You Didnt Believe Me
Two days later, Veronica rang. Her voice sounded worried, almost trembling.
Lucy, I told you ages ago your Tom is a bit suspicious. But you wouldnt have it, would you? Well, now Ive got proof!
What proof? I asked, a shiver running down my back.
What could she possibly have found out about my boyfriend?
****
The old saying, More haste, less speed, isnt far wrong. Id heard it often enough in my twenty-six years, tried to keep it at the back of my mindjust in case.
But that awful evening, I truly had no choice. Laden with two heavy carrier bags, I stepped out of Sainsburys and saw my bus waiting at the stop, doors wide open.
I ran.
Wait for me! I called to the driver, who was busy chatting away on the phone and of course, didnt hear me.
And thenthe most unforeseen disaster. My heel snapped clean off, my ankle twisted, then I was down on the pavement, new tights torn at the knee.
Some groceries scattered across the pavement in a now predictable, if somewhat humiliating, fashion.
Just then, the bus pulled away, pointedly slow and unfazed, as tears stung my eyes.
How could I have been so clumsy?
The old saying about not rushing popped into my head, almost forcing a grudging smile out of me. Sometimes, folk wisdom really is right.
Thats enough adventures for today, I decided. Ill just get a taxi home. If I can even stand up… I winced, trying.
Suddenly, a mans silhouette loomed beside me. His face was a blur, but his voicegentle, friendlymade me shiver.
In a bit of a hurry, were you? Are you alright? Here, let me help.
Chasing the bus, I admitted with a sigh, offering my hand while I looked away, embarrassed.
He helped me up, then knelt to gather my fallen shopping.
Thank you so much, I said, thinking he had remarkably kind eyes. I reached for my bags, but he only gave me a small smile and held on to them.
Tell you what, he said, why dont I give you a lift home?
Me? That wont be necessaryIll just call for a cab, honestly.
No need! Im a cabbie myself. Please, let me.
Normally, I wouldve hesitated. But right then, I just wanted to get home, and something about him felt genuinely trustworthy.
On the drive, the taxi driver (who introduced himself as Tom) tried his best to cheer me up with stories about his clients.
One time, a lady even complained because I got her there too quickly!
How does that work? I said, hiding a smile.
She had a hair appointment at nine, booked the taxi for eight to allow time for the rush hour trafficbut I took the back roads and got her there in half the time. She rang the office: Now what am I supposed to do for thirty minutes?
Only in England, I said, shaking my head.
Here we are, Lucy. This is your building, right? Sixth floor, was it?
I hesitated.
Oh, you dont need to carry my shopping, Im sure Ill manage
No trouble at all, he replied, calm and steady. And I wont even charge you for the fare.
That’s unnecessary, I said, placing a crumpled tenner on the front seat. But when Tom turned away, he quietly tucked the note into one of the bags.
He helped me all the way to my door.
Thank you again, Tom.
Any time. Need a lift to work tomorrow?
What, are you applying to be my private chauffeur? I joked.
Why not? he laughed.
So thats how we met. Every morning, Tom drove me to work, every evening, he brought me home. And every time, he flatly refused payment.
Do you drive everyone around for free or am I especially lucky? I once teased.
Were on first names now, Lucy, remember? he replied.
Sorry! I keep forgetting. Just not used to it yet. So, about the money?
Just for you he grinned.
A chance meeting turned into daily café dates and strolls by the Thames. I genuinely liked him.
Who knew there were proper gentlemen working as London cabbies?
After about a month, I introduced Tom to my best friend. I really wanted Veronicas opinion.
Theres something off about him, she said as soon as we were alone.
What do you mean? He seems nice. Polite, doesnt smoke, good-looking…
Thats exactly it, Lucy. In all my years using taxis, Ive never met one quite like your Tom. Hes almosttoo nice, like he doesnt belong.
What are you suggesting?
I think hes not what he says he is. Might even be a con-artist.
Con-artists want money. Tom never takes a penny from me.
Which makes it even weirder. What kind of cabbie drives for free? Normally, theyre skint as anything, and heres your Tom playing Santa Claus. If you ask me, hes up to something.
