London Harmony: Flotilla (10 page)

Again, Tabitha didn't bother keeping herself dry as she made sure the other woman was dry under the umbrella as she got in. She scooted over to the center seat and leaned in quickly to give Paya a kiss on the cheek, saying, “Stinker.”

Paya beamed at her, “Wretch.”

Tabby Cat hopped in and shut the door, then shook like a dog, spraying water all over the squealing delight of the children. Paya offered, “Teri, Angie, Angie, Teresa.” I offered my hand, and she shook it as her eyes flicked up and down over me, assessing me, categorizing me.

She said with a more upper-class accent than I was expecting, “A pleasure to meet you, Angie. Paya was babbling about you just yesterday.”

I blushed. I don't know why. I just nodded, not knowing how to respond to that. The other ladies chuckled at my reaction and then the woman's almost stoic and professional demeanor seemed to melt away as a huge smile bloomed on her face when she looked back at the roos. “Hi, munchkins. Tabby kidnapped me to have some fun with you today.”

The children seemed to brighten, and Nat said, “We're going to da Eye first Auntie Teri.”

She just beamed a truly happy smile at them as she said, “Grand. An adventure.”

Before long we were listening to music as Paya drove our merry band toward the London Eye, looming by the Thames. I was a fly on the wall as Teresa coached the children in technique as they sang children's songs. She was a born teacher.

We were getting close to our destination when I caught Paya studying me in the mirror. Her lips curled into a wicked grin as she put on a Penny Franklin song, ‘Rebirth’, which she knew I loved. It was the first breakout hit that Penny had released after Leather and Heels was disbanded. Her new stuff was so moving and still had that hard biting edge that was her signature.

I got pulled into it with the others as we belted out the refrain. The roos were having a grand time watching us adults make fools of ourselves. Teri stopped singing and cocked her head then narrowed her eyes in accusation at her wife. Tabby looked smug as she sang.

Then when the song ended, Paya shut off the stereo and Teri shot her an accusatory look too before she turned to me and said, “Again, the refrain. Just after 'The waters flowing far below.'”

Huh? I looked around, and the girls were looking at me expectantly after we crossed over the Waterloo and pulled into a car park just off of Belvedere Road near Jubilee Gardens. The London Eye looming by the river. She wanted me to sing?

I nervously opened my mouth and sang a capella. She stopped me three words in, “No, support it with your diaphragm. Chin up and don't force it.”

I blinked, and she just said, “Again.” I swallowed and did as she said.

She smiled and said, “Better.” Then she looked at the two women on either side of her and said, “You play dirty pool, there is definitely something there. And here I thought you just wanted to have a day of fun.” Tabby crinkled her nose and gave the woman a peck on the lips, which just made them both smile.

She turned back to me and said, “I apologize for these two. They don't have sense enough to apologize for themselves or simply ask. I have time for you twice a week, Monday and Wednesday, be at the Conservatoire at two.”

Wha? I blinked. Paya said, “I can make do without her for an hour those days.”

What the bloody hell was going on? Tabitha seemed inordinately pleased and said to me with understanding in her voice, “Just nod and go with it. I understand your confusion more than you could possibly imagine.”

I nodded, and they all seemed pleased as Teri said, “Grand.” I then turned to the roos. “Shall we be about it then?” The little ones squealed with excitement, and I checked their rain gear as I unstrapped them. We got the brollies ready and stepped out into the light rain to have some fun.

By the time we returned to the Tennison, we were all exhausted, except for the children, who seemed to have no off switches. We had done so much and eaten so much junk, I felt silly, like a tourist in my own city. But it was worth it to see how much the roos lit up with each stop. The rain was more of a blessing than a curse as there weren't many actual tourists out and we had free range of the city core.

By the time we got out of the London Film Museum, the rain had started picking up again with the frigid wind. Just what I needed was for the children to catch a cold. We decided to call it a day, besides, Steph would be getting home soon. I grinned at the thought of her and caught myself balling my toes up in my shoes. Stupid crush.

As we rode back to the flat, I checked Nat's arm again. Tabby noticed and said with humor, “Her arm isn't going to fall off Ange. It was fine the last hundred times you checked.”

Paya scolded her, “She feels responsible.”

Tabs narrowed her eyes in confusion. “For something that happened at school?”

When nobody said a word, she said as she looked up at the roof of the car, “Save me?”

Teri smirked and said, “He'll not be on your side, lady. I think it is sweet.”

