Outing of the Heart (78 page)
Read Outing of the Heart Online
Authors: Lisa Ann Harper
She manoeuvred into the passing lane then remained there, ready to take the express exit which would be coming up soon. Yes, perhaps she was doing a number on herself, but really, it would have to be Tenille who made the decision. She would be the one spending most of her time here. If her grant came through, come the fall, she would be in Guelph and only in Toronto on weekends. Realistically, Tenille was the one to have the final say. That settled, she tuned into her favorite radio station in time to hear that Mauresmo had successfully made it through to the quarterfinals of the Canadian open, currently playing at North York University.
âCool Amelie. Excellent.' she cheered. She had hoped to make it out to the Rothmans' Tennis Championships this year, but she'd not expected to meet Tenille and that had changed everything. Perhaps next year they could go together. Did she even like tennis? The finals would be on this Sunday. Perhaps she could still get tickets. Who did she know? It would be great to see Mauresmo in a final.
Now she had to tackle the problem of describing the apartment well enough for Tenille to make a judgement. As she parked and locked the car, she was struck by the thought that for speed, she could phone Kirsten and get her to get Tenille to call back. This way she could give Moira and Rani their answer sooner. Before going to her room she stopped at the hallway to check with directory inquiries. They gave her the number, but then she realized she didn't have enough quarters for STD, even though it was evening. Luckily, Thelma was in next door and helped her out.
When Sidonie tried Kirsten's number the line was busy. She had to kill time before trying again. The second time she got through it was Dietmar. She heard him calling out, telling Kirsten to hurry ⦠long distance. âKirsten, it's Sid here,' she began.
âHi Sid. How are you?' Kirsten enquired, politely.
âWell thanks.' She was anxious about her stock of quarters running out so cut the small talk, coming straight to the point. Kirsten understood the situation; knew Sidonie couldn't phone herself, but wasn't sure how Tenille could contact her.
âI realize this is complicated and quite a mess really, but could you tell Tenille that I want her to phone me. She can make it any time after two o'clock tomorrow. The afternoon is the best time for me. I'll wait for her call.'
âOkay,' she agreed. âI'll contact her and ask her to do as you request. She has your number?'
âNo I'll give it to you.' Sidonie clarified the position for her. âShe'll have to phone me at a friend's apartment.' She thumbed through her address book and read out Reine's number.
âGot it.'
âThanks a million, Kirsten. You're a great friend to have,' Sidonie said sincerely. Almost out of quarters, but she'd got the business done.
Next was Reine. She seemed to be asking a lot of people for favors. It would be a long list of I.0.U.s. Reine explained there'd be no one home 'til later, but she was welcome to stay as long as she liked.
âI'll put the key in our mailbox, in an old envelope so it looks like incoming mail. If you leave before we get back, just drop it on the kitchen counter. But we'd like to see you if possible,' Reine added.
âThanks Buddy. I don't know what time Tenille will call, so I might still be there when you get home.'
âListen Sid, stay on anyway and take potluck. It's been an age since last time,' Reine offered. âYou know how Thea likes to make with the pots and pans.'
Sidonie liked the idea, but if Tenille said yes, she could be shooting off to Robina Avenue. âHell, I hate to mess you about Reine, but I may have to go out. Thanks for the offer though. Appreciate it,' she concluded. They left it at that. She was now free for an early night and a good book.
âCool Amelie. Excellent.' she cheered. She had hoped to make it out to the Rothmans' Tennis Championships this year, but she'd not expected to meet Tenille and that had changed everything. Perhaps next year they could go together. Did she even like tennis? The finals would be on this Sunday. Perhaps she could still get tickets. Who did she know? It would be great to see Mauresmo in a final.
Now she had to tackle the problem of describing the apartment well enough for Tenille to make a judgement. As she parked and locked the car, she was struck by the thought that for speed, she could phone Kirsten and get her to get Tenille to call back. This way she could give Moira and Rani their answer sooner. Before going to her room she stopped at the hallway to check with directory inquiries. They gave her the number, but then she realized she didn't have enough quarters for STD, even though it was evening. Luckily, Thelma was in next door and helped her out.
When Sidonie tried Kirsten's number the line was busy. She had to kill time before trying again. The second time she got through it was Dietmar. She heard him calling out, telling Kirsten to hurry ⦠long distance. âKirsten, it's Sid here,' she began.
