Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a bookmaker in Hedon is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. One minute you’re chillin’, the next you’re dodging chaos like it’s a game of dodgeball.
So, I roll into work at my little shop on Hull Road, right? The sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m thinkin’, “Today’s gonna be a good one.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I get this bloke walkin’ in, all jittery. He’s got that wild look in his eyes, like he just saw a ghost or somethin’. Turns out, he’s just lost a bet on the footie. I mean, c’mon mate, it’s Hedon! You gotta know your teams! He starts rantin’ about how the ref was blind. I’m like, “Dude, you’re just mad ‘cause your team’s rubbish.” But he’s not havin’ it.
Then, outta nowhere, my phone buzzes. It’s my mate Dave, right? He’s at the pub on St. Augustine’s Road, shoutin’ about some horse race. Apparently, he’s put a tenner on this nag called “Lucky Charm.” I’m thinkin’, “Yeah, right, mate. More like ‘Unlucky Charm.’” But I can’t help it; I’m curious. So I tell him to keep me posted.
Next thing I know, the door swings open, and in walks this old lady. She’s got a shopping bag from the Co-op, and she’s lookin’ like she’s just come from a battle. She plops down a fiver and says, “I want to bet on the 3:30 at Beverley.” I’m like, “You sure, love? You know it’s a long shot, right?” She just glares at me. I swear, I’ve never seen a glare like that. I take her bet, but I’m half-expectin’ her to throw a punch.
So, I’m tryin’ to keep my cool, right? But then, the phone rings. It’s my boss, and he’s like, “You need to sort out the odds for the next race.” I’m like, “Yeah, sure, no problem.” But I’m thinkin’, “Why’s he callin’ me? I’m not a bloody calculator!”
While I’m on the phone, the old lady’s makin’ a scene. She’s shoutin’ about how I’m a scam artist. I’m like, “Lady, I’m just tryin’ to make a livin’ here!” But she’s not lettin’ up. Finally, I just tell her to chill. She storms out, and I’m left wonderin’ if I’ll ever see her again.
Then, just when I think it can’t get worse, Dave calls back. “Lucky Charm won!” he screams. I’m like, “No way!” He’s laughin’ like a maniac. I’m happy for him, but also a bit jealous. I mean, I could use a win myself!
The day drags on, and I’m startin’ to feel the weight of it all. I step outside for a breather, and I’m hit by the smell of fish and chips from the chippy down the road. It’s like a siren call. I can’t resist. I grab a portion and sit on a bench on Market Place, watchin’ the world go by.
Kids are runnin’ around, old folks are gossipin’, and I’m just sittin’ there, munchin’ away. Life’s simple, ya know? But then, I see this guy sprintin’ down the street. He’s got a bag in his hand, and I’m thinkin’, “What’s he up to?” Turns out, he’s just late for the bus. Classic Hedon moment.
As the sun starts settlin’, I head back to the shop. The old lady’s back! I’m thinkin’, “Oh no, here we go again.” But she’s calm now. She says her horse won. I’m like, “Well, look at you!” She hands me a tenner as a tip. I’m shocked.
Finally, the day wraps up. I’m exhausted but kinda happy. Hedon’s a wild place, full of surprises. I love it, even when it drives me mad. I head home, thinkin’ about tomorrow. Who knows what’ll happen next? But one thing’s for sure: I’ll be ready for it.