A Helping Hand

Travis intended to go to Coffs and persuade Jean to move into the house he bought, he hadn’t seen her in a couple of days, she’d been awfully busy for some reason. He stopped in Jessup’s and bought a pack of cigarettes. As he was lighting one on the sidewalk outside the store he saw Miss Peeg laden with packages walking down the street. Being the gentleman he was brought up to be he crossed the street and approached her.

“May I give you a hand Miss Peeg?”

“Mr. McGee, yes you may I fear my arms are stretched to the limit.”

Travis only knew Miss Peeg as his mother’s friend and unfortunate employee of Richie Roberts.

“Where are we headed with this lot?”

“To my rooms at Millie’s. “ she sighed, “It won’t be long I shall be in my own little cottage.”

“Is that right, you’ve bought a place?”

“I have indeed, the floors have been sanded and refinished and should be dry enough to walk on by this afternoon. One more week I think and I shall take the plunge.” She smiled at Travis.

“I think I own you an apology for my behavior in your office the other day. I hope I didn’t offend you.”

“Oh, not at all Mr. McGee. I’ve seen worse in my career, I do understand men’s tempers can get the best of them.”

He carried her shopping up the stairs and to her room and looked around and smiled, “this reminds me of my mother’s bedroom.”

“Yes well, it’s not to my taste but then it isn’t mine to do with. I’m a little more eclectic than this.” She looked at him as he stood looking out of her window, “Mr. McGee would you like a cup of tea?”

Travis turned, “Yes, I think I would.”