The Bored Ladies Club.
As I suspected, the plans for the warehouse were approved without any hitches, Emma was in control of the finances, ensuring the bills and wages were paid on time. I project managed the conversion, dropping in on Jack, the contractor we hired, everyday, mostly to check he had everything he needed. I had no worries about his work, even though he was heading towards late middle age, he worked hard and to an extremely high standard. I had spoken to the owner many times and he was delighted how quick things were progressing.
Though I had been retained for 6 months now as, Building Maintenance Manager (My posh title) Apart from me visiting to check to ensure everything was okay, I had yet to be called out for any job there. 6 months money for doing nothing.
That changed one sunny afternoon in June, I received a phone call from one of the residents complaining that she could smell gas. That got my alarm bells ringing and I headed there post haste. I was met by Eve Paterson, one of the residents, who thanked me for my quick response. Who instead of taking me to her flat, led me out to the large secluded back garden and pointed to the biggest barbecue I had ever seen. Eve explained that today was the first of the summer events held by the residents, a sort of open air party. The problem was that when she opened the valve on the grill, an awful smell of gas filled her nose. On inspection, I found, where the pipe from the gas bottle joins onto the burner, had perished, with a simple cutting back and refitting, the grill was good to go. Eve was delighted and asked if I wanted to stay and have some fun, pointing out it would be good if I got to meet the residents. I told her "I would love to, but I was not exactly dressed for an afternoon in the sun."
"We won't be ready for about another two hours, why don't you pop home? Change into something more suitable, I promise you will enjoy."
I had nothing better planned that afternoon, so I accepted the invitation. As I was leaving, Eve told me,
"Park out the back and come in through the gate and brink some trunks, you may need to cool off later." Pointing to a pool at the far end of the garden.
Aunty June was sitting in the kitchen talking to my mother when I arrived home, I gave her my normal kiss on the cheek, before announcing my plans.
"You are honoured, not many get an invitation and by the way good luck."
I laughed at her and said,
"If you got it, you got it."
"From what I hear, you will certainly get it."
My mother shot her a look as if to say "What are you on about."
So did I.
"Nothing, I've just heard they are a hard bunch to satisfy." Emphasising the word hard.
Instead of taking the van, I decided to drive my other car, an MG Midget, it looked impressive for such a young man, but in fact it was a wreck, the engine being totally shagged, over driven by it's aggressive previous owner.
As I entered the garden, I was greeted by music and loud voices, female ones. Spotting Eve at the barbecue, I headed towards her passing table upon table, filled with food and every drink you can think of, a voice called out from somewhere,
"Ladies, I have first dibs at dessert."
It was then I realised by looking around, apart from an old man sitting in a wheel chair, I was the only male. The rest of the party consisted of women, about 30 of them, the youngest I would say was around 35, all shapes and sizes, all in various states of dress and in some cases, undress. I had only been gone for just over a hour, but these ladies were well and truly merry and in a party mood.
I caught up with Eve who greeted with a hug and a slurred "Glad you made it." before ushering me to one of the tables, filled with drink,