Sunflowers & Sins

Chapter 6

And Eve realised that for Jessie, these boys, and others like them, would be just 'idle time'.

On their first acquaintance with the 'cricket' lads the two women had glanced at each other, exchanging Is that it? looks; so much for the magnificent three! When they started on soccer, and then Lexus cars (oh, here we go again!) they knew it was time to try a new haunt, which, at a subsequent lunch outing, proved quite promising.

A New Haunt - the man in the Cafe

It was at Sam's cafe, a busy little goldmine, nicely situated for the close-by businesses. At one lunch with Jessie Eve noticed that two tables away sat a man who would look up now and then, more 'now' than 'then'. He was hidden from Jessie who was facing the wrong way, which thought Eve, was not like her...whenever they walked into any establishment Jessie always, always, made sure she sat where she could eye the talent, just as men do.

There he goes again; this time he caught her looking. A crimson flush stole now into Eve's cheeks...

Then he stood up and went to the counter, an opportunity for Eve to cast an eye over him while he was paying at the counter.

The first thing she noticed was that he 'walked well' - a confident posture and not hurried; he was above average height. Overall a fine carriage…

'A fine carriage says things about a man,' her mum would say.

Light brown hair covered what Eve thought were rather hard features, his slightly slanted eyes narrow and piercing. His profile was firm but as he walked past her table, he cast a smile towards her, a smile that totally softened his craggy, somewhat hard lines of his face. As for his age...? well past any callow youth she thought, whereas before she'd had a closer look, he had looked younger. Now she thought closer to 40 than 30. As he continued, he momentarily cast a look at the unsuspecting Jessie, and it was then that Jessie was able to latch onto this male specimen as he passed into her view...and as he walked out of the cafe.

'Christ Eve – did you see him...where did he come from? We're definitely coming back to this place! Why didn't you tell me he was sitting back there? He looks too good to be true.’ They continued talking about him and other men for a while. ‘Anyway, knowing my luck he probably talks like Donald Duck or something!'

Eve chuckled at that...like John Wayne talking with helium gas!? She looked round to the street to see Jessie's Mr Wonderful setting off in his blue car.

Didn't get the make.

On return to the Care Home....

'Eve – there's a message on the answer phone for you (me) – but you really - you know what I mean,' said Jessie still not quite getting used to the new roles. 'Some guy called Ray or Mark...or something.'

Jessie on top form with her memory.

The message indeed came from a Mark Littlejohn who wanted to know if Barnswell Holdings might be interested in new alarm systems he had that were designed for facilities that had dependent residents...panic alarms, door security and other safety devices. Intercom systems were also part of the sales pitch.

Eve listened to the message.

To be honest she thought, they didn't need any new security systems. She already had them, all mandated, although a decent, or an upgraded communications system was there on a “ To do one day ” list she had.

This Mark had a clear voice, and spoke without stutter or hesitation, not hard to listen to at all. In any case, being Eve and always wanting to be courteous, she rang back. Three rings before a response...same voice.

Just then Jessie popped her head round the door and bellowed, 'Eve, Red Lion, Tuesday lunch?' with a questioning look, then a whispered, 'Sorry,' when she realised Eve was on the phone. But Eve had caught her drift and given a thumbs-up sign for the Red Lion.

She had engaged in a short conversation politely thanking Mr Littlejohn for his interest and offer...but not at this time she told him, but please, drop off a card at the Home if he was in the area. She then asked Jessie to ask for their facilitator-c*m-janitor to ring her. She wanted to know if the Care Home had any issues that required addressing in the 'electrics' or 'security' department. When he duly arrived, she had asked him - anything that needs attention, needs modernising, that she should know about both in the short and long-term?

'Only one thing Miss Barnswell, the fire-control system might need new sensors before long. The inspection is due in three months...might do to have someone check it out – might turn out okay though,' he had said. Eve asked Jessie to log it.

Meanwhile, and as predicted, Jessie had lost interest in the quick associations that were struck up during their various lunchtime and evening 'outings'. Oh yes - she enjoyed stringing along some of the boys who had taken to her and thought they had a chance...that part she liked, but in fact even Jessie realized that there had been little challenge - and that she could do better.

And Eve was tiring of the whole charade and in particular the three men they had met before, the 'three stooges' as Jessie continued to call them.

On the Tuesday they repaired, as arranged, to The Red Lion. If the place didn't measure up, then it would be back to Sam's cafe. However, they were both pleasantly surprised; The Red Lion had undergone a make-over since their last visit months ago. Back then you could fire an old canon full of grapeshot in the middle of the pub and not hit anyone. The place was dead. But now, as they walked in, they were confronted by a healthy lunch-time buzz...the place was busy, crowded. Popular.

