The following afternoon as arranged, I let myself into Annie's garden via the side gate, and set to work. There was no sign of Annie apart from the open back door, so I assumed she was busy indoors. I continuing with the job I had started the previous day, which was mainly weeding the flower bed at the bottom of the garden. The events of yesterday were foremost in my thoughts. Should I expect the same today? No, I decided, trying not to get any false hopes up, it would only lead to disappointment, it was just a one-off.
Being so far from the house, it was a long garden, I didn't hear Annie's call but a movement caught my eye. Looking up I saw her waving furiously from the back door. Standing up and rubbing the soil and muck from my knees, taking my gloves off and tucking them in the waist band of my shorts as I walked towards her.
Reaching the door as she moved inside she said, "Couldn't hear me could you dear, thought you'd need this," as she passed me a large glass of lemonade. "Sit yourself down John, looks like you need a break."
As I sat down I noticed two full cups of tea on the table and then footsteps behind me. Looking round I was greeted by a smiling lady as she walked into the kitchen. "Oh there you are Meg," said Annie, "thought you'd got stuck in the bathroom, oh yes, now this is John, John, this is Meg."
"Hello John," said Meg, "I'm Annie's neighbour from across the road."
Meg was a larger lady than Annie, a couple of inches taller and carried a little more weight. I would estimate her age as early fifties, short black hair with a very attractive face, she wore a knee length summer dress. I have to admit my heart sank a little as I was sure now that yesterdays adventure was not to be repeated.
We all sat at the small square kitchen table and chatted for a while, well they chatted mainly and I had a smoke and sipped my drink.
Taking me totally by surprise, Annie suddenly turned to me and with an authoritative tone said, "OK then John, as you've finished your drink I think You need to stand up and pull those shorts down for me!"
"But..." I tried speaking but Annie cut me off.