Piece of me

Secrets of the past. Chapter 8

I opened my curtains to reveal another gloomy day outside. I didn't care. For the first time in 3 years I had woken up without the agonising pain of heartbreak.

I'd be at work all day anyway, so its not like I was stuck watching another beautiful day pass me by as I served people their meals. Somehow that made me feel even better.

Mum was still in bed when I grabbed breakfast. She had the day off today. She was most probably going to sleep off her hangover. I crept in to her room to leave some paracetamol & a glass of water next to her bed.

As I was grabbing my jacket to leave for work Jay appeared in front of me again. This time I didn't jump.

"You look beautiful as always Em".

"You look see-through as always Jay".

He giggled. That sexy manly chuckle of his. How I'd missed making him laugh.

"I have to go & earn my keep. Try not to sneak up on me at work today. Mrs Taylor will skin me alive if I smash any of her crockery".

"Noted. Have a good day". Just like that Jay disappeared. I couldn't help but wonder where he went? What was it even like being part of this world, yet not at the same time. I wanted to ask him but I was also afraid of what the answer may be.

I locked the door behind me & quickly made my way to work. I opened up early this morning. I was hoping mrs Taylor would arrive first thing again so that the ordeal of that interaction could be over with. I hated waiting for her. It was the worst part. Not knowing if she'd show up at the worst possible moment.

Ted came in shortly after me this morning. He wasn't hungover for once. He was much quieter than normal though. He just got on with his work & only spoke occasionally. I didn't dare to ask him what was up.

"Morning Em, Ted you're in early" Beth announced upon her arrival.

I shook my head at her as I replied "Morning Beth". I walked towards her & whispered "Something is up. He's barely said two words to me Beth".

Ted looked at Beth & nodded & then continued going over the books & putting the weeks profits in to the collection box. He had a pained expression on his face like something was eating away at him.

"Did you ask him what's up?"

"I didn't want to seem nosey. I will do if he's still off with me tomorrow though"

"Fair enough. Someone asked after you yesterday Emma".

"Oh?"

"Yeah. He's never been in here before."

"Strange. What did he look like?"

"He was tall, lovely bronzed skin, muscular & eyes so blue you could swim laps in them".

"Doesn't ring a bell". I had absolutely no idea who she could be referring to. Of everyone I knew, no one matched that description. & no one ever asked after me.

I'd been something of a recluse ever since Jay passed away. My so called friends didn't even bother to ask me to come out anymore. It was my fault really. I had rarely been up for socialising over the last 3 years. Everyone expected me to get over my grief by a certain point. It was hard to pretend I was ok. Exhausting even. I spent every day at work putting on a smile for the customers. It took a lot out of me. To have to do that around my friends as well to spare them from my sorrow, it was much harder to do it for their benefit. So I kept to myself so as to not burden anyone.

The morning dragged on. We had a few customers, but nothing like a typical Friday. The rain it seemed was keeping everyone away. I didn't mind it being quiet. Beth was good company. & the radio made the passing of time more bearable.

~~~~~~~ Hudson's POV ~~~~~~~

I woke with another hangover. I was alone at least this time. I couldn't face waking up to another nameless female. I grabbed my phone to check the time. It was one thirty in the afternoon already. I chucked some painkillers in my mouth & guzzled down the water next to my bed.

After a few minutes I managed to drag myself out of bed. I took a long hot shower to wake myself up. I grabbed some casual clothes & headed downstairs. I slipped out unnoticed & started the journey to the cafe. Emma's bag was still in my car from yesterday.

Once I'd pulled up in to the car park I tried to see if I could spot her through the window. It was raining pretty heavily. I couldn't tell who was at the counter. Pulling my jacket over my head I dashed toward the door.

I made my way inside & there she was, talking to an older woman. I took the same seat as yesterday. She didn't look up as I entered. Beth came over to serve me.

"You came back then".

"Yes, the food was so good I felt like trying something else from the menu".

"What can I get you?"

"I'll take a pot of tea & the everything burger cheers".

"Great. Did you want to pay now, or after?"

"I'll pay later. I might want to treat myself to cake after". I said whilst looking Emma up & down. She was much prettier in person. Her selfies didn't do her justice. She had natural dark blonde hair tied up in a bun with just a couple of strands hanging loose by her ears, framing her delicate features. Her figure curved in all the right places. Voluptuous hips, large breasts & shapely legs. Her face was very feminine & gentle looking. She was a natural beauty. That wasn't something I could say about any of my one night stands. They were caked in makeup. Once the night smudged it across their faces I could see just how plain they really were.

"Yes mrs Taylor that's all we've taken this week. Its been quieter than normal". I overheard Emma say.

"Hmm, this needs to change or I'll have to let one of you go".

"Its just one quiet week. It'll pick up again".

"Well it better had. I can't afford to lose anymore money. I'm not making enough profits to keep up 3 pay packets".

"We can only just manage the workload between us. Things will be back to normal once the rain stops & more parties come in".

"You don't look busy to me. You're standing idle. I don't pay you to stand around. Get back to work & earn your wages lass."

"Yes mrs Taylor".

Emma looked for a way to occupy herself as mrs Taylor left the cafe. I was so enthralled by what was unfolding before my eyes that I hadn't even noticed my pot of tea arriving.

"Your food will be along shortly".

"Oh, thank you". I replied as I snapped back to reality. "Could you ask Emma to come over please".

"Yes of course sir" she nodded.

Emma came over to my table shortly after.

"Hi, how can I...". She stopped & stared at me. She clearly recognised me. "I mean, how may I be of assistance" she continued, composing herself.

"I think this belongs to you". I held out the red handbag to her.

"You found my bag". She grabbed it from me & proceeded to check the contents. As she did so I noticed she was wearing an engagement ring. A nice one. Too nice for someone of her class.

"Everything's there. You're welcome".

"Oh, sorry. Thank you." a sudden look of realisation spread across her face as she clutched the bag to her stomach.

Beth appeared with my food before I could say anything else. Emma took this as her chance to escape, darting back in to the kitchen area.

"Enjoy your meal". Beth said with a smile.

"Thanks".

