Artful Dream

Chapter 8

Maggie stood outside Richards apartment greeting anyone that passed by with a cheery good morning, while he locked the door. Less than twenty-four hours ago this scene would have been played out a lot differently. The less confident Richard would have conducted Maggie’s exit from his apartment like a covert black ops manuvoue. First, he would have performed a reconnaissance on the hallway checking that no-one was about. Then when confident the coast was clear, she would have been unceremoniously dragged Maggie downstairs faster than an Olympic sprinter through the front door and onto the street.

However, wining and dining of Maggie Harris last night plus telling her he loved her; OK she was unconscious at the time when he told her, but still it was a massive step forward for Richard.

“Seeing you here this morning will start tongues wagging tonight at the residence meeting.” He said.

“Well, let’s give them something to really talk about.” With that she linked her arm around his and they both walked bold as brass along the corridor and out the front door.

It was going to be another warm day in South-West London and the walk to their shop was not going to be hurried. Maggie was still hugging Richards arm as they walked along the avenue. Today he was not caring who knew about him and Maggie, he was in love and he knew she was too. Even if those three little words were still yet to be formed on either of their lips.

The avenue was lined with cherry trees and the air was full of their cascading petals. Maggie looked up; pink and white blossom fell upon her face like confetti. This was her wedding day; right here right now arm in arm with the man she loved.

Soon they reached the end of the avenue, their church aisle and turned onto the busy Kings Road.

Richard was normally first at the shop, in the morning to get their breakfast from the deli. Today, however they went in together.

Mike the barista did a double-take when he saw Maggie walk in with Richard. He was used to seeing her later in the day when she came by to collect their pre-ordered sandwiches.

“Hi Maggie, what did you do shit the bed again?”

looking mortified, she turned towards Richard. “Did you tell him about the chocolate buttons?”

He looked away staring at the floor. Mike just laughed!

“If you must know why I’m here early.” She said to Mike with her hands on her hips, “It’s because my water burst.”

Mike swung his head around looking Maggie straight in the face then at her stomach.

“No, not that type of water. The washing machine blew up and flooded my apartment. I’m staying with Richard until the landlord clears up the mess!”

Mike handed Maggie her coffee, giving her a wink. “Sure, Maggie whatever you say.”

But before she could retaliate Mike was already taking orders from the next customer.

ooOoo

Maggie held their breakfasts while Richard opened the shop and turned off the alarm. She handed him back his herbal tea and went straight over to her desk.

Taking off the plastic lid she saw the disappearing heart that Mike had stencilled in the froth of her latte. 'Nice touch' she thought.