White Tulips & Wedding Cake

by Jonathan Solomon

  Iris walked slowly back to the dining table.

  “I just had the strangest phone call,” she said.

  “Was it about work?” asked Ollie.

  “No.”

  “Well that’s good news!” said Ollie in a happy tone.

  “That call was from a lawyer, actually. A lawyer managing my uncle Jack’s estate.”

  “The one who passed away in Paris?”

  “Yes. The lawyer, Sakura, is her name, wants to meet me today in the CBD,” said Iris as a burst of cacophonic sounds came from the phone in her hand.

  “That will be the address of the law firm’s office,” Iris said as she looked down at the phone’s screen. “She said she could meet us at 2 pm. And you’re coming with me.”

  “I’m your support person now am I?” said Ollie.

  “Ollie, you know how I hate surprises. I hate news coming out of the blue.”

  “Of course you don’t like surprises,” said Ollie.

  “We’ll need to look our best. You’ll need to wear your suit,” said Iris looking up at Ollie.

  “My suit?”

  “Yes. Who knows what this meeting could mean,” said Iris.

  “Okay, but have your pancakes first,” Ollie prompted.

  “I probably should eat if I have an unusual day ahead,” said Iris. She picked up her fork with trepidation and started to eat.

  Chapter 3

  Saturday, 7 April – 1:45 pm

  Iris and Ollie were sitting in a colourfully-graffitied and dirty train carriage rattling towards Town Hall station. They were the best-dressed people in the carriage. Ollie was wearing a black business suit with a crisp white shirt and thin black tie. Iris was wearing a dress that had not been worn in public for over ten years. It was a long-sleeved black velvet dress that had a low cut neckline, which Iris only discovered as she used her public transport card to enter Penrith train station. People had been looking at her and when she looked down to her ample cleavage on show, she now knew why.

  “We’re looking glamorous aren’t we?” said Ollie.

  “I should have worn a blouse underneath,” said Iris with a frown. “At least my scarf sort of covers me.”

  “Relax! You look really nice,” complimented Ollie.

  “Next stop, Town Hall,” the train’s automated voice service stated.

  “This is where we get off,” said Iris as she got to her feet, which were getting used to the sensation of being in high heels.

  Ollie got up to stand and they both made their way to exit the carriage, along with the tourists, bored teenagers, and grandparents babysitting their grandchildren.

  Iris and Ollie walked up the Town Hall station stairs and walked over to Park Street and headed towards Elizabeth Street to the building where the law firm was located.

  “This is the building,” said Iris said as they walked into the foyer of a skyscraper.

  “Luxury!” said Ollie in awe.

  “I’ll just text Sakura that we’re here,” said Iris as she located her phone in her handbag.

  “Excuse me, are you Iris Windmill?” asked a Japanese woman as she approached Iris and Ollie. She was in her late thirties. She wore silver-framed spectacles, a charcoal-grey business suit and pointed high heels. She was also carrying a leather folder.

  “Yes, I’m Iris, and you must be Sakura.”

  “Yes, that’s me,” said Sakura. She gave a slight bow and put her hand out for a handshake and Iris shook Sakura’s hand. Sakura turned her attention to the young man standing next to Iris.

  “This is my son, Oleander,” introduced Iris.

  “Everyone calls me Ollie,” said Ollie as he shook hands with Sakura.

  “Nice to meet you, Ollie,” Sakura said. “Well, I’ve organised a taxi to take us to our destination.”

  “Our destination?” asked Iris. “Why? Where are we going?”

  “Yes, I will explain everything once we arrive at the required destination. There’s our taxi,” said Sakura as she pointed outside the foyer’s huge windows.

  The trio walked out of the marble foyer, onto the pavement on Park Street and into the waiting taxi.

  “So, where are we going?” asked Iris as she clipped in her seatbelt.

  “Paddington, towards Centennial Park,” informed Sakura.