âHi Sid. How are you?' Kirsten enquired, politely.
âWell thanks.' She was anxious about her stock of quarters running out so cut the small talk, coming straight to the point. Kirsten understood the situation; knew Sidonie couldn't phone herself, but wasn't sure how Tenille could contact her.
âI realize this is complicated and quite a mess really, but could you tell Tenille that I want her to phone me. She can make it any time after two o'clock tomorrow. The afternoon is the best time for me. I'll wait for her call.'
âOkay,' she agreed. âI'll contact her and ask her to do as you request. She has your number?'
âNo I'll give it to you.' Sidonie clarified the position for her. âShe'll have to phone me at a friend's apartment.' She thumbed through her address book and read out Reine's number.
âGot it.'
âThanks a million, Kirsten. You're a great friend to have,' Sidonie said sincerely. Almost out of quarters, but she'd got the business done.
Next was Reine. She seemed to be asking a lot of people for favors. It would be a long list of I.0.U.s. Reine explained there'd be no one home 'til later, but she was welcome to stay as long as she liked.
âI'll put the key in our mailbox, in an old envelope so it looks like incoming mail. If you leave before we get back, just drop it on the kitchen counter. But we'd like to see you if possible,' Reine added.
âThanks Buddy. I don't know what time Tenille will call, so I might still be there when you get home.'
âListen Sid, stay on anyway and take potluck. It's been an age since last time,' Reine offered. âYou know how Thea likes to make with the pots and pans.'
Sidonie liked the idea, but if Tenille said yes, she could be shooting off to Robina Avenue. âHell, I hate to mess you about Reine, but I may have to go out. Thanks for the offer though. Appreciate it,' she concluded. They left it at that. She was now free for an early night and a good book.
CHAPTER 12
âSid, is there a problem? I've been that worried since I got Kirsten's call. It was all I could do to wait 'til two o'clock.'
Sidonie could hear the worry in her voice. As it had worked out she'd gotten to the apartment earlier than expected and had also found it hard to wait out the time. After too much coffee, a track had been paced in the carpet and even the tennis had failed to distract her.
âRelax, Honey,' she soothed, âthere's nothing wrong.' She tucked her legs up more comfortably. âGee, it's good to hear you. How've you been?' Her deep voice made Tenille ache inside.
âMissing you terribly. Sid, I'm hating being here. There's so much tension in this house. Dad's been great, but he's at work all day ⦠and mom and I ⦠well, we just can't get along.'
âYeah ⦠I know Babe. It's tough when someone important in your life can't understand where you're coming from,' she commiserated. âBut listen, I think I've got good news.'
âSid, you've found somewhere,' Tenille guessed.
âDarling, I hope.' She drew a deep breath and did her best to describe the situation. âIt's not the greatest, but the best news is ⦠we can move in as soon as we like. I'm sorry about the stairs though. They are quite steep.'
âOh Sid, this is wonderful.' Her heart raced with excitement. âThe stairs are nothing. My love,' she rushed on: âI don't care if it's not perfect. If we can be together, then it is perfect for me.'
âOK, OK.' Sid laughed. Goddess Sophia. It was so good to be in contact again. âWe have to be sensible too,' she reminded her soberly. âCan we afford $400:00 a month? Do you have savings to carry you through until you're working again?' She changed her position, rolling onto her back and stretching her legs over the end of the arm. âI make good money at the track, but if I get into Guelph I'll only be on a student's stipend.'
âOh yes Sid, you're right, we wouldn't want to get in over our heads. I'll be fine once I'm earning again. I could carry that rent myself, so if you can take the lion's share now and help with a percentage later, we'll be cooking.' Ten thought some more. She hesitated. âUntil I'm back though, I don't have much put by. The doctor said I should be partial weight-bearing by the beginning of next month, so come September, work should be on the cards.' She wondered if Phyllis might object to a staff member on crutches â in a shoe store?
âTalk to her, see what she has to say. You never know. Do you get along with her? Do you think you can get her on side?'
âWe rub along, I guess, but I'm not sure how co-operative she'll be.' A tentative demur.
