‘So he’s looking after you?’
‘Too well. Gabriel, he won’t leave me alone. I’ve been invited to … to …’
‘To what?’
‘A dinner. A formal dinner party.’
‘Great. Free food.’
‘It’s not great.’
Dad explained that Jake Ambler was delighted with his son’s progress. The boy had even spoken to him, once, without mentioning self-abuse. As a reward Jake had invited Dad to the house, along with other people he thought Dad might like: an art dealer, a movie director, a model who adored the Leather Pigs, and others.
‘He mentioned the director’s name. We’ve seen his films. He was a hero.’
‘That’s even better, then!’
‘What are you talking about? Why would he want to meet me? I’ll be sitting there sweating like a dunce with nothing to say. “What do you do?” People always ask that question at these things. What do I say? What do I do?’
‘You used to say to me: the truth might be a good start.’
‘Gabriel, I wish you could come with me. Except that it’s not a kid’s thing.’
‘Why is it bothering you so much?’
‘I’m not talented or successful or brilliant.’ He gestured at the pub. ‘I’m like these guys. Except that I feel ashamed of being ordinary. Talent’s a passport — it gets you into places. Without it you go nowhere, pal.’
Gabriel said, ‘But Jake likes you.’
‘I’m the only adult who can talk to that lunatic progeny of his. Because I listen to him. I’m a good ear.’
‘That’s a gift then. How many people can do such a thing?’
Another man had been eyeing them from the bar. When Gabriel glanced over again he saw the man swinging towards them, on crutches. Dad groaned.
The man said, ‘I saw you pay Pat back.’
‘So?’ said Dad. ‘The fucker went and stole Gabriel’s pocket money. I’m really sick of this.’
‘What about me, Rex? I’m on Pat’s floor. Can’t even afford a pint.’
‘Jesus, what am I now, a charity? Let me get to work then I’ll sort you out in a week or so, when I’ve been paid.’
‘Sort me out now,’ said the man.
‘Later,’ said Gabriel quietly.
‘Now!’ said the man. ‘Look at me!’
‘Is everyone in this pub a vulture?’ said Dad.
‘You think you’re better than us! All human beings are equal even if —’
‘Funny you should say that, man. I am better than you. That’s one thing I do know! Better in every way! Handsome, too, and famous and —’
‘Dad —’
‘Whatever you do, don’t end up like these people, Gabriel. They’ve got no hope of —’
‘You’re arrogant,’ said the man. ‘You’re a fuckin’ stuck up wanker has-been —’
Before the mood could turn even uglier, Gabriel got up, pulled his father to his feet, and got him to the door.
‘But I haven’t finished my drink!’
‘Out, out, out!’ said Gabriel, giving his father a hard shove.
‘What a dump,’ said Rex, on the street. He was banging on the window and giving his former friends the finger through it. Gabriel was perplexed to see that Dad hadn’t grown out of these ‘fits’.
‘Up your arses, mates! Losers! Kiss it, mothers!’ shouted Dad. ‘Gabriel, don’t they look like corpses ready for the grave? I won’t be going in there again! The whole atmosphere is rancid, hopeless, violent! I can’t believe I was ever like those men —’
‘You’re not. You’re working.’
‘Yeah. Maybe. Maybe I am working. I was feeling great until I went through that door!’
‘Look out!’ said Gabriel. ‘You haven’t got your glasses on but I’m telling you, he’s after us!’
‘What are you worrying about, boy? The fucker’s got no legs!’
‘No, it’s Pat, with the cripple’s crutch!’
‘Oh yeah … right —’ Dad shaded his eyes and leaned into the window. ‘I can see now! That’s his yellow teeth all right!’
Gabriel ran across the road, with his father jogging and cursing behind.
At the bus stop Gabriel said, ‘I want you to ask Jake Ambler if he knows anyone who’ll let me have a cheap 16mm camera.’
‘Jesus, I’m not sure about that. You know I don’t like to seem more grasping than I am naturally. You’ll get me fired!’
‘He might be pleased to help us.’
‘I’ll see,’ said Dad. ‘I don’t even know if I’m going to get to this dinner without being carried in on a stretcher.’
‘You will go,’ said Gabriel. ‘And it would really help me out if you spoke to Jake. After all, if it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be teaching at all.’
‘Thank you for pointing that out, Angel. But who will I take to the ball?’
‘What am I — your pimp? Don’t you meet any girls?’
‘You might laugh at your old and knackered dad, but actually, one of my pupils’ mothers has been taking an unprovoked interest in me. Whenever I go round there she’s about to take a bath. She’s rich, too. But that’s premature.’
The bus drew up beside them and Dad got on.
‘I’ll think about it,’ said Gabriel. ‘I reckon I’ve got a good idea!’
‘Who?’
‘Wait and see!’
Because he felt like it, Gabriel stood there waving until the bus had turned the corner.
Dad had gone, but to get home Gabriel had to pass the pub, unless he went over the road, which would be humiliating. Crossing the pub window he could easily have ducked down but he didn’t want to. When he went past, Pat caught his eye. Pat came to the door and Gabriel didn’t flee but stood there.
‘Yeah?’ said Gabriel, trembling.
‘You’re not him,’ said Pat. ‘He’s a bad, bad one. Borrowed money and won’t pay it back. Make sure you don’t turn out that way.’
‘Rather him than you, mate.’
Pat was shaking his head. ‘Later,’ he said.
‘Fuck you, loser!’ said Gabriel. Pat raised his hand. Gabriel forced himself to laugh.
Hannah was waiting at the door.
‘Welcome home, Master Gabriel.’
‘Thank you Hannah.’ He was pleased to see her.
‘Your breath is out.’
‘Too right. Prepare the sofa please and don’t forget to plump the cushions. Certain circumstances have exhausted me. I need to reconvene my energies.’
‘Sorry your thoughts are interrupted, but Mr Speedy’s on the phone for you.’
‘Now?’
‘That’s right.’
‘Thank you, Hannah. I’ll take the call in private.’
‘I’ll prepare your tea, Master Gabriel. Same as yesterday?’
‘Don’t forget the marmalade, Hannah.’
‘No, Master Gabriel. Marmalade coming up! Will you be having that with the cream?’
‘Chill on the cream, Hannah — for now.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Hello, Mr Speedy.’ said Gabriel into the telephone. ‘What can I do for you?’
‘Good afternoon, Gabriel.’ said Speedy. ‘Sorry for the delay. How was school?’
‘No worse than normal.’
‘Can you talk? Are you prepared?’
‘Yes, sir!’
‘So am I, baby. Now, listen. This is what we’ll do. This is how it’s going to be …’
Chapter Fourteen
It would take her a long time to get ready. He would help.
He knew it was an important occasion because she was playing ‘Ride a White Swan’. In the morning Mum had taken her Ossie Clark dress — the one Clark made for her in the seventies, when she worked for him — out of her wardrobe and hung it from the curtain rail, where they both stood and admired it. The day was designed to get her into this dress, which was now a little tight at the waist. She kept patting her stomach, or ‘pouch’ as she called it. Nevertheless, the party had started at that moment.