TT31 - An Upset in the Deli

“And a large tub of green olives.” Glandice comes to the end of her shopping list. “
"Stuffed or unstuffed?” says Jason, with a facial expression that makes his chin ruckle up like a peach stone beneath his lower lip.
Glandice gives a big, fleshy laugh. “Oh definitely stuffed.”
Jason fills a polystyrene tub. “So - you having a bit of a soirée?” The peach stone disappears and the neck tendons take over.
“Just a couple of friends over for supper.” Glandice says, but she is slightly distracted by a tweed elbow that is agitating in her peripheral vision. She turns.

“Oh hello Eric.” She smiles warmly. She is aware of Eric's keen interest in the festival and he is rather on her guilt list.
“Ah, Glandice. How are you? How are you?” Professor Briding says, clutching the handle of a willow shopping basket awkwardly with one hand, and waving a jar of capers around with the other.
“I’m good, thank you, Eric. Although”, she rolls her eyes upwards, “horribly busy as usual.”
“Ah yes, of course. How are the festival plans coming along?”
“Oh lord, I haven’t even had time to think about that, I’m so busy with recitals right now.”
“Ah, I see, I see.” The reply subdues Eric somewhat and he is able to finish placing the capers into his basket.
“Although actually, I’m glad you've mentioned it. There’s something I want to ask you.”
“Of course. Fire away! Fire Away!”

Glandice pays Jason and guides Eric over to the chutneys. “You’re pretty involved with the local Am Dram scene, I gather.”
“I am indeed. President of TADS no less!” He laughs self-consciously.
“Oh, well that’s just great! Because I’ve been thinking…” she drops her head to one side thoughtfully, “it would be really terrific if you guys could dress up in Tudor costumes and hand out the programmes.”
Eric blinks as though Glandice has just tapped him on the nose quite hard. He would like to say ‘my book on membrane proteins has been translated into 17 languages’, Instead, he adopts an air of wry bafflement and says “Well, I’ll certainly put it to the committee…”
Glandice is impervious. “Well, that would be just terrific.” She says enthusiastically. “We really want local people to feel involved.” She looks at her watch. “Oh, Good Lord, I have to dash! Great to see you though, Eric.”
“Well, yes, you too Glandice.”

Eric maintains his expression of quizzical amusement until Glandice has left the shop then scissors up to the counter as though he’s been pinched on the arse. He waves a dismissive hand in the general direction of the cheeses. “Oh the Brie will do, I suppose."
Jason sucks in his cheeks. “de Meaux or de Melun?”
Eric adopts the facial expression of a man who has just been asked whether he'd prefer a free holiday or a slap round the face. “The de Melun , of course."