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“You shouldn’t be working for free. They’re taking advantage of you.”
“Don’t.” I held up a hand. “Don't start up with that manipulative crap. I’m having a really good day. Please don’t ruin it. Either help out or go.”
“Help?” He arched an eyebrow. “What kind of help?”
“I don’t know.” I threw up my hands. I couldn’t imagine him digging in his Armani suit. I just said the first thing I could think of. “I need bricks.”
“Bricks?”
“Yeah, for the pathway I’m building. We were supposed to be getting them donated by a construction company but it’s fallen through. I need bricks.”
He stared at me like I’d just grown another head. He wasn’t smiling. He’d offered me a beautiful evening at the opera, and I had asked for bricks instead. I felt guilty. He’d obviously put in some effort for me but no, this was my project and I wasn’t giving it up.
“Nevermind. I should get back to work. I’ll see you soon?” I looked around and to make sure we were alone and kissed him quickly.
Bradley chose that moment to appear and of course his shirt was off, tucked into his back pocket. “Hey, your teacher said we’d had another delivery. Is it the good stuff or is it… Oh nice! All unopened? Is it peat free? Awesome!” He checked the compost bags, taking a moment to register Alfie’s presence. When he did, he shone the same bright smile he gave everybody. “Hey, it’s Alfie Tell, right? We met briefly last Saturday.” He stuck out his hand. “It’s nice to see you again.”
Alfie took his hand though I didn’t miss the way he brushed off the dirt Bradley left behind on his palm.
“Have you come to see what Lola can do now you’ve hired her for Harrington? If her designs for this place are any indication, she’s going to do a great job.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Alfie’s tone was like ice.
Bradley looked between us, picking up on the tension. I gave him an apologetic smile.
“I’ll start moving these.” He picked up one bag and then added another.
“Can you handle all that? These things are heavy.”
“Told you, my muscles can handle anything.”
I laughed and thanked him. I turned to say goodbye to Alfie but froze when I saw him picking up a bag. “What are you doing?”
“Helping,” he said as if it was the first time he’d ever said the word. Like Bradley, he picked up two bags at once. “Put a third on top. I can handle another.”
I shook my head but did as he asked. If he wanted to engage in a one-sided pissing contest with Bradley, he could go right ahead. Together, we walked back to the garden.
The sea of people in old clothes and mud boots paused to look at Alfie. He stuck out like a sore thumb. I expected that with being something of a public figure he was used to it because he didn’t seem to notice being stared at. He dumped the bags where I told him and on his insistence, I showed him around.
“You organised this whole project?” he asked.
“Yeah, I made up a poster for Mrs Reed to put up at the school to ask for volunteers and I called different places asking for material donations. What do you think?”
“I think I’ve never seen how a lack of money can be an asset before.”
“Oh yeah, you have to get resourceful when you don’t have a lot to work with.”
“Are you and Bradley working together on whatever that is?” He waved in Bradley’s direction who was working hard at the bottom of the garden.
“The wildlife pond? No, I’m working on the pathway that doesn’t have bricks anymore. I’ll have to figure that out.” I led him down the garden, careful not to hold his hand. I didn’t want any more rumours than I’d already started. Small town gossip spread fast.
“Hey,” Bradley waved at Alfie, “tell Lola we need to get a wildlife camera, will you? I’ve told her the kids will love it.”
“And I’ve told you we don’t have the budget for it,” I called back, laughing. Alfie gave me a quizzical look so I explained. “It records any activity in the pond, so the kids will be able to watch it back and see if any animals come and use it. Frogs, birds, rabbits. You know.”
“You don’t have the budget?”
“All spent. Those things can cost a lot of money. Don’t worry, maybe the school will do a fundraiser or something.” I could feel him staring at me behind his shades. I didn’t know what it meant, all I knew was that it felt like my two worlds were colliding and they didn’t seem to be moulding together well. “I should get back to work,” I said, picking up my spade. “Do you want to help or…?”