Born Bad by Josephine Cox Page A

intently to what Harry had to say, and now he had to make up his mind. ‘Wait outside,’ he instructed. ‘Amy willget you a cup of tea. Have a walk about. Talk to people. See what you think. I’ll call you in presently.’
    With that he ushered him out.
    ‘It looks good to me!’ Amy was delighted to have the company of this fine, good-looking fellow. ‘He kept you in there longer than the others,’ she announced cheekily. ‘I reckon he likes you.’
    Harry made small talk for a time, then he wandered away and talkedwith the salesmen. ‘As bosses go, he’s not all that bad,’ John told him. ‘A bit pompous at times, but fair and straight when needed.’
    The same sentiments were echoed by everyone Harry chatted with, although: ‘He’s a hard taskmaster.’ That was Louise, the only woman in sales.
    Harry went upstairs to the bed department, and was amazed at the sheer scale and diversity of items on offer. He wentacross to the soft furnishings area with its wonderful displays of curtains and bedlinen, and the best selection of cushions he had ever seen, and now he was back downstairs amongst the displays of furniture, all set out as different rooms in the house. There were kitchens and living-rooms – here a piano and there a wall of pictures and paintings.
    ‘It’s like Aladdin’s Cave!’ He was surprisedwhen Amy crept up on him. ‘I swear, I’ve never seen anything like it.’
    She laughed. ‘You haven’t seen outside yet then. There’s lawn mowers and ladders, and everything else you might want in your backyard or garden.’ Tapping him on the arm she informed him. ‘You haven’t got time to look now though, because His Majesty has summoned you.’ Making Harry smile, she gave a little curtsy. ‘Follow me,my good man.’ Not relishing the idea of another reprimand, she then set off at a brisk pace.
    After showing him into the office, she returned to her desk, delighted to offer Harry congratulations half an hour later. ‘So, you got the job?’
    ‘How did you know that?’
    ‘From your beaming face when you came out.’
    It was still beaming as he walked onto the street. ‘I’ve got work, Sara my darling,’he murmured.
    Three months’ trial, a generous travelling allowance, and he was virtually his own boss.
    It was an excellent start.
    Kathleen and Tom were also pleased with their day.
    ‘You’ve worn me out, so ye have,’ Kathleen groaned as they headed for the café on the High Steet. ‘I can’t believe a little fella like you could take longer than a cartload o’ women to choose a pair of shoes: Jaysus,Mary and Joseph! Sure, ye could make a living at it.’
    ‘ I’m not tired,’ Tom announced proudly.
    ‘Oh, are ye not?’ Kathleen quipped. ‘Well, aren’t you the lucky one, ’cos I’m dropping on me feet, so I am.’
    ‘I’ve got money.’
    ‘Sure, I know that already,’ she answered. ‘Didn’t I see yer father give it to ye?’
    ‘I can buy you some new shoes, if you want,’ he offered grandly.
    Kathleen laughed outloud at that. ‘Aw, ye little darlin’.’ She gently ruffled his hair. ‘Shall I tell ye something?’
    ‘What?’
    ‘Right now, I don’t think I’d even get a pair of shoes on me feet.’
    ‘Why not?’
    ‘’Cos me poor oul’ feet feel like two fresh-baked loaves.’
    ‘D’you want to sit down?’
    ‘Ah, sure I wouldn’t mind that at all.’
    ‘I need an ice cream.’
    ‘Ah! So what you’re really saying is we should find a café,where I can sit down and you can have an ice cream, and we’ll both be happy, is that it?’
    ‘I don’t know.’ The little boy was confused.
    ‘Ah, but ye’re a joy to behold, so you are! Look, there’s a café right there, and a little table for you and me, right by the window. What d’you say then?’
    ‘Yes, yes!’ Tom did his usual leaping up and down.
    Kathleen chuckled. ‘Y’know what, m’darlin’?’
    ‘What?’
    ‘Ye’re a fella after me own heart, so ye are.’ She tightened