Yes, Taye confirmed. He, in your opinion, is trustworthy, then?
Totally, Mrs Sturgess replied, all lightness gone from her tone, her voice at once most sincere. He is one of the most trustworthy men I have ever come across. I would trust him with my life.
Thank you very much, Taye said, and, realising that she could not have a better reference than that, she thanked her politely again and put down the phone.
Yet, having been sincerely assured by this woman who had been at school with his mother that Magnus Ashthorpe was totally trustworthy, still Taye hesitated. Even though she knew that mixed flat-shares went on all over the place, she somehow felt reluctant to have him so close. And, if she didnt make that call to him, well, it was not as if he was desperate for somewhere to rent, was it? By the sound of it, Mrs Sturgess, his mothers friend, would have him back living with her like a shot. Presumably, though, he did not want to return there.
Taye thought of her own mothers friend, the hardbitten Larissa Gilbert. Would she want to go and live with the thin-lipped Larissa? No way.
The decision seemed to be made.
Taye picked up the phone and dialed, half hoping Magnus Ashthorpe had his mobile switched off. He hadnt, but he was already taking a call. She waited a long five minutes and then, aware that she had no option unless she was to go on the apartment-hunting trail herselfthe much smaller apartment hunt; she could not bear the thought of returning to a bed-sitshe had to make that call.
She redialledit was picked up at the fourth ring. Pen he began, and then changed it to, Hello.
She guessed his previous caller was probably someone called Penny, and he thought it was she ringing back from his previous call. Sorry to disappoint. Hello, Taye replied, and began to feel more comfortable to know he had got a woman-friend. Its Taye Trafford. He said nothing. Not one solitary word. And she swiftly recalled how he had barely spoken when he had come to view the apartment. Perhaps that was what Mrs Sturgess liked about himthat he was not forever chattering on. About the flat-share, Taye resumed.
Yes?
She found his monosyllabic reply annoying and started to have second thoughts. There isnt a garage, she drew out of nowhere, even at the eleventh hour, as it were, attempting, when she really needed him, to put him off. Well, there is, but the owner is abroad and has a lot of his belongings stored in it.
That wont be a problem.
You dont have a car?
I find public transport quite useful, he replied, and, assuming too much in her opinion, Ill move in tomorrow, he announced.
Her mouth fell open in shock. Of all the Ill try to get off work early she began, and was interrupted for her pains.
You work? he questioned shortly. You have a job?
She did not care for his tone. Of course I have a job! she exclaimed. They were on the brink of a rowand he hadnt even moved in yet! Its how I pay the rent! she added pithily.
Huh! he grunted. It sounded a derogatory grunt to her. But before she could ask him what the Dickens that huh meant, something else struck her.
You can pay rent in advance? she queried, everything in her going against asking him for the money but realism having to be faced. I shall need the whole quarters rent before quarter day, the twenty-fourth of June.
Ill give you the cash when I see you tomorrow, he replied crisply.
A cheque will do as well, she calmed down a little to inform himshe could bank his cheque on Wednesday, that would still give it plenty of time to clear before quarter day.
If thats it he began.
One other thing, she butted in quickly. Again he was silent, and she felt forced to continue. Ernaturally Id expect you to respect my privacy.
You mean when you bring your men-friends home? he questioned tersely. What was it with this man? She had not meant that. Thank goodness there was a lock on the bathroom door. Naturally, he went on when she seemed stumped for an answer, youll afford me the same privacy?
When you bring your women-friends back? she queried tautly.
Until tomorrow, he said, and cut the call.
Slowly Taye replaced her telephone. Somehow she just could not see the arrangement working. But, for better or worse, it seemed she had just got herself a tenant.
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