âWell Honey â¦' Sid tried to get back on track, â â¦do you think we should wait 'til you speak to her before deciding on the apartment?' Tenille noticed the let down in her voice, she must be really keen. âI'll call her, then I'll call you back,' she suggested.
âCool. I'll keep my fingers crossed,' she promised.
âYou'd really like to move into this place?' She pressed for confirmation.
âI guess now I've gotten this far along, I'm ready to go all the way, as they say.' She threw her head back, laughing at the double entendre. The sound was so infectious, Tenille found herself joining in. She knew they would be each other's inspiration. âWe'll do that too, in our new home,' Sid delivered through happy breaths.
âLet me go now and I'll call you back.'
âRight-oh, talk to you soon.'
Sid didn't know what to do with herself whilst she waited, but settled for looking through the CD collection and playing some old favorites. She found a Linda Rhonstadt âBest Of' and listened to HEARTBEAT ACCELERATING. How she loved that voice, and the lyrics simply melted her. Lost in reverie, the phone's chirruping gave her a start..
âGood news,' Tenille's voice came down the line. âPhyllis is prepared to have me whenever I'm ready. Next month is the start of the store's busy period.' There was joy in her words. âSo yes, go visit Moira and Rani and see what you can arrange.'
âOh Honey,' she let out a deep sigh of relief: âI'm that happy right now, I could leap over the moon. I can hardly believe it.' She jumped up. âI'll stop by this evening. I'm sure you'll like them. They seem to be your sort.'
âWhat do you mean, âmy sort'?' She asked in a teasing voice.
âOh you know, professional, well educated, softly spoken. Ten, you know what I mean. Stop being a shit ass.' Ebullience flowed from her as she hung up, a smile playing on her lips. A quick flick to the wrist for a time check â half past three. Too keyed up to hang about in the apartment, she headed off to the gym located in the basement level of the building grabbing her grip on the way. She need only sign herself in under Reine's number. It was deserted.
Feeling good to be going through her workout regime, she realized how mixed up everything had gotten lately. Now things were about to change again. “
Oh well â¦
“ she thought philosophically,
“ â¦that's life. We don't just stand still, if there's one thing we can be sure of, it's the fact of change itself.”
She moved onto the cable crossover and began with shoulders, proceeded downward and finished on the hip abductors and adductors. Finally it was the long crossbar for preacher curls.
Unobserved by Sidonie, a resident had slipped in and started working. He looked middle aged, but fit, his body well toned. He had noticed the quality of Sidonie's movements and the amount of her weights and been impressed. As she began her final stretchings on the mat, he strolled over to her and began to make conversation. She was not pleased. She had been enjoying her privacy, her own thoughts and this guy seemed to think she'd like his attention. Well, she didn't. Instead of responding to his questions she got up and simply looked at him squarely for a moment, then said, curtly: âI'm off.' She left him looking after her, dumbstruck, wandering what the hell he'd done. Such a cut. He'd always fancied himself as a sharp mover.
âWell, who the fuck does she think she is, anyway?' he grumbled, moving over to the treadmill.
Sidonie regained her composure in the pool where she put in some heavy laps, six sets of time trials, going all out. The afterglow did wonders for her mood. She checked her watch again. Time had flown; back to the apartment to make the call. She was in luck. Moira answered and she identified herself.
âI've spoken to my friend and she's definitely interested. Er..r I wonder,' she paused, unsure of the best way to proceed, â â¦if you're home tonight, could I drop by?' She suddenly had a chilling thought. âThe apartment is still available, isn't it?'
It seemed like a long wait before the reply came. âYes, yes ⦠it is.' Moira stopped then started again. âWe would have liked to meet the other possible tenant before making any final decisions. It would be best, don't you agree?' She spoke as though there would be no dissension. Hardly a question at all. Sidonie's heart sank. Obviously, not certain enough about her.
âWell, that's difficult,' she temporised. âShe's currently staying at her parents' in Lindsay. If this play for the apartment went through then I was going up there to collect her. If not, then of course there'd be no reason for her to come down to Toronto.' She was beginning to feel a little annoyed. How much did these women expect? The apartment wasn't that fantastic ⦠and they wouldn't be running off with that furniture, it was only Crippled Civilians stuff, anyway. “
Calm down,”
she told herself.
“Of course they want to be sure they're not landing themselves with a busload of headaches.”