~~~~~~~ Emma's POV ~~~~~~~

As Hudson's food arrived I took my opportunity to get away from him before he could question me. I hoped he would just leave & I'd never have to see him again.

As I was loading the dish washer Beth came in to the kitchen startling me. I was on edge. I can't believe I left my bag at Jay's grave. Hudson now knew who I was & would likely want to know why I was there. Would he expose me? I could get in to serious trouble if he did. I was heading towards a meltdown as Beth appeared behind me.

"So, what did he want?"

"Damn". A plate slipped from my hand as I was attempting to put it in to the dishwasher. It smashed on the floor with an almighty crash. Followed by the sound of clapping & 'well done' cheers from the customers. It was mortifying, but a common practice to react in such a way to breakages in pubs & restaurants. At least, it was here in England.

"Sorry Em, didn't mean to startle you".

"Its fine... He was... Just.... returning my handbag to me. I lost it yesterday." I picked up the larger pieces of broken crockery & swept up the rest with the dustpan & brush.

"Oh, right. That was kind of him. Was anything missing".

"No, everything is still there".

"That's good".

"Mmm". I agreed whilst making a cup of tea each for me, Emma & Ted.

I handed Beth hers & then took Ted's through to the counter for him.

"Cheers Emma". Ted said. Then he returned to getting the next food order sorted.

I stood at the counter for a few moments watching Hudson. Trying to figure him out. He was sat in Jay's spot. How weird that the least used table would be the chosen seat of both him & Jay I thought to myself. Hudson was enjoying his meal. He looked at me a few times, then continued his meal.

I started cleaning up after a few customers to keep myself busy as Beth was taking & cooking orders. Keeping busy was helping to settle my mind a little. Although I felt a little shaky still. I just couldn't be still, I was feeling far too fidgety for that.

As Hudson finished his meal he beckoned me over.

"Miss".

"Yes sir".

"Could I get another pot of tea please". He stared at the ring on my finger for a moment & then looked back at my face. My eyes followed his trying to work out if he was preparing to cause me trouble or not. He was impossible to read.

"Of course". I carried his things away on my tray & prepared a fresh pot of tea for him. I grabbed a cake plate & put one of our best selling goey chocolate brownies on it for him. I returned to his table with the fresh pot of tea & placed the brownie down in front of him.

"I didn't order this?"

"Its a thank you for returning my belongings to me. Not many people would bother".

"Oh, great thanks".

"The brownies are everyone's favourite here. The bakery next door makes them fresh every day. Enjoy".

I walked away hoping this was the end to things. I still couldn't work him out. He was completely unreadable & that was unnerving to me. I was generally good at reading people. But he gave nothing away in his attitude or expressions.

After finishing his second pot of tea & complimentary brownie, Hudson paid up & left. I breathed a huge sigh of relief once he left. He obviously had no interest in knowing why I was there. Maybe being of working class had its perks. It allowed you to fade in to the background as an unimportant detail of a much larger picture.

As the rain ended towards the midafternoon, the customers started pouring in a bit more. Beth had left to pick up the twins of course, so me & Ted were pretty rushed off our feet. By 6pm we were finally closing up.

