Old Lady (5 page)

CHAPTER FIVE

It was just another ordinary day at the clubhouse.

Gabby worked with the girls in the kitchen of Hell Brigade. As always, the women speculated about the work that the men were doing. Even though they were not privy to the details, it didn’t stop them from trying to figure out as to what was going on.

“Nick is having a hard time,” said Tasha as she rolled dough for a pie. She’d come to Hell Brigade a few months ago after escaping from an abusive husband. Much to her surprise, Gabby found herself warming to the girl faster than anyone she met before. It was perhaps because they were the same age, and both girls had seen hard times. “Most of the men don’t like the ideas he is presenting.”

“He will convince them, given enough time,” said Gabby. She had full faith in Nick. He could charm anyone if he chose to do so. Roger might be giving him a hard time but it would all fall into place soon enough. “But he is tense about this whole situation. Once the warehouses are up and running and everyone is more comfortable with the idea of it, he would relax.”

“How was your one month’s anniversary?”

“Awesome,” Gabby gave all the details about the meal she cooked and the gift she received amidst giggles and laughter. “I should come over and take a look at this laptop of yours. Maybe we could do some online shopping. It’s been a while since we all went together, and there are these fabulous boots that I want to buy.”

“Where did you see them?”

“In that shop two blocks down. What’s its name? Blossom. I’ve been eyeing them for weeks now, but somehow can’t muster up the courage to take the plunge.” She put in the filling for the pie. “They are easily the best boots at this really cheap price.”

“Cheap?”

Tasha grimaced at the questioning note in Gabby’s voice. “Well, not cheap, but surely at a bargain.”

Gabby put the beef casserole in the oven and set the timer. She checked the watch. An idea struck her; it was crazy and stupid but it would be so nice to do so. “Why don’t we pop down now and see them?”

Tasha placed her hand on the hip as she surveyed Gabby with a speculative gleam in her eye. “Now? As in now?”

“Yeah, yeah, everything is done here. The salad is cut, and the pie has to be popped in the oven after the casserole is ready. We could come back before the timer goes off.”

Tasha scratched her scalp as she thought about it. “I don’t know…”

“Don’t be silly. Let’s just do something impulsive and crazy.” Gabby grabbed her hand. “It won’t take long, I promise. We will just take a look at the boots and if I think that they are ugly and will make your feet look terrible, I will give you my honest, unbiased opinion and you can stop agonizing over this decision.”

Tasha giggled as she stacked the pots in the sink. Gabby really wanted her to agree. For some strange reason, she felt impulsive, reckless. Perhaps it was because she didn’t plan anything on the spur of the moment for so long. It was tiring to be always cautious. This was her life. Surely, she could live it the way she chose.

“Nick said that you’re supposed to go out alone.”

“I won’t be alone. You’ll be with me. Relax! Nothing will happen.” It was crazy to do it, of course. There was no need to go down to the shop right now, but she was feeling a little restless and the walk would cheer her up. What’s more, she hadn’t bought anything for Nick and right next to Blossom was a men’s shop, and she wanted to pick up some t-shirts for him, and perhaps a new wallet also.

“You need to buy something?” Tasha was nothing if not astute. “I can’t believe you’re dragging me there just to look at my boots.”

Gabby giggled as she picked up her purse. “Alright, fine, I admit it. I need to buy something for Nick. Haven’t given him a present for the anniversary.” Tasha raised an eyebrow. Gabby smacked her on the arm. She hadn’t given details of their love life to Tasha but her friend was quite smart and knew how to read between the lines. “That wasn’t a present, silly.”

Tasha checked her reflection in the mirror, fluffed her hair a bit, and picked up her purse. “So what was that?”

“It was none of your business.”

“Oh, don’t be like that, dear.”

“You’re not getting anything out of me.” Gabby halted as they stepped into the room. Nick was in a meeting with the men upstairs in Ronald’s office. Maybe she should go in and tell him that she was leaving the place for half an hour, but knowing him, he would either tell her to wait until he could take her or else he would send someone to go with her. Ether of those options didn’t appeal to her. She wanted to buy his present without him being aware of it. Once in a while, it would be nice to surprise him.

“What’s wrong?”

Gabby shrugged. “Nothing. Let’s go.”

They marched out the door. It felt wonderful to be out in the open air after being coped inside the clubhouse for hours. Gabby enjoyed long walks. Sometimes she went with Nick for an aimless stroll, but lately he’d been avoiding stepping out of house without an express purpose ever since she started receiving threats from Joseph. Of course, she needed to be careful. Generally, Gabby didn’t go out unless he accompanied her. It was a security measure that they undertook only until Joseph went into jail. But surely, they were overestimating the danger. Joseph was far away. He was probably hiding from the police and not at all interested in increasing his chances of getting caught. 

The weather was lovely, and Gabby enjoyed the brisk pace they set. When they got to the store, she eyed the boots that Tasha selected. No doubt, it was a fine choice. “Don’t you have boots already?”

Tasha cupped her cheeks with both hands. “I do, yes, but I love these. Look at those frills. Wouldn’t they look awesome when I wear them with jeans?”

Gabby cocked her head. A grin split her lips. She could almost see the wheels turning in Tasha’s head. “You’re right. It’s vital that you buy them. I can imagine you wearing them and see the men who would fall all over you just because you are wearing them.”

Tasha smacked her on the arm. “Stop it!”

