Fancy Meeting You

Fancy Meeting You by Pam Brown

Leonard paused, and turned up the collar of his raincoat. It had started drizzling as he made his way along the high street, but now the rain was becoming more persistent, and he hurried towards the small cafe he knew was a little further along the road.

Before he went to open the door he paused and looked in the window. There seemed to be a lot of people in the small, cosy room, and he wondered if he would have to share a table.That would be all right, he thought. A cup of tea would be welcome anyway.

There was an old-fashioned bell which tinkled above the door as he made his entrance. To the right was a counter where he ordered tea and a piece of cake.

He turned round with his tray and surveyed the room, looking for a place to sit. As he hesitated a hand waved frantically at the back of the room and a piercing voice split the air and silenced the genteel murmurings of the other patrons.

“Yoohoo! Lenny! Over 'ere!”

Leonard looked around, and then realised the call was directed at him. “Erm........” He took a few faltering steps towards the woman who was now standing up and beckoning him to a seat at her table. He reached the proffered chair and took a closer look at the woman who was now beaming bright red lipstick at him. She was about his age, around sixty or so, but she still had a look of youthful energy and a pair of sparkling blue eyes which carried more than a hint of glamorous makeup.

“Blimey, you're a sight for sore eyes, darlin'! It's bin Gawd know how long, but I'd know you anywhere.”

Leonard shook his head with a puzzled expression. “I'm sorry, but have we met? I'm afraid I don't.......... I don't quite recall..........”

“Oh, of course you remember, or I bet you will before long. Quite a few years ago I admit, but with a little nudge, it'll all come flooding back.” She threw back her head and laughed a shrill, high whinny, making the people at the nearby tables glance at each other with pained faces.

Being a polite gentleman he sat down, and she pulled her chair closer to his and wiggled herself next to him. “Oooh, this is cosy, isn't it?”

Leonard sipped his tea and tried to think of something to say. Then he gave her a startled look. “It's Gloria, isn't it? Good gracious!”

The whinnying laugh ripped through the air again, and Leonard winced, peeping furtively around him.

“ I knew it wouldn't take long. How could you possible forget what we did? Oh, I know it was a long time ago, and we had to go our separate ways for obvious reasons.........” she threw a sly glance at him, and her strident voice continued, “..........But I've cherished that memory ever since! In all these years I've never experienced anything like that night. Oh, I've had other relationships, 'course I have, but nothink like what we had.” She closed her eyes and gave a long, drawn-out sigh.

Leonard became aware that the gentle murmuring conversations around them had ceased, and there was an expectant silence in the room. He dared not look around him, positive that many pairs of eyes were staring in their direction.

He started to say, “Look, I don't think..........” but her voice rang out again. “Do you wanna know why I remember it so well? It's because I've got a constant reminder. Oh, yes. I see your face every day.”

He looked shocked. “But there were never any photos of us.......”

“Photos? Hah! 'course there wasn't no photos!” She leaned in even closer, and her perfume wafted around him. “I see your face, because my boy Leo is the spittin' image of you. Just as I remember.” She leaned back in her chair and grinned triumphantly. “There's no doubt he's your son.”

Leonard spluttered on the last of his tea. “But why didn't you tell me? You should have told me.”

“How could I? We was from different worlds. And my George never suspected. Even when Leo turned out the way he did, he blamed my side of the family. The trouble was, I spoiled him. And he was a very naughty boy. And I don't think his spell inside has made him any better either.”

“Inside?” Leonard shouted and almost jumped up from his chair, but restrained himself just in time, and looked around him. Many pairs of eyes swivelled away and heads turned in all directions. People pretended to start conversations.

Gloria said soothingly, “It was only aggravated burglary. I mean, he didn't kill anyone.” She patted his hand. “But don't worry, he loves his Mum, and he's dying to meet you. That's why I told him to meet me here. He wants to make up for all the time he's missed with you. In fact, he said he wants to pay you back big time. Isn't that nice?”

Leonard stood up. “I must be going, I have.........” He edged his way through the crowded room. He was just about half-way towards the door, apologising for brushing past the customers when Gloria shrieked, “ He's here now!” and pointed to the window.

Leonard stopped and looked. The face peering in at him was as familiar as his own, only about thirty years younger, and wore a malicious grin.

There was a concerted gasp from the onlookers as Leonard rushed out of the door and disappeared down the street. The face scowled and turned in the same direction, and faded from view.

Gloria calmly finished her tea, and then took her time to gather her coat and handbag, and sailed out of the tea-room.

The rain had stopped by now, and the sun was peeping through the clouds. Leonard and Leo were waiting for her on the corner where the car was parked in a side road.

Leo kissed his mother, then held her out at arms-length. “You're such a naughty girl, you know that?”

“I just thought you might like to see what we get up to in our old age. We can't help missing what we used to do for a living. Did you enjoy your bit-part? You were very good.”

Leo laughed. “I enjoyed watching Dad legging it down the road.”

Leonard huffed and puffed and limped towards the car.