We hurried the little ones inside the building, and Paya asked, “You go this, Ange? I gotta get the prissy one back to her school before she melts.”

I nodded.

Teri cocked an eyebrow and gave a crooked smile, “Prissy one? What does that make you?”

Without missing a beat, Paya said as she offered up a silly grin, “The cute one of course. Really Teri, please try to keep up.”

Tabby just snorted then winked at me as she headed back out into the elements with the bantering birds.

Paya called out before the door closed, “Back in two shakes, Ange.”

I waved them off.

I turned to look at the roos and was surprised, someone had finally yanked the batteries out of them. They looked sleepy as Nat rubbed her eyes. I smiled warmly and squatted as I held my arms out in invitation. I hoisted each up on either hip and started the long march up the stairs to their flat... on the third floor. At least I was getting plenty of exercise. I sighed as Wil put his head on my shoulder as we went.

I had to put Natalie down as I fished the key out of my bag. Then took her hand and brought them into their room and said to her, “How bout you two get a good nap in before your mum gets home and we can have a nice supper.”

Nat yawned and asked hopefully, “Franks?” I smiled, she wanted a frank at lunch, but none of the street vendors were open in the rain.

“We'll see,” I said as I laid Wil on his bed and started taking his wellies and slicker off. I tucked the already sleeping boy under his blankets, then helped the waiting Nat with her rain gear.

She curled in under the blankets and closed her eyes, saying, “Love you Auntie Kanga.”

I paused, feeling warm inside. I smiled and leaned down to kiss the top of her head, “Love you too, little roo.”

Then I went into the main room and flopped bonelessly onto the couch. I was damn tired myself. Funny how having fun feels like a day of hard physical labor.

My eyes fluttered open at a voice whispering in my ear. When had I nodded off? I turned to see an overly amused looking Stephanie whispering to me, “Wakey wakey, Ange.”

I grinned. What a wonderful thing to wake up to. I sat up a little straighter and said in a quiet voice, “Hi.”

She smiled, her cheek dimpling as she said, “Hi.” Then she looked toward the children's room with disbelief and amazement on her face. “You got them to take a nap?”

I nodded with exaggerated pride and said regally, “It seems that running about having fun all day is the secret.”

She just smiled and flopped herself beside me on the couch, and she seemed to relax her weary bones. She reached over to clasp my hand and said, “Well whatever the reason, you're a miracle worker. It will give me a moment to catch my breath.” She just closed her eyes and burrowed her back further into the couch. I realized I wasn't breathing so I exhaled and tried to breathe normally as I fixated on my hand in hers.

Lamely I asked, “Long day?”

She opened one eye and nodded, saying, “Aren't they just all? My feet are killing me.” Before she closed her eyes again and pushed each shoe off with either foot.

She asked, “You didn't feed them full of pudding this time?”

I chuckled as she opened her eyes with a grin on her face. I assured her holding up my other hand in an oath, “No pudding, though Paya and Tabby kept them filled up on plenty of junk foods.”

She looked amused as she prompted, “Paya and Tabby, huh?” While she absently played with my hand.

I gave her an evil grin, trying to ignore our contact as I offered, “They aren't here to defend themselves so that would be my story at this time.” Then I added as she suppressed a chuckle, “Nat wants franks for supper.”

She nodded and winked as she said in a conspiratorial tone, “Of course she does. They are her favorite food. I think I've a package in the icebox.”

We both looked over at the door when there was a light knock. She seemed to steel herself to get up, letting go of my hand and placing both palms on the sofa to push off. I placed a hand on her arm and said, “You relax. I got this. It's just the evil one returning.”

She gave a grateful look and melted back into the couch as I stood and stepped to the door. I opened it to an innocent-looking yellow ducky. That was scary, it meant Paya had been up to no good while she was out. She looked down at her dripping slicker and said, “It's picking up again out there.”

She looked past me to see Steph on the couch waving. “Ah, that's where you got to. I dropped by the coffee house to fetch you after I dropped the ladies at the Conservatoire. You'd already left.”

Stephanie exhaled and chided our freind, “I'm perfectly capable of finding my own way...” Then added a teasing, “Mum.” She waved her in as she reasserted, “I am a fully grown woman.”

Paya gave her a beaming smile and gave her that trademark wiggle of her eyebrows, then she said as she started turning back to me, “I've come to collect my assistant.”

I hesitated and looked back at the weary woman on the sofa and said, as I looked at her, “Ummm... I thought I'd stay a bit and help out with supper for the roos. Let Steph relax a bit. I can find my own way back home.” Home... I had a home again.

