Being Grey (Beings Trilogy) (21 page)

“I’m completely pooped and amazingly happy. These were the last dresses in our size. They could have sold out by tomorrow.” Poppy winks.

“Good call babe. After I get home tomorrow we’ll decide how to do our hair. That place on the high street that just opened is getting rave reviews.”

We look at each other, giggle and run over to the computer to look at various ‘up do’s’ that we’ll try out before next weekend.

Chapter Thirty Eight

Jason arrives on time as always.

“Thank you so much for yesterday.” Poppy announces as she opens the door. “We found the perfect dresses and they were the last two left in our sizes. I would have literally died if we hadn’t got them.” She throws her arms around his waist dramatically. The smell must be getting better!

“Put him down Poppy.” I say as I grab my bag. “Let’s go.”

“I wanted to get something for Poppy for her birthday but I’m not sure what she’d like. Or should I say something I can afford on a mechanics wages.” Jason says as we walk to the car.

“That’s incredibly thoughtful. She won’t expect anything.” I say, thinking that really is the sweetest thing ever. And also thinking do I have to come up with everyone’s present for her when I haven’t even thought of my own yet?

“I don’t want to go empty handed. It was nice of her to invite the boys too.”

I squeeze his hand. I swear his
Being
is getting lighter. “Then let’s go find something from the both of us. But let’s get out of town; I think I’ve been in every store here a thousand times the last couple of weeks.”

As we’re driving, I’m watching Jason. Feeling guilty. Horribly so. He seems so content, not arrogant or obnoxious like his friend Ian. His face is not perfectly sculpted but it’s a familiar face to me and that’s just as attractive. I hold his hand and he turns and smiles at me. There’s no electrical charge, no earthquakes or lightening bolts. This is the one I should be with. I’m so comfortable with him. Whatever I was thinking the other day, I have to remember Ian is not going to turn into a good guy. Jason could. No, correction, Jason will. I smile and still holding his hand lean back into the seat and gaze out of the window.

We’re staying away from the motorways and taking back roads ‘for inspiration’ Jason joked.

“What’s a Maltipoo?” I ask him

“A multi poo?” He asks quite horrified.

“No silly,” I giggle, “a
Maltipoo
. Apparently there are some for sale. Up ahead about a mile.”

“Only one way to find out.”

We turn into a farmhouse and there are 6 cars parked outside. We walk up to the front door and are about to knock when a friendly looking older lady walks out of a barn opposite.

“Here about the puppies? They’re in here.”

Jason and I look at each other, shrug and follow the lady into the barn.

The first thing we see is a little dark haired girl bawling her eyes out. “But I
need
them all.” She sobs, hiccupping between each word.

“But all these other people need to share a little love too.” I assume it’s her mother trying to explain.

Jason and I step forward to see what all the fuss is about.

“Are they real?” Jason asks leaning forward.

“They’re tiny. I thought she said puppies. These look more like guinea pigs.” I look questioningly at him.

The owner appears and says “Is it for you? Do you prefer the off white or black. I only have one female in the lighter colour left.”

“To be honest, I didn’t know what a Maltipoo was. We were just driving past and,” I look to Jason for back up but he’s picked the little fur ball up!

“Look
Alice
, she’s so, Poppy!” He passes it out to me.

Well I have to hold it because otherwise I look like an animal hater, which I’m not. But a puppy! That means training and vets bills and accidents and is it yappy or barky? Way too much responsibility. I know Poppy is an animal lover but a puppy. No, no can do. Pass it back. Put it down, walk away.

I’m in love.

She’s got these tiny brown button eyes, a perfect little brown nose and scruffy ears.

“They’re not a pure breed.” The lady is telling us. “They’re a cross between a Maltese and a Poodle. Adorable aren’t they. Only £100 but as you can see, I don’t breed them for the money. I make sure they’ve had all their shots, are de-wormed etc. and I’ll send you home with a bag of food. I’m a bit fussy with the food, I only feed my dogs the very best.”

I’m trying to give her back but this little bundle has fallen asleep with her head on my shoulder. I look to Jason for help but he’s picked up the dark one and is tickling under the dogs chin! Useless.

“I’m afraid you can’t take them today. Friday would be best. I won’t send them before they’re ready. May only seem like a week but I’m very particular. I’ve found if I send you away today and you come back later then you really want the puppy so I know it’s going to a good home.”

She seems very pleasant but I want to tell her to shut up. I can
not
have a puppy.

“I think Poppy would go wild,” Jason says. “and I can see you’ve fallen in love already.”

Thanks for your help. A Maltipoo puppy for Poppy. Stefan would love this.

“I’m just not sure. Maybe we should think about it. You’re right not to give them away on first sight because it’s all too easy to fall in love at first sight and then realize it might not be the best move.” I tell the lady. “We may drive back this way later and if she’s still here, well, maybe it was meant to be.” I hand the little fluff bunny back and nudge Jason.

I start walking back to the car and eventually Jason catches up.

“That would have been perfect. You and Poppy would make great parents and they’re small enough Poppy could take her everywhere. She used to love her accessories.” Jason starts.

