She’s at it again, using her allure to get people to do things for her. I watch jealously from my bric-à-brac jumble sale stall. I had spent the last half an hour carrying heavy bags from my car. Now, she strolls in, followed by a team of eager pleasers hauling all her boxes. I really hate her sometimes.
Angela, five foot eight and with an effervescent personality and curly blond locks. I understand what the entire male population sees in her, but what I don’t get is why she is able to bewitch the female population as well. That doesn’t include me, of course. I’m immune to her charms.
We’ve known each other since we were eight. We were buddied together by the teacher. We are complete opposites. I suppose that’s why we get along so well. I don’t tread on her toes and she doesn’t tread on mine. The bonus prize is that I get invited to some great parties as her plus one.
Ironically, she’s in charge of the bookstall today. I don’t think she’s read anything other than a textbook in all her life. As I glance across the hall, I notice there is an actual queue of would be purchasers hanging on her every word.
“Oh my God, I don’t believe it. She is actually signing the books for them.”
I turn away and sigh noisily to disguise my disbelief in her actions. Whilst waiting for at least one customer, I realise that I definitely chose the short straw this time. Who would actually want to buy other people’s rubbish?
“Ahem,” a voice interrupts my thoughts.
“Oh sorry, I didn’t see you there. How can I help?” I say as I look up. Standing in front of me is a burly man. He looks around my age and seems quite shy.
“Angela,” he said, nodding in her general direction, “Told me that you were the person to come and see.”
I look across and see Angela nodding at me. Here it comes, I thought, another one of her castoffs.
“I’ve signed up to run a bric-à-brac stall at Saturday’s Charity Fair, only I’ve had trouble getting any donations. Everybody seems to throw things out these days. It’s no wonder there’re problems with overflowing landfill sites.”
I pay more attention to this handsome stranger. I couldn’t have put that better myself.
“Do you see anything here you like?” I say, immediately regretting it as a blush took over my entire face.
Our eyes meet across the detritus, and we both laughed.
“I was thinking all of it. Would £50 cover it?”
Feeling very at ease with him, I said, “Does all of it include me? I’m free on Saturday and I’d love to help.”
His smile lit up his face.
“It’s a date,” he said, as he gave me a mischievous wink.
I look across to Angie and give her a thumb up sign. She returns it with both thumbs up.