Her words unsettled me. I didnt fully agree, but
…she had a point.
Tom had come out of nowhere, almost too good to be truelike Prince Charming at my own bus stop. Maybe he just was?
I decided to keep seeing Tom, but not to rush into things. Not until I properly understood him.
***
The next evening, Tom noticed I was quiet.
You alright? Something at work?
No, its not that. Its my friend Veronicayou met her. Shes been volunteering at the animal shelter, and no ones been coming by to adopt lately. Sometimes, three or four days with no visitors, Lucy. So the poor things are stuck there, especially the kittens. There was this little tabby from Kings Cross, starvingand a ginger one, poor thing, brought in from outside the registry office with an injured paw. Weve even paid for adverts ourselves, but it never helps. Id take two myself, but my landlady wont allow it.
I told Tom the whole storyevery lost kitten, every sad fate.
Theres only so much room in the shelter I finished, wiping my eyes. It breaks your heart.
It really does, Tom agreed. Wheres the shelter, if you dont mind me asking?
On the edge of town, hardly anyone ever goes. Out of the way.
The next day, Veronica called me, excitement in her voice.
Lucy, you wont believe who just came to the shelter!
Dont tell me the Prime Minister.
Your new man, Tom! And do you know what he did?
No
He adopted a kitten! Said he wanted to help. Was it you who told him how desperate we were?
It was. And Im delighted! Which kitten did he taketabby, black, or ginger?
The tabby. But frankly, Lucy, I dont trust him.
Oh, come off it, Veronica. Perhaps you dont like him but even you cant deny he did a good thing!
Im not sure we know if its a good thing yet
Dont be ridiculous. He took in a homeless kitten! Thats one less soul suffering.
She wanted to say more, but someone called her away.
That evening, Tom and I walked through the park while I waited for him to admit what hed done. But he said nothing.
Tom why didnt you tell me about visiting the shelter and adopting a kitten?
Veronica told you, did she?
Of course! Did you really think it wouldnt get back to me? Honestly, I just wanted to thank you. That was decent of you.
I didnt need a medal for it, he replied. I did it because it felt right, not to be patted on the back.
I know
Gradually, it became obvious Tom was a genuinely good man, and my frustration with Veronica grew. Was she just jealous? No, Veronica could be fierce, but shed never begrudge my happiness.
She just wasnt like that.
****
Two days later, Veronica phoned again. This time, her voice quivered on the edge of tears.
Lucy, your Tom is definitely up to something. I have proof now!
What do you mean? My insides clenched.
He came back to the shelter yesterday. And the day before.
Why? Is he bringing the kitten back?
No. Hes taken two more.
I dont see the issue, Veronica. Plenty of people have three cats these days.
Cant you see how odd that is? Hes a single taxi driverhow would he have time for three kittens? If he was a family man, maybebut Lucy, you know hes not.
Maybe he just wanted to help.
So why take them one at a time, on different days, from different volunteers?
I had no answer.
Ill ask him, I said, hanging up. I hoped Tom would be able to explain
****
Tom, why havent you ever invited me round to yours? Youve seen where I live
Some other day, I promise, just havent tidied up
I see. So hows the kitten? Does he have a name yet?
Hes fine. Oh, names can wait, Tom replied with a forced smile.
For the first time, I doubted him. Something didnt ring truehed always been honest, but now? No name for the kitten, nothing about the other twoI felt uneasy.
Could Veronica be right? Why would Tom really want all those kittens?
I confided in Veronica.
I told you, Lucy, somethings off. If it had been my shift, Id have asked him outright why he needed so many. But he visited at different times, spoke to different staffHe planned it. And you told him enough to do it!
I still cant believe hed do anything bad. Hes kind
How do you know? He never invited you in, did he? Do you know why?
Go on.
Because there arent any kittens, Lucy. And he knows youd notice straightaway.
Heavens! Do you think so?
I cant think of any other explanation. Weve handed those kittens to someone who might bewell, you know.