"You get off, I can manage this". I assured Ted.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, go home. You look like you've had enough of a day as it is".

"Cheers Emma. It means alot. See you tomorrow".

"Bye".

I locked the door behind him & continued clearing away the tables. As I was tidying the last table away I noticed a shadow. I turned with a start towards the glass door... There was someone stood in the door way. I put my tray down & walked towards the door "sorry, we're closed" I said.

When I got closer to the door & saw who it was my heart started racing...

~~~~~~~~ Ted's POV ~~~~~~~~~

Thursday night...

I got in from work around 6.50pm, after grabbing a ready meal from the shop. I put my food in the microwave & went through todays post...

That's when I saw it. An eviction notice. No reason, just 28 days notice to vacate the property. I'd lived here for many years, never missed a rent payment in my life. It wasn't easy to find a decent home these days. I spent the rest of my night panicking & trying to find suitable accommodation that I could manage on a single wage. 28 days wasn't much time to find somewhere.

I barely slept all night.

~~~~~~~~ Beth's POV ~~~~~~~~

As I left work to pick up the twins I was cornered by the blindingly handsome man.

"Oh..."

"Sorry to bother you again. Can you tell me what time the cafe closes?"

"It'll be closing by about 6pm. Unless there's extra customers close to 6pm, then it shuts at 7pm"

"You mean there's not an official closing time?"

"Not exactly. Mrs Taylor, the owner likes to make sure she doesn't miss a customer."

"I see. Thank you."

"Ok, I must dash, or I'll be late to pick up the girls from school."

I raced to the bus stop at the end of the street & just made it before the bus pulled in. I couldn't risk missing it. The girls only had me to collect them & there was a fine for being late. Nothing filled me with a greater sense of dread than not getting there on time. A mother's greatest fear is something dreadful happening to her kids.

I couldn't wait to see my girls. Tanya & Tina were a handful, but they were my everything. Twins are incredibly mischievous. Always switching places & trying to confuse people. My girls are 6 years old & already causing trouble at school. The teacher is always complaining about them switching places & playing pranks on her. To be honest I found it funny. But I had to keep a straight face as miss Higgins told me about their shenanigans.

I got off the bus & went in to the school yard. The girls were let out shortly after I arrived.

"Mummy mummy" both girls said. "We both made you a picture"

"Ooh let me see. That's beautiful. I love them both".

We made our way towards the bus stop.

"What's for tea mummy". Tina asked.

"I was going to do pasta".

"What kind?" Tanya questioned.

"Maybe spaghetti".

"Yes. Can we help". Both girls happily said.

"Of course you can. We'll have to grab a bit of shopping before we go home though".

~~~~~~~ Hudson POV ~~~~~~~

I sat outside the cafe in my car after leaving. I wasn't sure what to do. I needed to talk to Emma, but it wasn't so easy with other people around. I had no idea when she would get off work.

I went on my phone again looking through her sss trying to find any posts between her & my brother. Almost everything was set to private. Only a few posts were visible & none of them had any connection to Jay.

After sitting & imagining every possible scenario in which this woman could be tied to Jay I gave up trying to work it out & sent her a friend request & drove to my home around the corner.

When after over an hour she hadn't accepted my friend request I decided to return to the cafe & find out when it closed.

Who doesn't check their phone for that long?

As I pulled up & walked towards the cafe to check the opening times Beth walked out. I was in luck, I could ask her.

After finding out the roundabout closing time I went back to my home around the corner & played on my xbox 1 for a bit. When 6pm started nearing I returned to the cafe. I watched as the last customers left. I was in luck it was closing on time.

I saw the other member of staff leave.

Emma was clearing up alone. She was singing along with the radio & dancing a little. It was quite possibly the sweetest thing I'd ever witnessed. I'd never seen anyone so natural & carefree. All the women I knew were fake & stuck up. I had never met anyone in this town who didn't pretend to be something they're not. I almost didn't want to disturb her. I needed to speak to her though. I was just about to knock on the glass when she jumped out of her skin as she turned to face me. She walked towards me...

"Sorry we're closed". She froze on the spot as she realised I was back.

"We need to talk. Will you let me in please?"

She hesitated a moment. But she realised I wasn't going to just disappear. So she opened the door & gestured for me to come in. She locked it behind me & then continued clearing away the table trying to keep busy so as not to look at me.

"I saw you, yesterday at my brother's grave. How did you know Jayden?"

She stiffened, before carrying the last tray of used plates through to the kitchen.

~~~~~~~ Emma's POV ~~~~~~~~

Hudson followed me through to the kitchen. There was no escaping this. I had to lie & lie well.

