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“Mamma, I know it’s tomorrow and I will come and help with the preparations.” Pause. “Of course, I am excited. She’s a beautiful girl and will make an excellent wife and mother.”
Ivor gritted his teeth so hard his jaw hurt.
That’s never going to happen.
“I can’t. I’m in the office all day, back-to-back meetings. No, I’m sorry, I can’t get away not even for a minute.” Pause. “Okay, yes. Love you, love to Dad.”
The call ended, and he slipped his phone away as he carried on walking toward a back street.
Ivor kept up, and when Rishi slipped into The Golden Compass, he followed.
So much for not having time to leave the office. The guy had made room in his day to get a lunchtime drink.
After Rishi ordered a half pint of ale, Ivor did the same, then stood at the bar and watched as Rishi took a seat in the corner. He fiddled with his tie, ran his hand over his gelled hair, and then huffed into his hand and sniffed as though checking his breath.
The door to the pub opened, and a woman walked in. Her hair was the color of autumn leaves and tumbled in ringlets over her shoulders. The dress she wore showed off shapely long legs, and the moment she saw Rishi, she smiled and headed his way.
Rishi stood, an appreciative grin spreading on his face as he met her for an embrace.
Ivor perched his ass on a barstool. This was getting interesting.
“Rishi, I’m so glad you called this morning.” She touched his cheek.
“I’d have been a fool not to. What can I get you to drink?” Rishi asked her.
“Wine please, white.”
“Coming right up.” Rishi stepped up to the bar, close to Ivor.
His aftershave was strong, something spicy and rich. He ordered a wine.
“Cheeky lunchtime drink with your girl, huh,” Ivor said, raising his glass and grinning. “Cheers.”
“What? I er … yeah, something like that.” Rishi appeared a little uncomfortable at being addressed by a stranger.
“Something like that? Why? Is she not your girl?” Ivor asked then winked. “Bit on the side?”
Rishi flicked open his wallet. “Not at all, actually. We’re both free and single.”
“For now.”
“What does that mean?” Rishi frowned at him.
“Oh, you know. Funny how life goes, what cards you get dealt. Marriage comes along.”
Rishi took the wine and tapped his smart phone on the offered machine. “My cards have been dealt. Right now I’m just hoping for some fun before the ball and chain is attached.”
“Ball and chain?” Surely he wasn’t referring to Nisha. The woman was a goddess. Beautiful in every way. Being chained to her was all Ivor wanted. “I don’t get you.”
“You wouldn’t.” He took in Ivor’s clothes and unshaven state. “But a man like me gets used to afternoons of funinstead of slaving over clients’ paperwork.” He glanced at his companion, who was busy applying lipstick with the use of a small compact mirror. “Although, come to think of it, why does that have to stop just because a guy is married, huh?” He gave a slimy grin and waggled his eyebrows. “It could be possible to have my cake and eat it.” He laughed.
Ivor didn’t reply. It took all of his willpower not to throw a punch. Rishi had just admitted he was going to be a cheating husband. And Ivor knew full well whom he’d be cheating on.
The situation was getting worse by the minute.
Or was it?
Ivor downed his ale before he marched back out into the sunny Cardiff street and headed west. A carousel was spinning, kids laughing as they rode on brightly painted horses with big wide eyes. A red dragon sat amongst them, plastic flames curling from its open mouth and forked tail held aloft. A young boy was perched on its back, gripping leather straps made to look like reins.
