tell you everything about the women in mylife.”

“Well, your life is much more interesting than mine, lad, so is that so strange? Start talking.”

Grinning, I turn the sign from Closed to Open, and then I set towork.