Steph exhaled in a heavy sigh and said, “Bless you. And they'd love for you to read some more of Alice with me. They went on about it just this morning.”

Paya looked supremely pleased with herself as she rocked on her heels and nodded, “Of course... supper and Alice.” She sort of hop-skipped up to the couch and bent to give Steph a hug, and got rewarded with a kiss on the cheek.

She turned and walked past me with that pleased chipmunk look on her face as she pointed out, “Sunday tomorrow, no work for us.”

I walked her to the door, she used her closed umbrella like a cane, then she turned as I started to close the door and said, “Don't do anything I wouldn't do ladies.”

I blushed and shut the door in her face. Steph asked, “Is there anything that woman wouldn't do?”

I assured her, “I don't think so.”

We laughed when we heard Paya's muffled voice saying, “I'm just right here ladies, I can hear you.”

In unison, Steph and I said, “We know.” Then we shared a chuckle at the giggle we got in return.

Stephanie sighed again, she really was beat. Then she started to say something, but I held up a hand and opened the door, Paya almost fell in, as she was leaning against the door. I scolded her. “Off with you wench.”

She grumped, but her grin betrayed her amusement as she turned indignantly and stepped toward the stairs, popping open her brolly and spinning it on her shoulder as she disappeared down the stairwell.

I turned back to Steph after checking that the door latched and she started to get up again, saying, “I best start supper for the wee ones.”

I stepped past her, pushing her shoulder back, causing her to slump back into the cushions. “You relax, I got this. I'm not terrible in the kitchen and can fix the basics.”

She tried not to smile as she asked innocently. “Egg salad?”

I froze and blushed, then looked back at the door. “Paya! I'm going to kill that woman.”

She was thoroughly amused at that and defended our mutual friend. “Don't now. I pried it out of her this morning on the way to work. She wouldn't have said, but since I already knew most of it she caved.”

I muttered, “Franks for the roos, burnt toast for you.” I smiled silently as she chuckled at my back as I went to work preparing franks, macaroni and cheese, and green beans for the troops.

I hadn't had so much fun in a long time as that night. After the meal, we gathered in the main room to play some games. When it got late, we retired to the children's room to read more of Alice's Adventures In Wonderland.

Once they were asleep we retired to the couch again, and I wound up with Steph's head in my lap somehow, and me running my fingers through her thick curls as we just talked about everything and nothing. The more she shared, the more I wanted to know. She pried information from me, sometimes more than I thought I could share, but it was so easy speaking with her.

I was saddened when I couldn't put it off anymore and rang for a taxi well after midnight. She walked me to the door and gave me a kiss on my cheek as she said, “Night, Ange. This was more fun than I've had in ages. Thank you for how great you are with the munchkins.”

I blushed and looked down at my hands and shrugged as I offered, “They're great, it was truly a pleasure.”

She said in an almost sad tone, “I don't work tomorrow, so won't need you to watch them.” Then she quickly added, “If Olivia is still on bedrest on Monday I'll ring?”

I nodded and said awkwardly, “Ring anytime. I'm at your service.”

She nodded, and I stepped out, she watched me go, I know because I looked back to see her looking around her half closed door. As soon as I disappeared down the stairs, I muttered to myself, “What the bloody hell was that Ange? I'm at your service? How lame can I be?”

That's how the phone call came about on Sunday night. I had been sitting in the pilot house of the Persephone with Captain McCray as he stepped me through the controls for operating the barge. He had learned that I was made the Master of the Persephone and came over from the lead barge, the Tennessee, to start training me. Since each barge took to the waterways once every other month to exercise the engines, it was a sort of event for the residents of the Flotilla, and I hadn't had the pleasure of witnessing the spectacle yet.

Captain McCray usually took out one barge at a time because there were only two people who could pilot the crafts, and Paya wasn't always available. He'd go out with me the first couple times until he was sure I wouldn't sink the Persephone, then release her under my care.

When my mobile buzzed, I held up a finger to the stoic man who looked to be an old ship's hand through and through. I lit up, and my heart started racing when I saw Stephanie's name blazing on the screen. I accepted it instantly and tried to keep my excitement from my voice as I said, “Hi, Steph?”

She greeted me then asked sheepishly, “I hate to be a bother like this, but the children are incessant. They say I'm not doing the voices right in Wonderland like Auntie Kanga does. Could I impose upon you to hop over for a reading do I can get the little stinkers to sleep?”