âWell, come round. We'll get a little more information on both sides.' She was just replacing the receiver as Thea let herself in, giving her a big hug and asking: âHow's tricks?'
She held out her hand, palm down and a quick shake.
âI'm just about to plug in the kettle,' Thea told her. âWant one or do you have already?'
âThanks, Thea, but I've got to go see the people again.'
âAnything wrong?' sensing some of her dejection.
âNot really ⦠I hope. It's just they'd like to meet Tenille. It's a tricky one. If I collect her and bring her down and we don't get the apartment, then she'll have made the trek for nothing and I'll have to take her back.' She sighed. âShe's not happy up there, so if this doesn't work out ⦠her having to return to her parents' place would really be the pits.'
âYes, I can see,' Thea said slowly. She began moving about the kitchen, putting away her shopping. She thought on the problem while the girl stood, staring wistfully out the window seeing, but not seeing, the dynamic skyline. Such an engaging city, but its attractiveness was lost to her just now.
âSid, how much is Ten getting around?' she joined her at the balcony. âI'm thinking, if this apartment were not to work out, well, she could still stay at her bachelor pad. We can help with shopping and the like. You finish work about mid-day, so you'd be able to give a hand.'
Sidonie's face cleared. This reminded her of the original plan. Even on the phone she'd said how independent she was now. She put her arms round her friend and gave her a loving squeeze. Thea had that rotund figure which invited hugs. Best of all, she could be demonstrative with her and never have to fear the warmth of her affections would be misconstrued.
âYou genius woman. That's it. If we don't make it then we have your plan, PLAN B, to fall back on.'
Thea laughed. This was more like her Sunbeam. âAfter your appointment come for dinner and you can fill us in on what eventuates,' she suggested, encouragingly.
Rani was also home when Sidonie arrived. They offered coffee, but she refused. The upshot of the meeting was that Sidonie would return on the weekend with her friend. A decision would be made then.
Deciding not to take Thea up on her offer she made for the track and an early night. She could be in for a lot of driving tomorrow if everything went according to plan, but they were both invited, Saturday.
*Â Â Â *Â Â Â *
Sidonie got away on her coffee break at about nine-thirty and went to the public phone, located off to one side of the backstretch canteen. At that time of day it was jumping. Men on early break were leaving just as those on late arrived, all catching up on the daily racing news. They regularly placed bets, not necessarily on the horses in their stable but, just like ordinary punters, on their favorites. Inside the kiosk it was still noisy with the men's shouts and laughter. This was her call to Kirsten, at home with Shania. Could she deliver a message to Tenille?
Once having committed herself, Sidonie was impatient with everything. Any extra chore only added to her tension. She wanted the time to fly. It was a long way to Lindsay, but she wouldn't notice the distance. Not with Tenille at it's end.
Quitting time finally arrived and although she'd had to muck out two stalls today, not usually part of her duties, she'd been able to get done with time to spare. Jogging back to her room, she thought how wonderful it will be when there's no more need to make arrangements like this; being forced to watch the clock with such exactness. Living at the Residence was really getting to her. It had been acceptable in the beginning, but life had been different then.
Twelve-thirty, Tenille was spot on time.
âHi darling,' were the first words she heard. Tenille's voice, light and clear with that touch of excited expectation, had a slightly breathy sound. âHow are you?'
âAll the better for hearing you,' she responded brightly, her body tingling. âListen Sugar â¦' she rushed on, â â¦can you be packed and ready to leave by say ⦠at what, three o'clock? The owners of this apartment want to meet you before they'll give the final OK. I know it's a lot to ask at short notice â¦' her voice trailed away.
âSid, it's fine,' she assured her. âI don't have that much here. It will be more the shock to my parents that will be the difficulty.' She paused, but Sidonie did not interject. âMore warning would probably have been easier, but I think harder on me having to live through the days of my mother's reproachful looks. At least this way it will be like a surgical strike, as they say. I can call them later; that will give them time to calm down. Sid â¦' Tenille stopped abruptly, â â¦what if it doesn't work out?' Doubt audibly clouded her voice.
âIt's OK Ten, Thea thought of that too. You can manage stairs now, so if you return to #226, I can look after you and she's offered to help with shopping, etc. What do you say to that?' She was willing her to find this alternative acceptable. She so wanted her back in Toronto.
