“We’ve got lingerie too. Over here.” The assistant led her to a rail behind them where a selection of lacy underwear was hanging up. With relief June spotted a pair of plain-looking white knickers and picked them up, only to see that they didn’t have a crotch.
“I’m guessing you’re new to all of this. The beaded rabbit is a good entry-level toy,” the girl said, handing June a box containing a giant pink object.
June was desperate to get out of the shop, but she didn’t know how to politely escape from this overenthusiastic sales assistant, who was now approaching her with a terrifying-looking silver object. “I’ll just take these, please,” June said, thrusting the crotchless knickers toward her.
“Great choice. There’s a matching peephole bra and suspenders, if you’d like to get those too?”
“This will be fine, thanks.”
“Would you like a loyalty card? You get—”
“It’s okay, thanks. I’ve got to run. Thanks so much for your help.” June grabbed the purple bag and sprinted out of the shop. As she did her body collided with someone walking past.
“Well, I never...”
June looked up to see Linda grinning at her, her eyebrows raised. “Good for you, love.”
“I thought it was an underwear shop,” June blurted out.
“Buy anything nice?” Linda was eyeing the bag in her hand. “Tell me, is it something for you? Or a present for Alex?”
“Stop it!” June shrieked, and Linda threw back her head in laughter.
“Oh, I wish you could see your face now. Come on, I’ll buy you a drink while you cool down.” She led June across the road and into a coffee shop. “You find a table and I’ll grab us some teas.”
June found them a spot by the window. She’d never been in here before and it was cavernous, with wooden floors and exposed brickwork. Dozens of people were sitting at small tables, chatting or working on their laptops. It was smart, but June preferred the independent café up the road, with its mismatched sofas and eccentric proprietor.
“Here, I got us a piece of cake too,” Linda said, putting the tray down on the table.
“Thanks, Linda, you’re my savior once again.”
“I’m glad I bumped into you. I keep meaning to pop round.”
“What’s Alan Bennett done now?”
“It’s not him. I noticed this in the window of the village shop the other day and thought it might be of interest to you.” Linda rummaged around in her handbag and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper, handing it to June.
Do you have any old books you no longer need?
Cherry Tree Retirement Home is in desperate need of secondhand books for our residents.
All genres welcome.
“I just thought this could be a great home for some of your mum’s old books,” Linda said.
“Thanks,” June said, stuffing the flyer into her bag before Linda could say anything else.
“So, how’s it going with Alex? Have you had another date?”
“It wasn’t a date. I told you, we’re just friends.”
“That’s a shame. He’s so handsome—don’t you fancy him?”
“No,” June said, not looking Linda in the eye. “Besides, he has a girlfriend.”
“Are you sure? George never mentioned one, and I’ve grilled him about Alex.”
“He definitely does.” June skewered a piece of carrot cake with vehemence.