I blurted out before I could calm myself, “Of course. On my way.” Way to act casual, Ange you, buffoon. Then I grinned as I belatedly caught her kangaroo reference with 'hop on over.'

I rang off then squinted an eye at Captain McCray. He exhaled in resignation like a father would to his child and just nudged his head toward the door as he shrugged into his heavy trench coat, which made him look like a modern day pirate.

I said, “I'm terribly sorry. We can pick this up tomorrow then?”

He just nodded once then stepped out into the rain and headed down to the decks to cross back over to the Tennessee. I had to grin internally. He was a man of few words. A few grumpy words. But he was a good egg and had an unnatural attachment to these barges.

I'm sure there is a story there, but I haven't learned it yet. Though I did know, he was a minor partner with Tabby and Paya in the Flotilla Project.

I rang a cab as I stepped back into my cabin and changed into something better suited to seeing Steph and the kids than my grungy sweats. I had just shrugged into my raincoat when I heard the taxi honk.

I grabbed my umbrella and made my way outside. I looked at the sky, they were saying we'd most likely see the last of this godforsaken rain by Monday morning. I was glad, as much as I liked it at first, I was done with it. I paused a moment and looked across the Flotilla from my vantage point, and I felt an odd warmth, a pride swelling knowing that I was now part of it. Part of the helping hand we were offering to people who had been given a bum deal. Giving them a leg up to help them stand on their own again.

I shivered in the chill night, then I rushed down the stairs to the main deck and hopped over to the pier as I hustled to the cab. I slid into the back seat, smiled at the man, and said, “The Tennison on Portchester if you would please.”

I just watched the city passing by in the window. I remembered the first day I saw London when I had fled from Manchester. It was an amazing new world for me, filled with wonder and promise. Then everything had gone so wrong in such a short period of time, and it became my own personal purgatory, something hostile and uncaring.

Now... now I saw it as home. I know that is just silly, I've only been here a few months, but I can't see myself being anywhere else. I whispered to myself, “Home is what you make of it.”

Then I smiled warmly as we pulled up to the Tennison. I added to myself... “Home is where the people you care about are, your family.”

I paid the man and hustled to the door buzzing the intercom and smiling hugely when a little voice asked, “Auntie Kanga?”

I nodded to myself as I chimed out, “Yes little roo.”

She buzzed me in. I virtually skipped up the stairs and grinned, my calves have certainly been getting a workout since I met Stephanie.

I raised my hand to knock, and a flustered looking Steph yanked the door open before I could and yanked me inside, saying, “Oh thank the lord. Get your caboose in here, lady.”

I grinned at the book she was hugging to her bosom in her other hand.

The little ones came streaking in at me like guided missiles, “Auntie Kanga!” I grinned and hugged them, stripped out of my wet slicker, hung it on a hook by the door and leaned my brolly beside the others in the cane rack.

I barely had time to glance up before I oofed as a book was slapped into my gut. Steph had an evil grin on her face. I chuckled out an, “Ok, ok.” I squinted an eye at the children and said, “Come on roos. Off to bed with you.”

They latched onto my legs and sat on my feet as I slogged one step at a time toward their room. Steph looked overly amused as her eyes seemed to sparkle. She looped an arm in mine and leaned her head on my shoulder and said with a relieved sigh, “This is all your fault you know. Doing all the voices as we read. I can't get them to settle because I 'don't do it right'. Or some other such nonsense.”

I said as I looked over at her while she stared at some fixed point in space, lost in thought, “It's a privilege for me to help out. You can ring me up anytime.”

We reached their room, and Wil went flying off to his bed, being hoisted by his mum. I watched distractedly for a moment as she limped over to tuck him in. Then I looked down at Nat, who was grinning up at me, being silly as she hugged my leg.

I reached down and scooped her up to her giggles and unceremoniously dumped her in her bed. She bounced a couple times then snuggled under the covers. I tucked her in and paused to check her arm.

Then I sat at the foot of her bed, Steph joining me, and I asked, “So what should we read?”

This got us a chorus of “Alice,” from one bed and, “Awice,” from the other.

I grinned between the children with their eyes wide, and their mother who was just cocking her head at me and smiling as she watched my interaction with the little ones.

I nodded firmly once and said as I opened the book to the marked page, “Then it's off to Wonderland.” With that, Stephanie and I began to read. I just basked in the warmth of her body close to mine, our legs touching. She absently laid a hand on my leg as she leaned in over the book to read her parts. Her facial ticks bringing her dimple out to play. I swear she noticed my attention, and she smiled coyly.

