City Road: Too Cheap to resist.

There was always going to be a catch.

We spoke last week about buying the shop on City Road, So I will continue where I left off.

When I saw the price of the building on City Road, I was more than surprised at the asking price. It was easy to get a loan from the bank to buy it… It was in good order and worth so much more than its cost. Sarah sorted it out with the bank, and as we moved some of the old furniture into the place, it became clear that we hadn’t just bought a shop; we’d agreed to house a couple of pests on less rent than a couple of pints in the pub… and without any legal recourse for kicking them out. They were in that shop until they wanted to go… No ifs and no buts. While they wanted to be here, they stayed… that’s why the place was so cheap.

When the missus, Sarah and I first met them, my Grandson was only ten and spent most of his time with us because he went through the troublesome two’s for about eight years, pushing boundaries for fun, and we seemed to be the only people he’d take notice of. When we discovered what these two had been up to, Sarah was horrified… We wanted them out… In the past, they’d both been living off immoral earnings, if you know what I mean. Connie always seems to have her blouse a bit undone, and it’s not the sort of thing you want for a young lad growing up, is it? She was very popular, though… Handy around the shop… and well… probably good for business. But Norah, her mother? The old bat’s one on her own, very friendly with the local scrap man Dougie Glenn and his twin boys… a bit rough and ready? But they always make themselves useful around the shop when we’re out collecting stuff for the shop with the hand cart.

None of this went well with Sarah and me at first, but we got used to them as time passed and, in truth, they’re genuine and wouldn’t harm a fly, so as the years have gone by, I quite like the idea of them being around. I didn’t like Glenn initially, but he’s okay as well, and since I retired, we often play bowls at the park and have a pint or two at the Bridge Inn. One thing’s for sure; There’s never a dull moment. If the old bat isn’t dreaming up schemes to separate innocent folk from their money, Connie’ll be flouncing around half-naked. My Grandson, Eric and his mate are sixteen now and already more familiar with Connie’s cleavage than they are with the ‘Barracks’ park, even though they play footy there every night.

Anyway, I won’t make this drawn out, So I’ll see you next week with more chatter. Have a Great week.

Percy.