it didn’t make any sense for me to be out here.
I couldn’t remember his name.
‘Tommy,’ he said, guessing the source of my confusion.
‘Tommy. Of course,’ I said, brushing off the old leaves that had attached themselves to my skirt.
‘What are you doing out here?’ he asked, his Glaswegian lilt more noticeable than the first time we’d met. ‘On the hunt for another cold drink?’
I couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic.
‘The shop was shut so I thought I’d try a short-cut back to the car.’ I tried to sound ditzy. ‘I got lost.’ It was a weak lie and I couldn’t tell if he’d bought it. ‘Judging by that sign above the door it seems I’ll have to find somewhere else to stop.’
He picked up the rubbish sacks, deposited them in a cylindrical industrial bin and came closer. When we’d first met I hadn’t realised how tall he was, but now, standing next to him, I saw that he was at least six foot, if not more.
‘I wouldn’t worry,’ he said quietly. ‘Keith can’t find any takers. He’s likely to be there for a good few months yet.’
He looked me up and down, taking in my outfit, waist and breasts.
‘How’s the leg?’
‘Fine,’ I said, realising my bag and coat were still on the floor. I started to panic. What if he noticed them there and asked me why, if I was out here because I’d got lost, I’d gone and put all my stuff on the ground?
‘Come on through to the caff and I’ll make you a cuppa.’
There was no way I could take him up on his offer. If I was going to be on time for my meeting with Mr McDonald I needed to leave in the next few minutes. Still, for some reason I found myself hesitating.
‘Can’t. I’m on the clock.’ I had to push the words out fast before I could change my mind. ‘I’ve got one more appointment before I’m done for the day.’
‘Shame,’ he said absently. He was looking at me again.
‘Which way is it back to the car park?’ I asked, picking up my phone and bag as subtly as I could.
‘That way.’ Without taking his eyes off me, he gestured behind him with his head. ‘Unless you want to come to the pub? Once you’re finished, I mean? I’m due to close up soon, and me and Keith normally reward ourselves with a pint in the George and Dragon.’ He looked at his watch. ‘Knowing Keith, he’ll already be there.’
I found myself staring at his mouth. Surrounded by the short, dark outline of his beard, his lips were wet and pink.
‘I really should be going,’ I said, filling my lungs with air. I needed to clear the fug in my head.
‘Can’t blame a man for trying,’ he laughed.
I walked slowly, hoping he would go back inside and allow me to climb back up onto the bin. I wasn’t sure if the photos I’d taken were any good and I wanted to get some more, just to be sure. But I hadn’t gone far when I heard footsteps.
‘Where are my manners?’ he said, falling in next to me. ‘I’ll walk with you. Make sure you take the right turning.’
‘That’s very kind,’ I said, trying not to sound irritated.
We walked in silence, me struggling to navigate the cobbles in my metal heels, Tommy whistling under his breath, until we reached the opening that led out onto the street.
‘Goodbye then,’ I said, keeping my voice light.
He nodded.
As I walked away, I got the feeling he was standing there, watching me go. I turned back to check. I was right. Backlit by the sun, he had his head cocked to the side, his arms crossed high against his chest. He acknowledged me with a tiny nod.
Hoping I might be able to sneak back for another photo, I turned to look round one last time as I reached the corner of the street. But he was still there, watching me, an unpassable black silhouette.
Chapter Sixteen
Back at the car, I got out my phone and opened the album of photos I’d taken. I planned to email the clearest ones through to Martin immediately.
I swept my thumb across the screen, moving through the twenty-five shots. They were no good. Either I’d held the phone too near and got a close-up of the window frame or else I’d held it so far away I’d caught my own reflection in the glass. I flicked ahead, hoping the others would be better.