“I’m serious. They are an absolute must-buy.”

Tasha rubbed the glass on the window as if she was caressing the boots. That look of longing in her eyes couldn’t be mistaken. “You really think so? They are a bit over my budget. Really, I shouldn’t buy them.”

Gabby grimaced. It was her duty to guide her friend well. Hadn’t Tasha and Willow supported her when she went to buy the perfect dress for the party that Nick threw? Weren’t they present when Joseph last phone call gave her such a fright that she nearly fainted? “Why don’t you try them? Maybe it would help us decide.”

They walked in. Tasha got them and sat to try the boots. As she’d predicted, the boots did look amazing with her jeans. “What do you think?”

“They’re a perfect fit,” said the sales assistant in a helpful voice.

Gabby couldn’t agree more. Even though she wasn’t much of a shopper herself, over the past few weeks, Tasha and other friends guided her to the right shops. They gave her lessons on what to wear and things to buy. Now, it was time to return the favor.

“Alright, let’s weigh the options. You’ve another pair of boots and these are a bit over budget but on the upside, these boots are way better than the ones you already own. Right?”

“Yeah, and those are brown while these are black,” said Tasha.

Gabby considered everything. A man might not understand the effort that went into making such a decision, but a woman certainly could. She obviously had to give the right suggestions to Tasha. Her loyalty couldn’t be questioned. Once more, she gazed down at the boots. “You’ve to buy them.”

Tasha sagged against the couch as if Gabby declared something momentous. “Are you sure?”

Gabby picked up the boots and examined them from each angle. She was tempter to buy a similar pair, but that would be catastrophic. Two of them couldn’t own the same thing, plus she was fairly sure that they wouldn’t look as good on her as they did on Tasha. “Positive. If you don’t buy them, you will regret it always. At this price, they are a bargain, and they would last for more than five years…easy.”

Tasha nodded her head as vigorously as she could manage. “I am glad you came with me. Good. I am going to buy those.” 

“That’s a wise decision, ma'am,” said the sales assistant. “Should I pack them for you?”

“Please do,” said Tasha.

As she picked up the boots and handed them to the sales assistant to be packed, Gabby got a call on her phone. Wincing, she picked it up. “Yes, Nick?”

His voice was cool. “Where are you?”

Damn it! Busted! She’d thought they would be back before he realized that they weren’t in the house. “Ah! Tasha and I just stepped out for a while. We’re coming back in ten minutes.”

“You know quite well that you’re not supposed to take chances, Gabby.” Even though he kept his voice calm, she could read the fear between his words. “I would’ve taken you once the meeting came to an end. What was the hurry?”

“We had free time on our hands.” She felt terrible about putting him through unnecessary dread. “Sorry, Nick. We’re turning right back,” she promised. “We already got everything that we came for.”

“Where are you?” He sighed. “I’ll meet you there.”

“At Blossom.”

“I’ll be there in ten minutes,” he said.

Dissuading him wouldn’t work. “OK,” she agreed readily, already feeling guilty about not telling him before she ventured out. Of course, now that she was here, she might as well get the work done before he arrived. Tasha was already at the counter. It would Gabby maybe five minutes to buy what she needed for Nick. Something was better than nothing, and she’d never given him anything personal ever whereas he was always showering her with gifts.

Now that she was here, she might as well make the most of this opportunity.

She made up her mind. “Tasha, I am just going to that men’s shop across town. It will take five minutes. Nick is on his way here. When he comes, you bring him there.”

Tasha took out her credit card. She winced as she saw the bill for her boots. “Ok. Why don’t you wait a minute and I will come with you?”

Gabby was now in a desperate hurry to get it done before Nick spoilt the surprise she planned. “Can’t wait. Nick will be here soon and I don’t want him to see the things before I buy them.”

She sprinted over to the other shop. If she managed to buy the clothes before he came, she would just present them to him here. It wasn’t necessary for her to wrap them. It would’ve been better if she could have done that, but since he wasn’t giving her the opportunity to do so, she would have to make do without all the finery.

She quickly rushed into the shop and viewed the merchandise on display. Yeah, she was right. They had various things that Nick would like. Picking up a t-shirt, she put it aside. He always favored striped shirts so perhaps she should buy something similar. She didn’t want him to discard her gift. She picked up four t-shirts and a tie. As an afterthought, she also chose a formal shirt.  Feeling happy at the prospect of presenting him with a gift, she marched to the counter and paid for everything. It was a good thing that she’d enough cash in her wallet. Gabby didn’t bother getting a new Visa card or opening a bank account. She didn’t want to give Joseph many avenues to find her, but now she was aware that he knew where she was. Picking up her bags, she strode out, feeling delighted at the idea of giving Nick something from the money she earned with her hard work.

It was her first gift to Nick.

Perhaps, seeing it, he would forgive her for deceiving him and walking away from the clubhouse without telling him about it.

As she stood on the pavement, ready to march across and join Tasha who got out of the store at the same time, a black van screeched across the corner and raced towards her. Rather than cross the street, Gabby halted. Who was this mad man? Was he drunk? She edged a little away from the pavement and waited for the van to pass. Much to her astonishment, the vehicle halted right in front of her. The door opened and a man jumped out. His face was so familiar that she froze. Not running away was the last mistake that she made. The first was to venture out without Nick. She shouldn’t have done it. Now she would have to pay the price for her stupidity.