There’s a thunder storm late afternoon.

They meet by chance at eight.

She arrives at the pub in company.

He thanks the heavens for fate.

He’s sat at a table when he sees her.

She’s with a guy and another couple.

Suddenly his lager tastes bitter.

Perhaps he should order a double?

 

Still, she moves just like an angel.

He’s heavy hearted and forlorn.

The smartly dressed creep good looking,

But then he sees her stifle a yawn.

All at once she sees him there,

And her face becomes alive.

With a nonchalant apology to friends,

She hurries to be at his side.

 

“Grant, you look different, what is it?”

He grins.  “I bought a new shirt, you see.

I sold my painting just in time

Before the sky started leaking on me.

I’m staying upstairs so I freshened up.

Am I now not such a scruffy git?”

She stares.  “You sold your beautiful painting?

How could you bear to part with it?”

 

“It’s my living, Angel,” he explains with a smile.

“But I’d have bought it if I’d known!”

“I couldn’t take your money, I’ll paint

You another,” he says in a softer tone.

His meal is brought to the table.

“Jellie, come and order!” calls her friend.

She groans.  “Look at who they set me up with!

They all must be round the bend!”

 

He feels gratified yet curious

So wonders what’s wrong with her date.

She says he’s stuffy, and the

Brother-in-law of her best mate.

“It will be lovely on the beach tomorrow,”

He says with his own agenda.

Their eyes lock and she understands.

She smiles and says, “Oh, you betcha!”

 

She returns to her friends at their table.

She can’t speak with him any more.

But the amorous glances across the room

Mean they’ll meet tomorrow for sure.

                                                 

(Sequel to "Angel on Horseback", "She Rides Again" and "The Angel and the Beachcomber".)