7. Monday Morning
Robert was already waiting outside his apartment block as Jason come racing around the corner in his red M.G. Spitfire. Jason was always in high sprits when it was his week to drive.
The M.G. Spitfire was his pride and joy, his substitute to a steady girlfriend. He even called her his baby. He doted on the car more then many men would spend on a woman.
Robert suspected the reason for Jason attachment to the red Spitfire was more out of sentiment then status or value. He had rebuilt the Spitfire with his father. They had finished the car only two weeks before Jason's father died. Even though Robert had helped them rebuild the classic M.G. Jason's father was the only other person that ever had the privilege to drive it.
It was a warm sunny day and so as always the top was down. Robert got in and looked at his smiling friend, the dark circles under his eyes could not hide the tell tail signs of yet another sleep deprived night.
"You're late." Robert's statement clearly had no affect on his good mood.
"It's a lovely day, don't be a grouch." Jason simply answered and they were off on a low flight across town.
Jason loved speed. Robert had to admit that he was glad to see Jason in such high spirits. They reached the shop with a few minute to spare.
Brian was already waiting for the two friends when they arrived. He dreaded facing Alice on his own even on a good day.
He smiled as they exited the car relieve clearly visible on his face as he finished another candy bar.
"You guys had me worried for a sec. Alice has been in and out of the shop twice already checking out the new displays."
He looked anxious
"I don't think she likes it."
He opened another candy bar and started wolfing it down.
Jason looked at Brian in awe
"Where do you put it all? I don't think I have ever seen you without something to eat, whether it's in your hand or in a pocket somewhere."
He shook his head and laughed.
Brian stopped eating and looked at the caramel bar in his hand and stared at Jason as if he was busy talking another languages.
"She is in a bad mood for sure. She loved the display Friday morning."
His looked at Jason with narrowed eyes and a question on his brow.
Jason saw this and simply pulled up his shoulder and laughed
"Don't look at me. I didn't even talk to her Friday."
Robert closed his eyes and ran his hands through his hair.
"I hate Monday morning meetings when she is in a bad mood."
He opened his eyes and looked at Jason
"What did you do, or forgot to do?"
"Nothing, I'm telling you this time it's not me… Maybe it was Brian who upset her…. or even you. It's not always about me."
"Me?"
Brian squeaked seeming very anxious.
"I'll have to hear all about her cat's again."
He said his shoulders drooping
"Casanova, tell me one thing. How can you charm the entire female population, but seem to deliberately antagonise just this one?" Jason gave him a sarcastic crocket smile.
"You are going to owe me big time buddy." Robert informed his friend as they entered the front door.