  “Oh, that’s a posh area,” stated Iris. “And it’s right next door to Darlinghurst.” Iris good-naturedly nudged Ollie.

  “Yeah,” Ollie said with hesitation. The taxi was now moving onto Oxford Street and already a flood of memories were rushing back into Ollie’s consciousness. There were strobe lights, thumping bass music, beautiful drag queens, the friendly show host Victoria, and sweaty dancing bodies. He diverted his eyes away from the passenger window and looked down at his shoes.

  Iris was looking out the window as the shops and the general public zoomed by. There was a whole array of different stores including restaurants, fashion and wig stores, travel agencies, bookshops and bars. However, it was clear to Iris that there were a lot of vacant stores, with “For Lease” signs plastered over shopfront windows.

  The taxi passed Taylor Square and continued up to Victoria Barracks.

  “So, we must be in Paddington now,” Iris said as the taxi stopped at a set of traffic lights near the library.

  “Yes, that’s correct. We are almost at our destination,” said Sakura.

  The taxi drove for an extra minute after passing the Reservoir Gardens before coming to a complete stop, across the road from a primary school. Sakura pointed to the taxi driver to stop at a certain section ahead. The taxi slowed down before coming to a complete stop.

  “Enjoy your day,” said the taxi driver with a Lancashire accent.

  “You too,” said Iris. She and Ollie exited the taxi whilst Sakura arranged payment of the taxi.

  “This is like being on a treasure hunt,” said Ollie.

  “I know! Today’s been a very bizarre day, so far,” said Iris as she placed a loose curly hair behind her ear.

  Sakura waved off the taxi and walked up to Iris and Ollie. She opened up her leather folder.

  “I’m just getting the keys,” said Sakura as she started walking towards the more exclusive pocket of the suburb.

  “The keys for what?” said Iris in surprise. Is it for lockable furniture? Is it for a car? Or even for a house? thought Iris.

  “You’ll find out very soon!” said Sakura as she walked to her intended location.

  Iris and Ollie walked behind Sakura, passing an aquarium store, an antique store and a beauty parlour until Sakura stopped abruptly in front of a vacant art deco commercial building with a raised step. There were two sets of doors in the middle and there were large curved and dusty windows, covered with newspapers. Sakura looked closely at the collection of keys before she found the appropriate key and opened the door into the left vacant store space. They all walked in and were met with a musty smell of sawdust, disuse and emptiness. Walking over to the switch, Sakura turned the lights on, which blinked intermittently into life, and then walked back to lock the store’s front door behind them.

  Iris reached for Ollie’s arm and held on tightly, becoming very nervous. There were high ceilings with beautiful ornate detailing and cornices. She could see a set of stairs going upwards at the back of the store.

  “Now we can get down to business. I’m so sorry for keeping you in suspense! So, the news I have been authorised to tell you is that your deceased uncle, Jack Gardner, owned this commercial building, which contains two store spaces and an upstairs living area. We are standing in the left-side store area and there is also the identical right-side store space next door. Iris, you have been named the sole beneficiary of this building!” Sakura announced.

  Iris became speechless. Ollie looked thrilled at the news.

  “Are you serious?” said Iris when she finally found her voice. “You’re telling me that this building now belongs to me?”

  “Yes, that’s correct. This building was built in
1935 and leased out to various businesses. Currently, both spaces have been vacant for around ten years. This particular space used to be a butcher shop, whereas next door used to be a restaurant. The space we are standing in also has a cold room. And the space next door has an industrial kitchen. Of course, it’s up to you if you want to keep this building to rent it out to businesses or even sell if you wish. Of course, you don’t have to make any decisions right now,” said Sakura.

  “But how did Jack obtain this building?” Iris wondered out loud.

  “According to property data Jack settled the purchase of this building in 1973 for $75,000. I can tell you with full confidence that this building’s value has soared considerably since 1973,” assured Sakura.