“A puppy is not an accessory. It’s like a little baby. You have to take care of them constantly. Train them, feed them, and nurture them.” I’m ranting a little.

“I didn’t mean it like that, but they were cute.”

We arrive in Croydon and spend the next hour wandering around aimlessly. I have no idea what to get Poppy and no matter what I look at all I can see is those cute brown button eyes.

Eventually I turn to Jason. “She would have loved her wouldn’t she?”

“I think so but I don’t know her as well as you.” He nods.

“You know her well enough. Whatever I buy her will never measure up to a little something that Poppy can love and spoil. She would have been perfect.” Here goes the bottom lip. I’m going to start crying!

“Then it’s a good job I told the lady to hold her. Here,” he passes me a piece of paper with a phone number, “I told her we’d call her back today to make arrangements to get her.” He’s smiling from ear to ear. He knows he did well. “Now let’s go get bowls, leads, toys and whatever else we can load the car up with.”

I call the lady, Sheila, and she laughed that she knew I wouldn’t say no. We make arrangements for Jason to collect her Friday. I’ll be busy with manicures and pedicures and then he’ll meet us at home.

We buy a bed, a brown lead with tiny little studs on it and a matching collar. Food, toys, treats, little tiny booties and Jason even buys a silly little ballerina outfit. I hate it, Poppy will adore it.

We pile it all into the car and stop back at Sheila’s on the way back to give the pup a cuddle. I pay the £100 and promise to call Sheila with any questions. I also ask her to see if anyone knows a good vet in the
Wimbledon
area and she promises to see what she can find by Friday.

The drive home is fantastic. I’m holding Jason’s hand again and we’re both smiling and laughing and trying to think of names, knowing Poppy will find her a unique one.

Chapter Thirty Nine

Jason is going to hold onto everything we’ve bought and he’s offered, threatened, to wrap it.

“Please don’t.” I’m being ridiculously theatrical. “It gives us an excuse to see each other in the week. We could do it together?”

“My wrapping is not so bad you would have to give up any of your precious time to spend with me unnecessarily.” Oh, he can do theatrics too.

“Lunch Thursday? At the house. I’ll make sure Poppy has somewhere to be.”

“It’s a date.” He’s laughing at me and I like it.

We’re almost home and again I’m thinking how much fun we had. Maybe I’m biased, but I’m sure Jason’s
Being
lightens around me. That sounds big headed, I know.

“Is that Adam?” I ask, pointing out the window.

We’re waiting at the lights, about fourth car back and I can see someone leaning against an alley wall. There’s a young kid, maybe thirteen or fourteen that’s handing something over. The older person, I’m sure it’s Adam, takes it, puts it in his pocket and then reaches into his other pocket and passes something back.

“Jason.” I whip round so fast something pops. “Is that Adam and is he, is he, selling drugs?” I snap my head back around to look down the alley.

The darkness oozing out of the guy, almost enveloping the younger kid.

“
Alice
, what are you doing?” Jason screams.

I’m trying to get out of the car and am pulling on the door handle. Jason is leaning over me trying to grab my hands.

“Are you crazy? That person could be dangerous. Stay in the car.”

I’m dangerous, just let me out of here. But it would be a bit ridiculous to just jump out of the car, kill someone and then expect to get a ride home. Not that we’re far, I could walk home from here. The light changes and Jason slams his foot down on the accelerator, almost hitting the car in front in his haste to get away.

“Jason, you didn’t answer me. Was that Adam, selling drugs to kids?”

His response is to shake his head. Not good enough for me. I’m staring at him and my eyes must feel like lasers burning into him.

“I didn’t see. I was too busy trying to keep you from charging up there and confronting god knows what.” He speaks to me like I’m a little kid. I don’t like it and I can feel another fun day slipping away.

“You’re lying. I don’t know why you choose to protect someone like that. I protect my friends because they’re good people. But that,” I’m sticking my thumb over my shoulder, “that is just… I don’t know how to say it. I’m actually lost for words on how you can possibly call that a friend.”

“It couldn’t have been him. I’m pretty sure Adam’s out of town. But I’ll get back to the Adam police on that one OK?” Yup, fun’s over.

We pull up to my house and I know I have to say something. “See you Thursday?” No answer. I lean over and kiss him on the cheek.

“You drive me crazy
Alice
. I honestly don’t know what to do with you.” He does sound exasperated.

I smile and shrug my shoulders. “Just trying to save the world Jason.” I tease, not really.

He leans over me and we have a proper kiss. A nice kiss. I want it to be a great kiss but truth be told it just isn’t. I like it, don’t get me wrong. Oh stop analyzing and just get on with it. I grab hold of Jason’s neck and kiss him a little more passionately.

“Whoa there.” Jason says a bit embarrassed, pulling away. “Let’s save that for Thursday.”

If he looks embarrassed imagine how I feel. ‘Whoa there’ is not good when you’re trying to snog someone.

“K, Thursday then. I’ll speak to you soon.” I get out of the car and stand there waving until Jason is out of sight.

I wander up the path, unlock and open the door and walk inside. As I’m closing the door behind me I hesitate and open it a little wider again, looking back into the street. It’s quiet and no one is around, no one in the shadows. I close the door and head upstairs, disappointed.