Hetty
Arlo’s Café, Coopers Hook
Hetty
Hetty Brill wiped a hole in the condensation on the inside of the window and peered through it. She was looking out for Chelsea, who was due to arrive to help with the lunchtime rush, when a young homeless man entered the café, bringing with him a flurry of cold damp air.
Before shuffling to the counter with his head down he paused on the threshold until he caught Arlo’s eye. The group of young mothers at a table near the door hauled their baby buggies out of his way, wrinkling their noses when his stink hit them. On first sight he looked like a tall twelve-year-old, but his face, which peered through tangled reddish-brown hair with a look of wary curiosity in the brown eyes, was mature.
He was so thin it was a miracle the baggy sweatshirt and stained jogging pants stayed on him. His shoes, brand new and fastened with velcro, were from the local supermarket. Hetty reckoned he must have got those on the five-finger discount. Around his neck was a leather purse on a knotted cord.
‘Hey, Yessy!’ said Arlo. ‘Where have you been? I haven’t seen you since before Christmas.’
‘Yes.’
‘Do you want a cheese sandwich?’
There was no reply.
‘Chicken? Sausage? Salad?’
Yessy stared at the food without speaking.
Arlo stirred the bowl of penne. ‘Pasta?’
‘Yes.’
‘Meat?’
‘Yes.’
‘Tomato sauce?’
‘Yes.’
Arlo doled out a small spoonful of minced meat and a big spoonful of sauce. He set the plate on the counter and reached over to dip a hand into Yessy’s purse. When he drew his hand out again it was full of shiny stones.
‘So that’s how it is,’ said Arlo. ‘Pay me next time.’
Yessy grabbed his plate with both hands and carried it outside. He sat down at a table under the awning Arlo had pulled down against the weather and began to spoon the pasta into his mouth.
Hetty went over to have a word with her ex. ‘I thought you were trying to attract them posh new residents who’ve moved here since the Olympics?’
Arlo looked up from the tomato he was slicing
‘So what?’
‘Well, Yessy is going to put them off. Who’s going to pay top dollar for a coffee with some little pikey stuffing his face out front? You’ve got to get rid of him.’
‘How do you suggest I do that?’
‘Next time he comes in, tell him to sling his hook. I’m gasping for a latte, babe.’
‘Get it yourself,’ said Arlo, slicing a lettuce savagely. ‘Is there any chance of you clearing a few tables?’
She shook her head. ‘I have to teach a Zumba class in half an hour. Don’t panic, Chelsea will soon be here.’
Sulkily Hetty returned to her stool. In her opinion it was unreasonable of Arlo to ask her to help clear tables, now they were separated and she had her own dance studio. She enjoyed spending an occasional evening with her ex, when he cooked something special and they ended up sleeping together. After twenty-five years of marriage Arlo knew what she liked, but there was always a price to pay. Hetty made up her mind that the next time she stayed over, she’d be long gone before there were plates to be washed.