The Flat on the 7th Floor

by E. L Barry

  The photographs she had seen of the restaurant didn’t do it justice. Every part of it looked like it had come straight out of a film. It was stunning.

  Josie absorbed everything she could about the experience. The staff were immaculately dressed, and the service was exceptional. It was as if they could read the minds of the guests and the drinks and food materialised without having to utter a single word.

  Josie and Nicholas were completely entranced with each other and immersed in conversation without any interference or interruption.

  “This place is beautiful, Nicholas, thank you for inviting me here.”

  “It’s not as beautiful as you.”

  Josie blushed and replied, “Thank you. I’m really curious to know more about you.”

  “Not much to tell. I’m here on business.”

  “Oh, what do you do?”

  “Company acquisitions.”

  “That must be interesting meeting lots of people. And what about family?”

  “Not much time for that. Anyway, enough about me, what about you? I’m sure your life is far more interesting than mine. How about your family? Are you a Josephine or just Josie?”

  “Don’t think you can get off that lightly,” she laughed, “you still haven’t told me what you were doing in my building the day you saw me in the lift.”

  Nicholas stood up. “Sorry, excuse me for a moment,” he said, as he walked towards the bar.

  While he was away, Josie closed her eyes and felt present in the moment, like taking a picture in her mind, which she would be able to come back to in her memories. This was by far the most alive Josie had felt in a long time and she wished it would last forever. She felt like all the planets were aligned and that if she pinched herself, she would wake up and find that it was all a dream. It was too perfect!

  Nicholas returned as the dessert arrived.

  Josie gushed as she took a bite of the creamiest dessert she had ever eaten.

  “Wow, this is delicious!”

  The five-course meal was now on the fourth course. With coffee and mints still to come, Josie wished that it didn’t have to come to an end.

  “Mine’s alright,” Nicholas replied.

  Josie detected a hint of dissatisfaction.

  “What’s it like?”

  Nicholas took a bit of his dessert onto his fork and reached over the table for her to try it.

  “That’s incredible too. You can taste every single flavour. Why don’t you like it?” Josie asked.

  “I’ve had better!”

  Josie didn’t know how to reply. She had loved everything. It was the best meal she had ever had.

  By the end of the meal, Josie was still raving about how lovely it all was and the bill magically appeared at Nicholas’ side of the table.

  “I’ll go halves,” Josie offered, as she nodded towards the paper on the tray.

  “Okay,” Nicholas replied immediately. She took her credit card from her clutch bag on the side of the chair. She knew she couldn’t afford it. It’s the most magical meal I’ve ever had though, so no matter what it costs I’ll have the memories, she reassured herself.

  The waiter came over with the card machine. Nicholas indicated to Josie’s card in her outstretched hand.

  “It’ll be £250 on the first card, and the rest on mine.”

  Oh, my goodness that’s one heck of an experience! £500 for dinner and drinks! Could that be right?

  Josie didn’t have the guts to ask to see the bill. There were no prices on the menu. If you have to ask the price then you can’t afford it, sprang to mind. Her father used the phrase all the time when she was growing up. Josie wouldn’t be buying any new dresses for the next few months.

  Nicholas paid and the waiter nodded, “Thank you, enjoy the rest of your evening,” then disappeared back behind the bar.

  Nicholas and Josie walked to the reception area where Josie’s coat had been safely stowed in the cloakroom while they ate. Nicholas held the coat open as Josie slipped her arms into the sleeves and Nicholas lifted the collar towards her neck.

  Her hair was tucked up in a high bun with delicate curls either side. She felt his fingers lightly brush the nape of her neck as he adjusted the collar. She shivered in delight at his touch.

  Josie couldn’t deny that she was attracted to him.

  Nicholas took her hand in his and led her out to the car. In the short walk, he moved from holding her hand to putting his hand around her waist as she leaned in towards him. She hadn’t drunk much but she felt unsteady on her feet.

  He’d only had one drink because he was driving. Drinking then driving wasn’t something she approved of, but as they’d been eating, and he’d kept to the limit of one drink she felt safe enough.

  When they reached the car, he whispered, “Let me take you home.”

  She nodded as he opened the door, and she sank into the seat.

  Josie was delighted, as Nicholas’ hand had now found a new home resting on her knee, gently stroking it.

  “That was the best night out I’ve ever had, thank you, Nicholas, for inviting me out. You’re so romantic.”

  Nicholas smiled as Josie continued. “Of all the places I have travelled to and all the restaurants I have eaten at that has been by far the best experience. And it’s all because of you, thank you so much,” she said, and she put her hand on his thigh.

  “You’re welcome Josie and there is nowhere I would rather be than with you.”

  “I feel like I am living a dream with a tall handsome man whisking me away for candlelit evening meals…”

  “I’m happy to be your knight in shining armour,” he laughed, as he slowly traced his fingers from her knee to her thigh.

  Time disappeared and they were soon back in the foyer of the building where they began. Josie paused; realising now was the time she needed to decide what would happen next.

  Should I invite him up for coffee?

  Chapter 6

  Josie woke up naturally at seven and rolled over into the empty space next to her.

