James Kelman - A Chancer

You just caught a muscle I think. . She peered down at her waist, rubbing it.

I’m really sorry.

The other guests and relatives were returning into the close now and he waited a moment before sticking his hands into his trouser pockets and strolling after her. There were still faces to be seen at the upstairs window, and also at other windows in the tenement building. He walked to stand near Billy and Alec. Julie was speaking to a girl who looked as though she was not one of the actual wedding guests, and there were others — mainly elderly women — who were standing looking on. A boy said to Tammas: Hey mister was there a scramble?

Tammas did not reply. Billy was saying, You going up the stair?

Aye in a minute. . He nodded in the direction of Julie.

O aye. . Billy sniffed. I’m wanting to see you but man, it’s about the factory and that.

Tammas nodded. I’ll be up in a minute.

My da’s getting the forms, if you’re still interested.

Aye. Christ.

I’ll see you when you come up then. . Billy turned and walked after Alec who had already gone into the close.

Eventually Julie came, accompanied by some wee kids who were staring at her dress.

Tammas asked, You going up the stair?

Going up the stair. .?

He shrugged.

Are you no?

Julie frowned.

Eh. .

They’ll be starting the records for dancing.

He nodded, offered her a cigarette.

I dont smoke.

O aye, sorry. He sniffed and went on: Listen Julie I’m sorry and that I mean lifting you like that, hurting you, it was really stupid — I didnt mean it I mean Christ, if I hurt you. He shook his head.

Dont be daft, you just caught a muscle.

Naw but. .

It’s alright. She smiled. They’ll be expecting us up the stair.

Aye. . He took out his matches, struck one and waited a moment before taking a light; he blew out smoke.

Julie moved slightly in the direction of the close. The kids were still there and a couple were standing in front of her. She scowled at them: Away yous go and stop being so nosey!

But they continued to stand there, giggling, until Tammas suddenly leapt at them making them jump and they shrieked laughter and rushed along to the next close.

Julie was staring in the opposite direction. I was looking forward to the dancing. . I was, I was looking forward to it.

Were you?

Yes. She made a shivering sound.

Fair enough. . They stared at each other for a brief period, both looking away at the same time.

Betty thingwi’s got a face down to the floor.

What d’you say?

Julie was gazing back down the street as she replied, She’s got a face down to the floor.

What d’you mean?

You know fine well.

He shrugged, smiled very slightly. The silence continued for perhaps as much as half a minute. Then he added, I’m not going with her you know.

Mmhh.

I’m no. . He puffed on the cigarette.

She nodded, she was biting on the corner of her lower lip; now she crossed her elbows over her breasts, her hands gripped the sides of her arms, just below the shoulders. She shivered. She said, I think we should go up the stair. Eh, you coming up? It’s really freezing.

He nodded but made no other movement.

Eh Tammas?

What about a pint first? he jerked his thumb in the pub’s direction. No a bad lounge. Fancy going over for a minute?

Tch! I’m no going into a pub like this!

You look fine. Honest I mean. .

Julie paused before saying, You dont go into pubs dressed like this but.

It’s a lounge.

Doesnt matter.

It’s quiet; it’s really quiet.

Julie stared down the street without replying.

Could you no go up and get a coat?

She glanced at the close mouth.

Eh Julie?

I dont know.

Just for a pint, come on, I’ll wait for you.

She turned and said: What did you forget your speech for?

I dont know, I just — I forgot.

Julie shook her head.

Honest.

Tch.

Tammas sighed. He smiled. Come on, come on we’ll go.

I’ll need to change first.

I’ll wait for you here.

She nodded quickly and walked into the close, and kept walking along, to the foot of the staircase, where she glanced back over her shoulder. Tammas pointed to where he was standing inside the entrance and whispered loudly: I’ll just be here.

About ten minutes later the door on the first storey opened and footsteps down, but it was Alec who appeared. He stolled out with his hands in his trouser pockets. She told me to tell you no to wait Tammas. She says you’ve to come up the stair, she’ll see you in the house.

Tammas nodded.

You coming?

Eh I’ll be up in a minute. I’ve got a splitting head. Hey, fancy a pint?

Alec frowned. Whereabouts?

Across the road.

Aw naw man they’re too strict in there they’ll no serve me.

You sure?

Aye, fucking, they’re really strict man.

Aw.

A moment later Alec shrugged. Anyway, they’re about to stick the records on. All the Scottish stuff first but they’ll be dancing after that.

Tammas nodded.

It’ll be a good laugh.

Aye. I’ll just have a quick pint.

You’ll come up but?

Aye, course.

Okay. Billy was wondering where you were as well.

I’ll just be a minute tell him.

Okay.

Tammas turned immediately, left the close, crossing in the direction of the pub, but he carried on walking beyond it. A taxi had pulled to a stop at the traffic lights; he rushed up to it and climbed in. The driver was waiting for him to speak. Sorry, he said, Shawfield, Shawfield jimmy.

•••

There had been a slight flurry of snow when they boarded the bus and now, as they alighted, it was coming down quite thickly and beginning to lie. He stepped from the platform first, turning to give Vi his hand; she was holding the wee girl. Along the pavement they walked carefully, the stonework slippery in places. At the close before the corner of her street Vi paused, sheltering while opening her handbag, taking a £5 note from the purse inside. Get us a couple of fish suppers from the chip shop, she said, it’ll save me having to cook.

Sure?

Vi grinned: I’ll race you as well. I bet you ten pence I’ve got Kirsty down before you get back!

Ha ha!

I bet you! she cried, and was already out the close and walking in a hurry.

Watch you dont fall!

But Vi continued on without glancing back the way and Tammas laughed and started running over the road towards the chip shop.

By the time he arrived up the stairs Kirsty was in her pyjamas and sitting up in the cot with a picture book on her lap, eating a digestive biscuit. Vi had set out two mugs and was pouring the tea. Her back was to him but she could be heard chuckling. On top of the table were the salt, the vinegar and the tomato sauce, a teaplate of margarined bread.

That bloody queue, he said.

Ha ha.

Naw but no kidding it was right out onto the pavement.

Tch! He cant even admit he’s lost!

Naw but no kidding! Tammas stepped quietly to her and kissed her on the side of the face. He placed the parcel of food on the table, and the change from the £5 on the mantelpiece.

I hope my ten pence is there as well you!

Tell you what, a double or clear.

A double or clear?

Aye, plus the dishes. Whoever eats their grub first wins.

You kidding! A gannet like you! Think I’m daft?

Naw but a fair bet.

A fair bet! some hopes!

He laughed then he rubbed his hands briskly. Christ Vi I’m starving!

You’re always starving — it was the same in the pictures that time; after refusing my mince I had to sit all night listening to your stomach rumble! All through the bloody film as well!

Rubbish, that was yours!