  Iris was speechless again, still clinging onto Ollie’s arms. Ollie was looking amused at the news.

  “Would you like me to give you a full tour of both spaces?” asked Sakura. Iris nodded her head.

  “As you can see, each store has quite a large glass storefront to allow exhibition of sale items. Although the street is not what it once was, there is a lot of potential here for the right business,” said Sakura.

  Sakura guided Iris and Ollie to the back area where a separate cold room was viewed, as well as a small bathroom. Iris and Ollie were taken up a few creaking steps to the top level to see the large open space, which had walled-off areas for a kitchen and a bathroom. Private access was only available through the left-hand store.

  A tour was then given of the former restaurant space. The industrial kitchen was out in the open so you could see it from outside the window, and as soon as you walked inside.

  “That’s the tour of both these store spaces,” said Sakura in the industrial kitchen.

  “I’m so overwhelmed, Sakura,” said Iris.

  “But that’s not all,” said Sakura.

  “What?” said Iris in confusion.

  “In addition to this building, Jack also left $500,000 to you,” announced Sakura.

  “This is insane!” Iris said and started walking around in small circles. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

  Iris was now shaking and Ollie took her hand as they followed Sakura out of the former restaurant space and onto the pavement.

  “After you’ve had some thought, let me know your decision about what you would like to do with this building. If you would like to retain it, I can brief you on the running costs and documents that need to be signed. With probate already granted and no contests, this estate is ready for handover,” said Sakura. “I will ask you to return with me to my office so I can verify your identity and obtain your bank account details to make the bank transfer.”

  “Yes, I’ve brought all my documentation,” Iris said pointing to her handbag. “But how did my uncle get $75,000 in 1973? Mum said they grew up in a very modest home.”

  “I’m not sure I have that information. What I can tell you though is that the building was held solely in Jack Gardner’s name,” said Sakura.

  “But then my uncle left Australia in that same year - 1973,” said Iris. “In any event, that’s for me to find out. My homework, if you like.”

  Sakura smiled as she locked up the restaurant space and started calling on her mobile to book a taxi back to her office. Behind Sakura, Iris and Ollie smiled.

  Chapter 4

  Saturday, 7 April – 3:15 pm

  “I’m sure it’s not as bad as you’re making it out to be,” said Heath as he and Anthony were walking along Hickson Road towards a café near the Roslyn Packer Theatre in Walsh Bay. Heath and Anthony had stopped by the piers to look out at the sparkling water in Sydney Harbour. They were a couple in their forties and had dark brown hair and beards. They were on a special mission today.

  “You’ve never met her,” said Anthony with a worried expression as he touched his brown beard. “Why did I even think this was a good idea in the first place?”

  “Because, I’m about to become part of your family, Anthony? Remember?” teased Heath.

  “You shouldn’t have proposed to me,” said Anthony.

  “You shouldn’t have said yes,” said Heath.

  Their faces broke out in smiles and they held hands in appreciation of each other. Yet, the happy expression did not last for long on Anthony’s face.

  “Heath, I’m worried that you meeting my mother might scare you away,” said Anthony.

  “Anthony, I love you so much. Nothing will change my mind. Not even your mother. Although, I think you’re exaggerating about her personality. Anyway, it’s over a cup of coffee. A harmless cup of coffee,” said Heath. “Let’s enjoy this special moment ourselves.”

  A ferry honked its way across Sydney Harbour. A gaggle of teenage girls wearing oversized jumpers and ballet tights giggled past Anthony and Heath as they left their dance classes. Shirtless joggers were making their way through the piers. Power-walking couples were out and about with their dogs.

  Anthony and Heath resumed walking towards the café that Anthony had chosen to introduce his fiancé to his mother for the first time. They walked past theatres, art installations, Italian bars, and under walkways. They finally came across the café, Smell the Coffee.

  A beautiful Thai girl wearing a starched white shirt and black apron smiled at Anthony and Heath as they arrived.