  Nicholas had walked her to the lift, but she had left him as the lift doors closed, without a further invitation. She had almost pressed the down button to go back to him, but she didn’t change her mind. There was still so much she didn’t know about him. Plus, she wasn’t the kind of person who invited someone up to their flat on the first date anyway. Except that one time with… she thought as a wave of regret came over her.

  Josie was relieved to wake up and not have any distractions. She was already nervous about meeting her father later and this way she was able to get ready at her own pace.

  Josie’s father was a strong and independent type. He was able to talk to anyone. He built his business on the back of treating everyone with respect no matter what role they had in the company.

  His commitment in following projects through helped build trust, and with his open communication style he was able to take on the recommendations of others who were experts in their field. Her father would then use his expertise to bring people together, organise and lead by example. Josie had seen him at work a few times as a child when her mum took her into the office on the rare occasion when they visited.

  Josie knew that her father was a good man. He was well respected and caring, so when she was growing up she found it confusing that he was different with her at home. He was hard on her.

  Maybe that’s how he shows he cares for me, she often thought, but it didn’t make her feel better.

  Josie put on a smart, casual top and pencil skirt. She had two hours to spare before she needed to leave and decided to go out for lunch at Simply Sweet.

  Sundays were one of Josie’s favourite days, as she loved the quiet of the city in the morning before it got busier throughout the day. Josie arrived just in time to get a table before the youth football team flooded in. She’d been to the café a few times now and was initially surprised at how many teenagers were out so early on a Sunday. From overhearing their conversations, it s
ounded like they had chosen to join a sports team, unlike Josie, who had to be dragged, until she was sixteen, where she then dropped out as soon as she could. Josie was happy to socialise but preferred having flexibility rather than going every week.

  Her thoughts were interrupted as the teenagers who had poured in started ordering breakfast and drinks. Josie’s mug of coffee arrived and she ordered her usual breakfast sandwich. After being thoroughly spoilt by the superb flavours and textures of last night’s meal, Josie was sure that all other food would pale into insignificance by comparison.

  She thought of Nicholas and wondered what he was doing at that moment. They hadn’t exchanged phone numbers and for a split second, Josie thought it was odd. The question hadn’t come up, and Nicholas somehow knew where she lived to send the note to meet.

  Perhaps there will be another note? It’s still a bit odd though. I’ll ask him for his number next time.

  Josie must have been daydreaming, as she hadn’t noticed Gareth come in amongst the group of teenagers. Seeing him in casual jeans and a t-shirt rather than his usual work gear, she almost hadn’t recognised him. Gareth spotted her, waved and came over.

  “Hi, what brings you here on a Sunday?”

  Josie laughed, “Creature of habit! What about you? How was your birthday yesterday?”

  Gareth smiled proudly, “Oh, I’ve just started as a football coach. We meet on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. They’re a great group.”

  He avoided the question about his birthday and didn’t ask about her evening.

  “How did it go today?” Josie enquired instead.

  “We won 2–1.”

  “Congratulations. I’ve not played any sport for a while. I go to the gym now instead. Do you get to play much football as a coach?”

  “I play sometimes when we’re practising but I spend most of my time being a mentor.”

  “What about school, don’t they do that?” she enquired.

  “They do a lot. We have a mixed team and get everyone involved and if they’re having trouble at school, it’s great that they have someone else they can talk to besides their teachers and grownups at home.”

  Josie was impressed. “Sounds brilliant.”

  “We’ll see, and I’ll let you know how it goes in a few weeks when I’ve settled in,” he grinned, as his eyes lit up, enjoying himself.

  He moved back towards the group and Josie couldn’t help smiling too, as her lunch arrived. She hadn’t realised that he was part of a community group. Nice!

  After lunch, Josie headed back towards the car park. The gift shop on the corner was open. Popping inside, she found a trio malt whisky gift set. She didn’t know if her father had tried any of them, but it wouldn’t hurt to show up with something rather than nothing. Her father would no doubt tell her if he cared for them or not. Then she could add it to the never-ending list of things he disapproved of.

  Maybe today it will be different. She tried to think positively. Josie didn’t know why her father was summoning her and assumed that the meeting was still going ahead as she hadn’t heard otherwise.

  No news is good news.

  Arriving at the carpark exit, Josie looked up at the sky. It looked like it was going to rain so she decided that the roof of her car should stay up just in case.

  The journey passed quickly, and the iron gates at the entrance to her father’s estate automatically opened as Josie’s car approached.

  Despite Josie’s strained relationship with her father, Mr Mellors always ensured that Josie had no difficulty in entering the grounds of the estate. He allowed her to keep a gate tag that would automatically open them when she arrived, but she didn’t have a key to come and go as she pleased.

  The estate was impressive. The driveway led up to the main house where there were three garages on the left. Josie pulled up in front of one of them. Her father’s driver waved, recognising Josie as he came out from behind a black Bentley.

  “Hello Miss Josie.”

  She waved back and replied cheerfully, “Hello, Bertie, good to see you again,” and then made her way across the gravel driveway towards the front door.