'Hey Miss Barnswell, I like this place,' announced Jessie. And yes, as soon as they moved in towards the bar, heads turned...looking at Jessie: she was in her element once more. 'Right Eve, I'm buying - what'll it be? Shall we have a look at the bar-food menu as well?'

They settled into a couple of high stools adjacent to a pillar with a little ledge, putting their bags on it. Jessie scanned the scene hoping that the magnificent 3 weren't there too. All clear. Then Jessie made some 'mumsy' talk about Daniel. She was in full flow when...

'Please forgive me ladies...I could not help overhearing your name earlier...'

Jessie let out a gasp, quickly recovering while Eve coloured a little: before them stood the man from the cafe and Jessie's reaction had stopped his introductions.

'I didn't mean to startle you,' he continued, '...but are you from the Barnswell Care Home? I could not help overhearing on the phone last week - my name is Mark Littlejohn. I heard someone mention this pub and the voice convinced me, a lovely voice I might add, that I wanted to see you because I deal with security; I install alarms in premises such as Care Homes and larger houses; but I do more than just alarms...there's Access Control, CCTV and Panic Attack systems – and some new ideas coming on-stream all the time. I could tell you more later if you like.'

There was a pause, the cousins looking at each other, waiting for the other to speak first.

'I think we're pretty much covered with this aren't we Eve,' said Evelyn, turning to Jessie.

'I think we are but IT stuff moves forward every day, I lose track,' responded Jessie, already looking for an opening to arrange another meeting with this man.'

Eve looked at her. IT stuff ?! Buck up Jessie her mind said...you are supposed to be acting the boss. She thought Jessie was about to feint but very quickly Jessie stepped up to play her part...

'Okay, yes, I'm Evelyn Barnswell...and this is...this is Jessie. We practically work in the same office.'

'Aha, so you're the boss. Well, pleased to meet you both.'

Eve thought Jessie was about to wet herself as she quickly flashed an OMG! look at Eve. She could read her like a book.

Jessie had her own thoughts... It's him! It's him from the cafe. Isn't he dishy? He's mine, mine – he's going to be mine...all mine! Eve could see all this written on Jessie's features.

'And what do you do?' asked Mark looking at the real Eve now, not wanting to exclude her.

She looked into his face. 'Me? I'm just the general dogs-body, her secretary,' indicating the real Jessie with a nod.

'That means you're the busy one,' he said, his mouth bending easily into a smile, immediately raising her estimation of him even further. She could detect a momentary flicker in Jessie's face when he had said that...Jessie had quietly cursed at the words, but her confidence was quickly restored when he retorted: -

'So, not only the boss but, if may say, a very presentable boss.' He had said it in a matter-of-fact way without any oiliness to it, no 'nudge-nudge wink-wink say no more' about it. He continued, 'In fact, two attractive ladies, they are lucky at your Care Home...I can see that I'll have to make an advance reservation for myself,' he added with a flourishing laugh.

There was no doubt in Eve's mind that he had an infectious chuckle, one that could quickly turn into a laugh. For her part, Jessie was in rapture. But at the same time Eve was just a little bit miffed at his presumption - by the method he had deployed to meet them. 'What a cheeky bugger,' she thought to herself. She reappraised this man now that they were close.

A full head of hair - no signs of thinning. And whereas before she thought he had strong facial features - these were softened by his unusual, bright narrow eyes that seemed to bore into her soul. It was then she observed a quirky feature in one of his eyes – an unusual coloured fleck that seemed to float, and which added to his very acceptable appearance. His smile, she noticed, completely broke the angular lines that would initially on any first glance at him, give the impression of sternness. He obviously looked after himself showing few signs of any 'spread' round the middle, with his upper body indicating some strength. His voice possessed a tone of strong quietness – captivating, thought Eve...no wonder Jessie was salivating.

While these thoughts flashed through Eve's mind, Jessie had been likewise conducting her own study...which was quite brutal, and to the point.

's*x on legs,' she had later told Eve. '…and what legs. Did you see his backside...?' Yes, this was Jessie's usual train of thought - a descent into basics and crudity...a descent down to her common denominator.

Mark continued...

'On an answering machine there's little scope to convey or to explain in depth what I really do, hence me being rather presumptuous and coming here. What I would love to do – if you would allow me – is to come and see your premises at first hand and see if I might be of useful service in any way. It's not just simple alarms.' Before he could go on...and just before Eve was about to say something, Jessie barged in...

'Yes, of course you can. Just make an appointment with 'Jessie' and you'd be welcome,' she said with a flourish while smiling right at him...an influential smile that would excite any male. There was no doubt in Eve's mind that Jessie was indeed an attractive woman so she keenly observed the man's face for any surrender...any sign that Jessie's charms might be working and having an effect upon him.

Possibly, for he nodded, smiled, but smiled while looking from one to the other - not just at Jessie. And when she ordered fresh drinks Mark responded...