  “We have a reservation for Anthony. A table for three, please,” said Anthony.

  “Sure, please come this way,” said the waitress leading Anthony and Heath to sit at the front of the café.

  “Thank you,” said Heath as they both sat down. They had a good view of the people walking by as well as the cars travelling slowly along Hickson Road.

  Anthony was starting to take deep breaths and was pressing his hands against the sides of his dark blue denim jeans.

  “Anthony, stop hyperventilating,” said Heath slapping his hand on Anthony’s thigh. “It’ll all be fine. No matter what your mum says, I’ll stand by you. That’s right. I’m going to stand by my man.”

  “That’s her,” said Anthony as he nodded his head towards the other side of Hickson Road.

  “Where?” asked Heath.

  A red Audi had reversed parked into an available parking spot. Out of the driver’s door stepped a dignified, elegant and tall woman in her mid-70s. She wore a striped black and white tweed pantsuit. She was wearing large bug-eyed sunglasses and her white hair was pulled back tightly into a ponytail. The woman looked to both sides and when it was safe to do so, crossed the road towards the café.

  Anthony stood up in anticipation and the woman stopped as she arrived, and stared at Anthony before glancing at Heath.

  “Hi Anthony,” said Camille. “I thought I was having a drink with you. Alone. Who’s this?”

  “This is, uh, Heath,” said Anthony as Heath stepped forward to give Camille a kiss on the cheek.

  “What on earth are you doing?” said Camille as she stepped back to escape Heath’s warmth.

  “I just wanted to say it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I’m Heath. I’ve heard so much about you,” said Heath.

  “Anthony, can you explain what’s going on here?” said Camille as she took off her sunglasses to reveal very steely grey-blue eyes.

  The waitress had come back to the table and had menus in her hand.

  “Mum, please! Can we all sit? Uh, thank you,” said Anthony as he took the menus and sat down at the table and Heath followed suit. Camille weighed up her options and seemingly decided to sit down.

  “I’ll let you guys settle in,” said the waitress. “Would you like some water?”

  “Yes, please,” said Heath in a friendly tone. The waitress nodded and left to get a carafe of water and several glasses.

  “Mum, I know I haven’t really said much about what’s been happening in my life recently,” said Anthony while Camille was perusing the menu, not making any eye contact with Anthony or Heath. “Mum, I’m getting married. To a man.”

  Anthony had successfully obtained Camille’s full
and undivided attention.

  “What? To whom? A man?” asked Camille incredulously.

  “To me,” said Heath as he put up his hand in pride.

  The waitress came back with the water and the glasses.

  “Are you all ready to…” the waitress faltered as she sensed she had interrupted a pivotal part of the conversation. “I can come back.”

  “No, it’s okay. I’ll have a cappuccino, please,” said Anthony.

  “I’ll have a hot chocolate with marshmallows and two sugars,” said Heath

  “Mum, what are you having?” urged Anthony. Camille stayed silent.

  “Mum will have an iced chocolate, won’t you? I know you love chocolate,” said Anthony through gritted teeth. The waitress scribbled the orders down and collected the menus and was relieved to leave the trio alone. She was sensing a lot of negative energy emanating from their table. Heath began to pour water into the glasses.

  “So, that’s why you asked me to see you here. You had an announcement to make. You didn’t want to spend time with me for the sake of spending time with your mother,” said Camille quietly.

  “May I call you Camille?” asked Heath. “Camille, I know that Anthony is important to you and I will do my best to make sure he is looked after.”

  “I wasn’t talking to you,” said Camille to Heath.

  “Mum, I know I’ve stuffed up badly in my life, but Heath is the one, as corny as that sounds. We are so attuned to each other. I wanted to share the happy news with you,” said Anthony.

  “Is that why you chose a café in public to give me the news? So I wouldn’t make a scene?” asked Camille as she looked around at the busy café populated by fit retirees, young families, and tourists.