Once the roos were sound asleep, I moved the little red fabric bookmark, closed the book quietly and smiled at a job well done. Steph tugged me up and dragged me out to the couch, guiding me to sit. She took the book and set it on the coffee table then went to the kitchen.

I noted her little limp was more pronounced. I have been observing that it got that way by the end of the day, and I was sure that her having a job that kept her on her feet all day wasn't making things easier.

She returned with two half glasses of red wine, and she cuddled in beside me, handing me one glass and sipped from the other. She held the cup in both hands as she leaned into me and asked, “Where did we leave off last?”

I looked down at her and smiled. She looked so... comfortable? Her eyes closed as I almost asked, “My coming out?”

She nodded, opened her eyes and took another sip of wine before stretching her arm out to place the glass on the table.

She turned her full attention on me. I swallowed. Why was I telling her all my deepest fears and dreams? She gave an encouraging smile. Oh... that's why. I smiled back, took a swallow of wine and placed the glass next to hers before settling back on the couch and telling her the details of the most trying times of my life, and feeling no shame in it.

When I awoke on that couch with her running her fingers through my hair and a thoughtful look on her face I almost sat bolt upright. But I was held in place by the seductive feel of her touch. She smiled hugely when I opened my eyes and said, “There you are. I was about to wake you. I have to rouse the munchkins and get myself ready for work. Olivia says she is feeling better and should be able to start back tomorrow.”

I blinked and looked around. “I fell asleep.”

She chuckled out with genuine mirth, “Very observant, you should be a detective.”

I grinned at her. “No need to get cheeky now.”

She disagreed with a, “There is always a need to get cheeky.” Then she tilted her head in a way that just melted me as she started to ask, “So, I was wondering...” She flicked her eyes toward the children's room.

I bit back a laugh and nodded, then assured her, “I'll have to check in with the evil one, but I'm sure she'd be amiable enough to loaning me out for one more day.”

She grinned in triumph and leaned over to kiss my cheek as she said cutely, “You're an angel.”

I watched her as she hopped up from the couch and grabbed the empty wine glasses to bring them to the kitchen sink.

I shook my head and scolded, “Don't be smug woman. You'll abuse your adorableness one too often. One day it won't work.”

She fluttered her eyelashes at me, and I moaned out, “Bloody hell.” I was beaming inside at the sound of her giggle. I was all bluster, I knew it would work each and every time she used it on me.

I froze. Wait a minute. Were we flirting with each other? She was... straight wasn't she? I mean she had had a husband. A sodding wanker of a husband, but a man all the same, who she had children with. I had to be mistaken.

I sighed in confusion then fished out my mobile. It was already eight, Paya would be at the Flotilla soon to lay out the day for us. I rang her up. She answered after the first ring, “Jerry's Road Kill Grill.”

I had to stop myself when I almost said, “Hiya Paya like Tabby did.” It is funny how quickly you can pick up on things when it is people you genuinely like and see as friends. I was able to make it a, “Hi Paya.”

She asked in her chirpy manner that made me wonder if she ever got tired, “What up Muscles? I'll be there a few minutes early today, I've bagels.”

I grinned. She was always feeding me and everyone around her. It was almost like she were afraid we'd starve if she didn't. I thought about that for a moment and realized that it may be closer to the truth than I was comfortable with, from what I have gleaned from snippets of conversations about Tabby.

It fit with Paya's personality, and I felt for the woman, knowing that it was her own emotional scars prompting the action whether she was aware of it or not.

I said as I squinted an eye, “So, Steph's sitter is out til tomorrow, and I was wondering...”

She cut me off, “Of course. I can suffer one more day without my girl Friday. I'll be there in a flash to give you a lift.”

I blushed and didn't know why, the burn was heading down my cheeks and neck as I said, “Ermm, I'm sort of already here?”

She started, “Already...” Then she blurted, “Ohhhh.” Drawing it out in a knowing manner.

I growled out, “It's not like that, you dirty bird.”

I could imagine her nodding with her sly grin as she replied, “Whatever you say, Ange. Then I'll see you tomorrow.”

She rang off before I could respond and I just glared at the mobile since I couldn't glare at her. Then I looked up to Steph as she was drying the glasses she had just washed. “She thinks...”

She waved me off saying with humor in her voice, “She can think anything she wants.” Then she dismissed the conversation by adding, “Could you? I'm running late getting ready for work because I didn't want to wake you. You looked so peaceful without that strain you always have creasing your brow.”