  The porch led to a double wooden door. The brass knocker and pull rope doorbell were for show only so she buzzed the intercom panel. While Josie was waiting, she looked around her.

  The lawn had been freshly mowed. The grass surrounded the house and was divided by a pathway that stretched from the main house to the summer house.

  Josie recalled the times she had spent in the summer house and how her mum used to join her. It was close enough that she had been allowed to play in there alone, and far enough away that if she was allowed friends over, they could be undisturbed for their band practices and sleepover parties. Her friends had been few, but the times they spent together were priceless.

  The door swung open and Josie stepped inside. The hallway still looked the same; long, dark and filled with paintings by famous artists.

  The ceilings were high, so it didn’t feel claustrophobic, but Josie still felt the weight of responsibility as she walked up to her father’s study door.

  She felt like a child again.

  Josie knocked on the door. A few seconds later Mr Mellors opened it and welcomed her inside.

  “Josie, thank you for coming. Your father will join us shortly. Would you like a drink?”

  He walked across to the sideboard where a selection of bottles and glasses stood.

  Josie wandered over towards the window and looked out across the lawn. “Thank you. I’ll have a lime and soda please.”

  She knew that the mini fridge was always stocked with soft drinks, and before she knew it, she had a drink in hand.

  “Thank you,” Josie said, as Mr Mellors returned to make himself a scotch. He had been father’s solicitor for over thirty years, so his favourite drinks were always available.

  Josie hoped that her father would be there soon. It’s not like him to be late. Just as she thought that, almost as if she had made it happen, the side door to the study opened, and her father, Harold, entered. To Josie’s surprise, a young woman who she didn’t recognise was pushing her father in a wheelchair.

  “Father!” Josie said, as she walked quickly over to him.

  “Now, now, don’t fuss Josie,” her father said firmly and waved her away dismissively. Josie stopped in her tracks, obeying him immediately.

  He continued, “Over there, please,” he addressed the woman behind him, as she pushed him towards the desk and gently assisted him into his desk chair.

  Josie watched, still frozen to the spot, not sure what to say or do next. Mr Mellors indicated for Josie to take a seat as the woman left by the way she came in. There was something about her that made Josie uneasy – jealousy perhaps.

  Mr Mellors watched her leave and when she had shut the door behind her he started the meeting. “Josie, we have a lot to talk about, now let’s get straight to the point. Your father, as you know, is intent on you living by your own means, however, while he is alive you can live in the property owned by your mother. In the event of his passing, all assets will be transferred by his will to recipients of his choosing.”

  Josie looked at her father, who was writing something and paying no attention. Lowering her head, she said, “Yes, I understand.”

  “When he passes away you will no longer be able to live in that flat.”

  “Yes, thank you, Mr Mellors, I understand,” she turned to look at him in acknowledgement and then towards her father who was still absorbed in what he was doing. Concerned, Josie tried to get her father’s attention. “Father, I know that is what you have decided, so why am I here today? Are you okay?”

  Her father didn’t say anything or look up. Instead, Mr Mellors spoke on his behalf again. “Your father isn’t well. He’s a private man and all I can say is that he will be putting his affairs in order.”

  “But he’s right here. Father, why won’t you talk to me?”

  Mr Mellors stood up and put his
hand on Josie’s shoulder.

  “Josie, your father needs to rest and because of the complexity of your mother’s last wishes, it’s difficult to explain.”

  Josie walked towards the desk where her father was still ignoring her.

  “Please, Father,” she begged, “please tell me why you won’t talk to me? I’ll live anywhere I need to live, but I need to know what happened between you and Mum and why you won’t talk to me.”

  Tears filled Josie’s eyes as she pleaded with him to talk to her.

  Mr Mellors called through to the woman who came back in to assist her father into his wheelchair.

  “Wait, Father, please,” Josie shouted after him, “I need to know you’re going to be okay. Will you talk to me please?”

  He said nothing and left her standing next to Mr Mellors, where she shook as tears rolled down her cheeks.

  Chapter 7

  Leaving her father’s house, Josie’s heart hurt. She felt confused as to why she had been asked to come in the first place. It felt like there was a lump in her throat. She was often worried when she came to visit the estate, but her father’s behaviour this time was even worse than usual. He hadn’t even commented on anything or criticised her. The silence hurt more than the words she usually heard.

  Is he going to die soon? she thought, walking to the car, and tears started to fill her eyes again.

  “Miss Josie,” a voice called out close by.

  She spun round to see her father’s driver again. “Yes?”

  “If you need anything, Miss Josie, I’m here to help.”

  Grateful, she replied, “Thank you, Bertie,” and waved goodbye.

  That’s odd, but that applied to the whole afternoon, it’s all odd.

  On the drive back, Josie was upset and wanted to talk to someone about how she felt. She didn’t have any real close friends. She and Kim hadn’t got to the stage of sharing things yet, so she didn’t feel comfortable calling her. Overthinking was futile and going back home would only involve dwelling on things and then raiding the cupboards for whatever food was there. She parked the car and went upstairs to grab her gym gear instead, and then headed back out.