âOh, yes,' came the reply down the wire. âI'm heaps better.'
âThat's my girl,' she approved. âI'll get organized and see you about three.'
She had to get active; begin the steps that would bring her toward her goal.
“Get moving,”
she admonished herself.
“You should be on your way by one.”
She showered and changed into her âWhat Part Of NO' T-shirt, wanting to be comfortable and packed a collarless blue denim long sleeved shirt with patch pockets, to change into before meeting Moira and Rani. Blue jeans and clean joggers, not the old grungy pair. Thinking ahead, she should fill up with gas at the Rexdale Petrocan. They were usually quick and checked the oil too.
With a light, bright heart and a feeling of happy anticipation, she was on her way, even taking time to enjoy the beauty of the sky which was of the palest blue and white, ensuring a fine, hot day. Swirling wind gusts were whipping the silvered clouds into a dancing millrace across the vast canopy above the dales, exactly suiting her mood.
âSid, is there a problem? I've been that worried since I got Kirsten's call. It was all I could do to wait 'til two o'clock.'
Sidonie could hear the worry in her voice. As it had worked out she'd gotten to the apartment earlier than expected and had also found it hard to wait out the time. After too much coffee, a track had been paced in the carpet and even the tennis had failed to distract her.
âRelax, Honey,' she soothed, âthere's nothing wrong.' She tucked her legs up more comfortably. âGee, it's good to hear you. How've you been?' Her deep voice made Tenille ache inside.
âMissing you terribly. Sid, I'm hating being here. There's so much tension in this house. Dad's been great, but he's at work all day ⦠and mom and I ⦠well, we just can't get along.'
âYeah ⦠I know Babe. It's tough when someone important in your life can't understand where you're coming from,' she commiserated. âBut listen, I think I've got good news.'
âSid, you've found somewhere,' Tenille guessed.
âDarling, I hope.' She drew a deep breath and did her best to describe the situation. âIt's not the greatest, but the best news is ⦠we can move in as soon as we like. I'm sorry about the stairs though. They are quite steep.'
âOh Sid, this is wonderful.' Her heart raced with excitement. âThe stairs are nothing. My love,' she rushed on: âI don't care if it's not perfect. If we can be together, then it is perfect for me.'
âOK, OK.' Sid laughed. Goddess Sophia. It was so good to be in contact again. âWe have to be sensible too,' she reminded her soberly. âCan we afford $400:00 a month? Do you have savings to carry you through until you're working again?' She changed her position, rolling onto her back and stretching her legs over the end of the arm. âI make good money at the track, but if I get into Guelph I'll only be on a student's stipend.'
âOh yes Sid, you're right, we wouldn't want to get in over our heads. I'll be fine once I'm earning again. I could carry that rent myself, so if you can take the lion's share now and help with a percentage later, we'll be cooking.' Ten thought some more. She hesitated. âUntil I'm back though, I don't have much put by. The doctor said I should be partial weight-bearing by the beginning of next month, so come September, work should be on the cards.' She wondered if Phyllis might object to a staff member on crutches â in a shoe store?
âTalk to her, see what she has to say. You never know. Do you get along with her? Do you think you can get her on side?'
âWe rub along, I guess, but I'm not sure how co-operative she'll be.' A tentative demur.
âWell Honey â¦' Sid tried to get back on track, â â¦do you think we should wait 'til you speak to her before deciding on the apartment?' Tenille noticed the let down in her voice, she must be really keen. âI'll call her, then I'll call you back,' she suggested.
âCool. I'll keep my fingers crossed,' she promised.
âYou'd really like to move into this place?' She pressed for confirmation.
âI guess now I've gotten this far along, I'm ready to go all the way, as they say.' She threw her head back, laughing at the double entendre. The sound was so infectious, Tenille found herself joining in. She knew they would be each other's inspiration. âWe'll do that too, in our new home,' Sid delivered through happy breaths.
âLet me go now and I'll call you back.'
âRight-oh, talk to you soon.'
Sid didn't know what to do with herself whilst she waited, but settled for looking through the CD collection and playing some old favorites. She found a Linda Rhonstadt âBest Of' and listened to HEARTBEAT ACCELERATING. How she loved that voice, and the lyrics simply melted her. Lost in reverie, the phone's chirruping gave her a start..
