Warhol's Prophecy

13

‘DON’T SAY MUCH, do you?’ Hailey chuckled as she passed the teddy bear on the table, wiping her hands on a tea-towel.

The toy sat where she had left it, blank stare fixed on her as she moved about the kitchen.

Every now and then she would stop and glance at the label.

LOVE, ADAM.

She picked up her mug of coffee and stood looking at the smiling bear for another moment.

She was still standing in the middle of the kitchen when the phone rang.

Hailey answered it. ‘Hello,’ she said.

‘Sorry to bother you,’ said the voice, and she recognized it immediately.

‘Adam. I was just looking at the teddy bear.’

‘She got it. Great.’ He sounded genuinely excited.

‘It was a lovely thought. You shouldn’t have.’

‘I saw it in a shop window the other day, and I just thought, why not? I hope you don’t mind.’

‘Of course not. Becky loves it. It must have cost you a fortune, though. You’re very kind.’

‘I just wanted to give her a surprise.’

‘You certainly did that. And in her school colours too. How did you manage that?’

‘She told me which school she went to that day I found her. I got a friend to knit the scarf and hat.’

‘Well, like I said, it was a very nice thought, and she loves it.’

‘Is she OK? She goes back to school today, doesn’t she? Like most of the schools around this area do, don’t they?’

‘I’ve not long got back from dropping her off, as a matter of fact.’

‘Well, I won’t keep you talking. You must have things to do.’

‘No, it’s OK. Listen, I never did get around to really thanking you for finding Becky that day.’

‘You had other things on your mind.’

‘I know, but I still haven’t told you how grateful I am. I was just wondering if you fancied having lunch. On me, of course – as a thank you.’

‘Hailey, that would be great, but you don’t have to. I didn’t do this to be thanked.’

‘I know that. Look, let me buy you lunch – that’s all. It’s no big deal. I owe you that.’

‘You don’t owe me anything.’

‘Is that a no?’

‘Definitely not,’ he laughed. ‘Throw some dates at me.’

‘What about tomorrow?’ she offered.

After all, my husband is away at the moment.

‘I’d love to. Where shall we meet?’

‘Are you sure it isn’t interfering with your work, or anything?’

‘I’m self-employed. I’ll give myself the day off.’

‘Do you know a restaurant called Tivoli’s? Well, it’s not really a restaurant, more a glorified snack bar, but the food’s good.’

‘I know it.’

‘How about outside there at one o’clock?’

‘One o’clock tomorrow. I’ll look forward to it.’

‘Me too. See you then. And thanks again for the teddy bear.’ She smiled broadly.

‘See you tomorrow,’ he said, and hung up.

Hailey replaced the handset and looked across at the stuffed toy.

It was still smiling.