I'm Normally Perfect (re-upload)

Chapter Eight

Next morning I chose to go with a single braid down my back and a long jumper over jeans. When she arrived she hugged me, 'How are you this morning?' She stepped back and looked me over, 'Aren't you looking relaxed and informal today? It's a nice change.'

'Thanks.' I was still embarrassed over my behaviour the previous day.

On our way to the car we ran into Babs, Alex greeted her, 'Hullo! Lovely morning.'

Babs waved cautiously, 'It is?'

'Yes, it is.' Alex linked her arm through mine and we continued to our destination. Once belted in the car she asked, 'Would you care for a Chinese? I know a brilliant place.'

'Okey dokey.'

A few minutes later we drew up outside a bright blue shop on George Street and when she asked for my preferences I told her to order whatever chicken dish she liked best. Upon returning, she handed the bag with the containers to me, 'Something wrong?'

I remarked dryly, 'I can't believe I'm going to eat food from a place called Opium Den. I don't get out much, do they have any restaurants called the Crack House or Den of Iniquity?'

As she put us on a course for her house she answered in a contemplative tone, 'Well, there is Dante's Nine Levels of Barbecue, they have a wonderful ice-lolly shop bang in the centre. Rather difficult to get there, though.' We turned our attention to the passing surroundings, it was several minutes before she asked, 'How is your hand?'

'Oh fine, thanks.' I didn't want to discuss my ridiculous behaviour.

'We'll have to get you a replacement flower today. Did you sleep all right?'

'Not really. I wasn't tired and wound up having a stroll in the moonlight. The fresh air was nice. Crisp, you know? Except Robert was there.'

'Who?' She glanced in my direction.

'The tall boy with the red-hair you frightened in Foyle's that day. He walked around the quad several times with me.'

'Trying things on a bit?'

'I don't know what that means.'

'Tested the romantic waters.'

I snorted, 'What? No, that's stupid.'

'All right, all right. It's not the most preposterous idea in the world, you know.'

'Yeah, right.' Not that I wanted him to be interested.

When we entered the kitchen door Cate and Clem wiggled for us. Alex addressed them, 'I told you I was bringing back a treat.'

Catherine the Great rolled over onto her back and I gently scratched her tummy. She issued little pig-like snorts.

'I thought we'd dine in the garden today. I'll get everything situated out there if you'll feed the girls. The canned food is in that cabinet and I mix it with a cup of dry food.'

With their rapt attention I filled their dishes in the prescribed fashion then placed them side-by-side on the terrace. 'Have at it.' They did.

Alex finished arranging everything on the cast iron table and watched them, 'When the only hobbies available to one are sleeping and eating I suppose one must engage in both with reckless abandon.' She turned to me, 'What would you care to drink?'

'I keep hearing about ginger beer, do you like it?

'I do. Would you like to try some?' I nodded, 'One ginger beer coming up, please tuck in before it gets cold.' Once she returned with our drinks, 'So tell me, what food from America do you miss?'