âGood news,' Tenille's voice came down the line. âPhyllis is prepared to have me whenever I'm ready. Next month is the start of the store's busy period.' There was joy in her words. âSo yes, go visit Moira and Rani and see what you can arrange.'
âOh Honey,' she let out a deep sigh of relief: âI'm that happy right now, I could leap over the moon. I can hardly believe it.' She jumped up. âI'll stop by this evening. I'm sure you'll like them. They seem to be your sort.'
âWhat do you mean, âmy sort'?' She asked in a teasing voice.
âOh you know, professional, well educated, softly spoken. Ten, you know what I mean. Stop being a shit ass.' Ebullience flowed from her as she hung up, a smile playing on her lips. A quick flick to the wrist for a time check â half past three. Too keyed up to hang about in the apartment, she headed off to the gym located in the basement level of the building grabbing her grip on the way. She need only sign herself in under Reine's number. It was deserted.
Feeling good to be going through her workout regime, she realized how mixed up everything had gotten lately. Now things were about to change again. “
Oh well â¦
“ she thought philosophically,
“ â¦that's life. We don't just stand still, if there's one thing we can be sure of, it's the fact of change itself.”
She moved onto the cable crossover and began with shoulders, proceeded downward and finished on the hip abductors and adductors. Finally it was the long crossbar for preacher curls.
Unobserved by Sidonie, a resident had slipped in and started working. He looked middle aged, but fit, his body well toned. He had noticed the quality of Sidonie's movements and the amount of her weights and been impressed. As she began her final stretchings on the mat, he strolled over to her and began to make conversation. She was not pleased. She had been enjoying her privacy, her own thoughts and this guy seemed to think she'd like his attention. Well, she didn't. Instead of responding to his questions she got up and simply looked at him squarely for a moment, then said, curtly: âI'm off.' She left him looking after her, dumbstruck, wandering what the hell he'd done. Such a cut. He'd always fancied himself as a sharp mover.
âWell, who the fuck does she think she is, anyway?' he grumbled, moving over to the treadmill.
Sidonie regained her composure in the pool where she put in some heavy laps, six sets of time trials, going all out. The afterglow did wonders for her mood. She checked her watch again. Time had flown; back to the apartment to make the call. She was in luck. Moira answered and she identified herself.
âI've spoken to my friend and she's definitely interested. Er..r I wonder,' she paused, unsure of the best way to proceed, â â¦if you're home tonight, could I drop by?' She suddenly had a chilling thought. âThe apartment is still available, isn't it?'
It seemed like a long wait before the reply came. âYes, yes ⦠it is.' Moira stopped then started again. âWe would have liked to meet the other possible tenant before making any final decisions. It would be best, don't you agree?' She spoke as though there would be no dissension. Hardly a question at all. Sidonie's heart sank. Obviously, not certain enough about her.
âWell, that's difficult,' she temporised. âShe's currently staying at her parents' in Lindsay. If this play for the apartment went through then I was going up there to collect her. If not, then of course there'd be no reason for her to come down to Toronto.' She was beginning to feel a little annoyed. How much did these women expect? The apartment wasn't that fantastic ⦠and they wouldn't be running off with that furniture, it was only Crippled Civilians stuff, anyway. “
Calm down,”
she told herself.
“Of course they want to be sure they're not landing themselves with a busload of headaches.”
âWell, come round. We'll get a little more information on both sides.' She was just replacing the receiver as Thea let herself in, giving her a big hug and asking: âHow's tricks?'
She held out her hand, palm down and a quick shake.
âI'm just about to plug in the kettle,' Thea told her. âWant one or do you have already?'
âThanks, Thea, but I've got to go see the people again.'
âAnything wrong?' sensing some of her dejection.
âNot really ⦠I hope. It's just they'd like to meet Tenille. It's a tricky one. If I collect her and bring her down and we don't get the apartment, then she'll have made the trek for nothing and I'll have to take her back.' She sighed. âShe's not happy up there, so if this doesn't work out ⦠her having to return to her parents' place would really be the pits.'
âYes, I can see,' Thea said slowly. She began moving about the kitchen, putting away her shopping. She thought on the problem while the girl stood, staring wistfully out the window seeing, but not seeing, the dynamic skyline. Such an engaging city, but its attractiveness was lost to her just now.