But why would anyone go to the bother of getting kittens from the shelter? Isnt it easier just to pick them up on the street?
I dont know, Lucy. Maybe we should call the police.
Orwhat if we set a trap?
Youve got a plan?
I do.
****
For the next few days, Veronica and I took turns at the shelter, waiting for Tom to return. If our suspicion was right, he would show up.
Meanwhile, I told Tom I was away for worka necessary part of the plan, and honestly I didnt want to see him, not knowing what to believe.
Lucy, hes here, Veronica whispered through the phone. Hes picking out another kitten, all smiles!
So its true after all How could I have misjudged him so badly? Did he see you?
No. Im hidden away.
Alright, well do as planned. Its time to get to the bottom of this.
****
When Tom left the shelter, we tailed him in Veronicas little Ford, winding through the city for hours. Odd, I thought, that the kitten stayed with him the entire time.
He finally pulled up in a quiet block of flats on the outskirts. A sixty-something woman whod obviously been in the taxi stepped out. Tom chatted with her for a moment, and handed over the kitten.
I cant take this anymore, I said. I have to know.
I marched over.
Lucy! What are you doing here? Werent you meant to be out of town? Tom looked shocked.
I got back early, I said, forcing myself to be stern. Care to explain whats going on with the kittens?
Sorry?
Dont play dumb. What do you want with all these kittens from the shelter? Dont tell me theyre at yoursI know you dont have any, I lied. Honestly, the thought never crossed my mind that you might be so cruel.
Lucy! What are you on about?
The older woman looked between us, uneasy, then shuffled indoors.
This is ridiculous, Tom muttered, a deflated kitten nestled in his arms.
Just tell me: why the kittens?
Alright, Ill be honest. I havent been keeping them. Ive been finding good homes for them. You said yourselfhardly anyone visits the shelter. I wanted to help. So I offered them to people who seemed genuine.
You gave kittens to your passengers?
Yes. But not to just anyoneto people I felt would really care for them. I know people, Lucy.
At that moment, Veronica joined us.
Why are you even talking to him? Hes probably spinning you another tale
Please, Veronica, I said.
Look, Tom smiled, theres a café just up the road. Shall we get a coffee, and Ill tell you the lot? No more secrets.
Slightly taken aback, we agreed.
Tom explained everything.
My brothers a cabbie, but he broke his leg badly a month ago. He asked me to fill in for himif black cab drivers dont keep up their hours, their ranking falls, and they lose income. So I helped out. But thats actually not my main jobI own the pet shop in town.
You what? I was gobsmacked.
Thats why I knew a lot about the animals, he laughed. I just wanted to help.
And you found all the kittens new homes? Veronica asked sceptically.
I did. Not all at onceit had to be one at a time, people needed to connect with them. I even gave some discounts for supplies at the shop!
There was a stunned silence.
So, it turns out Tom wasnt just not who he appeared, I said, shooting Veronica a look. Hes not just a cabbie, after alla pet shop owner!
Which is why I was suspicious, Veronica admitted. But at least we know youre genuine.
Id be happy to help the shelter regularly now I know, Tom added.
Thatd be fantastic. Food is always better than cash.
So, what about the kitten that didnt find a home today? I asked.
Ill take him home myself. No way Im sending him back.
And will you finally invite me to yours? Or are you still untidy?
Its as neat as a pin. Youre welcome any time.
That evening, I finally saw Toms placeand indeed, he was raising two cats himself. A truly kind soul, incapable of hurting an animal. And now his little family included an extra tabbystill wary of the elders, but Tom assured me theyd soon settle.
I believed him.
*
A few weeks later, I moved in with Tom. We truly became a big, happy family.
Maisiethe white and ginger kittensoon won over the older cats. These days, she chases them around so much, sometimes theyre the ones that need rescuing.
Toms brother Paul healed up and went back to work, and on his days off, Tom and I would borrow his cab, collect another kitten from the shelter (with Veronicas blessing), and find the little one a family.
Every time. The same day.
Because every cat needs someone, and, unbeknownst to them, theres always someone who needs a cat.