I finished loading the dish washer, set it going & turned to face him.

He was waiting patiently for an answer. His height towered over me, it made me feel tiny & on edge. I was alone with the man who just last week drunkenly groped my bum. What on earth was I thinking letting him in here?

I panicked & took a step back. "We were friends". That was the best I could come up with.

"Its ok, you don't need to back away. I'm not dangerous. You were friends you say? He never mentioned you".

"Why would he, its not like I'm from your class".

"You took a big risk visiting his grave. All that for just a friend?"

"Yes. He was very kind to me."

Hudson paused & considered my answer. I wasn't sure if he believed me or not. I wasn't used to lying to people. I had told tiny half truths & unimportant lies sure. Stuff that wasn't hurting anybody. Nothing of this magnitude though. This was a huge cover up of the truth.

"Please don't tell anyone I climbed over the wall. I know I'm not meant to go there. I won't do it again". I continued. Trying to draw focus away from how I knew Jay.

"I don't care about that. I won't grass you up. I just, I don't know. You knew him & I... I don't know."

"You wanted some connection to him?

"Yes. That's exactly it".

"He was a regular at the cafe. He must have tried everything on the menu at least once. We became good friends. He always made me laugh". I tried to offer him something, without giving away too much. I continued cleaning the kitchen up as I did so, trying to keep my face turned away so he couldn't read my facial expressions.

"That sounds like Jay." He paused again & looked at my hand. "That's a nice ring, who's the lucky fella?"

"Oh, he's... we're not... together anymore. He left me". Why did I say that. Stupid girl. I couldn't think on the spot. I wouldn't last two seconds under torture. This basically felt like torture to be fair.

"You still wear his ring though?"

"Yes, I'm not over him." I grabbed a cloth, a bowl of soapy water & a bottle of cleaning spray & went back through to the cafe. Hudson followed me & watched as I wiped each table down & then cleaned the main counter.

"I see" he eventually said. I got rid of the water & returned with the sweeping brush, I began to put the chairs up on the tables.

"Here, let me help you with that". Hudson began putting the chairs up for me & I started sweeping up.

"Thanks, you don't have to do that".

"I want to. Do you have much left to do?"

"Just mopping after this."

"Ah. What are you doing after work?"

"I'll just be going home for my tea".

"Do you live close by?"

I hesitated a moment. Then nodded. "Its only a short walk". I swept up the pile of muck I'd created in to the dustpan & tipped it in to the kitchen bin before removing the bag & tying it up. I chucked it in to the big bin at the back & then locked the back door & washed my hands. I grabbed the mop & bucket from the cupboard & made up a hot bleachy bucket ready to mop with. Hudson just watched me while leaning on the counter. As I mopped through the kitchen & in towards the cafe he asked me how long I'd worked here.

"5 years nearly".

"Do you like working here?"

I paused, looked at him, then carried on mopping.

"You can be honest with me" he said.

"Its ok. Its not really a question of like, more the reality of need. It pays the bills. I wouldn't expect you to understand that".

"I'm sorry, no I don't know what poverty is like. It doesn't mean I can't empathise though".

I finished mopping & tipped the dirty mop water down the toilet & proceeded to clean the sink & toilet seats. I then I returned the cleaning items to the cupboard, chucked my apron in the washing machine & scrubbed my hands clean. All the while being watched by Hudson. I couldn't fathom why he was still here talking to me. Surely he had much better things to do. It is Friday night afterall.

I grabbed my things & headed towards the front door.

"I have to lock up now".

Hudson followed me out. I locked the door & went to pull down the shutter, Hudson grabbed it for me. I locked that too then turned to face him.

"Thank you. Bye".

"Can I walk you home? I just want to make sure you're safe".

,"Its fine, honestly. I walk home alone all the time".

"Just the same I'd feel better if I knew you were ok. Its Friday night afterall".

"Very well." I started walking & Hudson followed beside me.

"Did you ever see Jay outside of work?"

"We went out as friends a few times".

"I see. Was he meeting you the day he....."

"No".

"I just wondered. No one seems to know where he was going that day."

"I'm sorry. I wish I could help" I replied as I turned to him offering a sympathetic smile. It was painful lying to him when he just wanted answers about his brothers last moments. I couldn't tell him what he wanted to know. It was best if he didn't know anything about me & Jay.

"Well, this is home. Thanks for getting me here unmolested". Yes, I heard it. Sometimes I think my brain disconnects from my mouth.

Hudson laughed. "No trouble at all. Goodnight then".

He turned & left. I entered my house & stood, back against the door for a moment trying to steady my nerves. I hope this is the last I see of him I thought.