âSid, how much is Ten getting around?' she joined her at the balcony. âI'm thinking, if this apartment were not to work out, well, she could still stay at her bachelor pad. We can help with shopping and the like. You finish work about mid-day, so you'd be able to give a hand.'
Sidonie's face cleared. This reminded her of the original plan. Even on the phone she'd said how independent she was now. She put her arms round her friend and gave her a loving squeeze. Thea had that rotund figure which invited hugs. Best of all, she could be demonstrative with her and never have to fear the warmth of her affections would be misconstrued.
âYou genius woman. That's it. If we don't make it then we have your plan, PLAN B, to fall back on.'
Thea laughed. This was more like her Sunbeam. âAfter your appointment come for dinner and you can fill us in on what eventuates,' she suggested, encouragingly.
Rani was also home when Sidonie arrived. They offered coffee, but she refused. The upshot of the meeting was that Sidonie would return on the weekend with her friend. A decision would be made then.
Deciding not to take Thea up on her offer she made for the track and an early night. She could be in for a lot of driving tomorrow if everything went according to plan, but they were both invited, Saturday.
*Â Â Â *Â Â Â *
Sidonie got away on her coffee break at about nine-thirty and went to the public phone, located off to one side of the backstretch canteen. At that time of day it was jumping. Men on early break were leaving just as those on late arrived, all catching up on the daily racing news. They regularly placed bets, not necessarily on the horses in their stable but, just like ordinary punters, on their favorites. Inside the kiosk it was still noisy with the men's shouts and laughter. This was her call to Kirsten, at home with Shania. Could she deliver a message to Tenille?
Once having committed herself, Sidonie was impatient with everything. Any extra chore only added to her tension. She wanted the time to fly. It was a long way to Lindsay, but she wouldn't notice the distance. Not with Tenille at it's end.
Quitting time finally arrived and although she'd had to muck out two stalls today, not usually part of her duties, she'd been able to get done with time to spare. Jogging back to her room, she thought how wonderful it will be when there's no more need to make arrangements like this; being forced to watch the clock with such exactness. Living at the Residence was really getting to her. It had been acceptable in the beginning, but life had been different then.
Twelve-thirty, Tenille was spot on time.
âHi darling,' were the first words she heard. Tenille's voice, light and clear with that touch of excited expectation, had a slightly breathy sound. âHow are you?'
âAll the better for hearing you,' she responded brightly, her body tingling. âListen Sugar â¦' she rushed on, â â¦can you be packed and ready to leave by say ⦠at what, three o'clock? The owners of this apartment want to meet you before they'll give the final OK. I know it's a lot to ask at short notice â¦' her voice trailed away.
âSid, it's fine,' she assured her. âI don't have that much here. It will be more the shock to my parents that will be the difficulty.' She paused, but Sidonie did not interject. âMore warning would probably have been easier, but I think harder on me having to live through the days of my mother's reproachful looks. At least this way it will be like a surgical strike, as they say. I can call them later; that will give them time to calm down. Sid â¦' Tenille stopped abruptly, â â¦what if it doesn't work out?' Doubt audibly clouded her voice.
âIt's OK Ten, Thea thought of that too. You can manage stairs now, so if you return to #226, I can look after you and she's offered to help with shopping, etc. What do you say to that?' She was willing her to find this alternative acceptable. She so wanted her back in Toronto.
âOh, yes,' came the reply down the wire. âI'm heaps better.'
âThat's my girl,' she approved. âI'll get organized and see you about three.'
She had to get active; begin the steps that would bring her toward her goal.
“Get moving,”
she admonished herself.
“You should be on your way by one.”
She showered and changed into her âWhat Part Of NO' T-shirt, wanting to be comfortable and packed a collarless blue denim long sleeved shirt with patch pockets, to change into before meeting Moira and Rani. Blue jeans and clean joggers, not the old grungy pair. Thinking ahead, she should fill up with gas at the Rexdale Petrocan. They were usually quick and checked the oil too.
With a light, bright heart and a feeling of happy anticipation, she was on her way, even taking time to enjoy the beauty of the sky which was of the palest blue and white, ensuring a fine, hot day. Swirling wind gusts were whipping the silvered clouds into a dancing millrace across the vast canopy above the dales, exactly suiting her mood.
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