by S P Dawes
“You OK, you look like your miles away?” Hayley looked up and saw Steve, she smiled.
“Sorry I was, you OK?” He walked over to the buffet nodding and talking about what a lovely day it was “… but bloody hot in that kitchen on a day like this.”
Hayley agreed, not taking much notice of what he was saying.
“You sure you’re OK, duck?” Seated across from her now, looking concerned.
He was a big man of at least six foot, his skin was thick, almost as if he’d spent too much time outside doing hard labour. She guessed he was around mid-forties, but he seemed to have the stamina of an ox and the speed of a leopard in that kitchen. His side was always spotless, even though they came in thick and fast through service. He was slightly balding on top and had huge hands, but a warm, friendly smile that she couldn’t help but mirror when she spoke to him.
Hayley smiled with warmth this time. “Yep, I’m fine, just miles away.”
“I think we all wished we were!” He laughed. “How’s the flat hunting going?”
“I might have got somewhere, checking it out tonight. But it’s only a stopgap, so I’m keeping my ears out for anything more permanent,” answered Hayley.
“Oh well, least you’ve got a bit of good news though.”
Hayley nodded and went back to moving her cucumber around.
“Have the police got anyone for it yet?”
Hayley shook her head. “No,” she sighed and sat up in her chair, stretching her back out. It was tightening after hanging over the starters and desserts all morning. She had barely stood up straight. “I don’t think they will to be honest, just one of those things.”
“Still, it’s bloody maddening that you’re the one losing your home.” added Steve.
“I can’t blame him, I’ve been there less than six months, and then had my key taken and his place got trashed.” Hayley stood up and took her plate to the dustbin to throw her salad into it. “It’s not like I can even afford to pay for the damage.”
“Couldn’t you set up a direct debit or something with him, pay bit by bit so to speak?”
Hayley put her plate in the sink and washed it under the tap, placing it in the drainer straight after. She turned to Steve, who still sat down eating his lunch while she dried her hands on the tea towel.
“You know what, I could ask,” she said feeling hopeful.
“Worth a try, especially if you’ve always paid him on time. He will still have to find himself another tenant. Who knows how long that could take? Least if you pay for the damages he’s not out of pocket.”
Hayley smiled and hugged his shoulders as she walked past him. “Thanks Steve, you’re a genius!”
Steve laughed as she ran back up the stairs to the kitchen.
The rest of the afternoon was pleasant enough, but she could tell Rob couldn’t forget about what he had seen. He had hardly spoken to her all afternoon; he’d been civil, but not as jovial. Hayley knew it would pass, but the awkwardness he felt towards her was making her feel less than confident about her time there. If it continued, she’d have to leave.
After work, Hayley and Rob made their way to his car. She was still in her chef whites as she no longer had anything to change into, and he was in his red long-sleeved shirt and jeans. The afternoon had flown by, Ash hadn’t spent a lot of time in the kitchen so they ramped the radio up and got on with their jobs whilst singing to the hits.
“Do you mind dropping me home first? I want to change my top.” Hayley pulled at her jacket.
Rob smiled, but she could tell he still had her scars on his mind. He was quiet. When they pulled up outside hers, Hayley rushed in and was back out again in a matter of minutes. She’d changed her top for a coral pink long-sleeved blouse, kept the jeans she had on before but changed her trainers to high heeled brown suede boots. She had also twisted her hair up with an alligator clip. Jumping in the car, she threw her handbag on the floor near her feet as she pulled her seat belt across.
“You look nice,” he said brightly.
She smiled, “Thanks, I sprayed some perfume too. I didn’t want to arrive at your mum’s smelling like a chip pan and dressed like a tramp.”
Rob laughed and shook his head while he pulled away from the car next to his.
“Rob, I’m sorry I shut you down earlier.” She watched him concentrate on the road ahead. She wasn’t even sure he’d heard at first.
“It’s fine; it’s none of my business.” Rob admitted.
“It happened a long time ago, it’s just I don’t enjoy talking about it.”
Rob looked across at her. “It’s OK, like I said none of my business.”
Hayley tried to smile, but she hated how the scars always changed people’s opinion of her. It was like being hit by a bolt of lightning, fast, deadly and never forgotten. She looked away. She could feel her throat restricting. “Rob, do you think you could just forget you ever saw them?”
Rob didn’t answer, but seeing a gap in the parked cars, he pulled over, partially parking on the kerb to allow traffic to pass.
“Hayley, it’s fine,” said Rob watching Hayley flinch. “I can’t for the life of me understand what I saw, but if you don’t want to talk, that’s your choice.”
Hayley bit her bottom lip, then after a few seconds slung her arms around his neck. “Thank you.”
Rob wasn’t sure what he should do, he wasn’t expecting her to hug him, so he just awkwardly tapped her shoulder. Rob coughed and then said they best get going, Hayley let go and sat back in her seat. She was making a habit of slinging herself at the Hallam men.
They arrived outside his Mum and Dad’s semi-detached house. Hayley remarked on how nice it looked from the outside whilst Rob told her not to hold her breath on the inside. She could see the picket fence surrounding their patch of grass, painted a dreary shade of green. The front door was white with a clear glass panel, and the window to the left held white net curtains. There was a little gnome with a golf club that stood proudly on the doorstep.
Rob made his way round the back and tapped on the window in the door before opening it, Hayley followed, walking inside. It was a small old-style kitchen with wallpaper that had possibly been up a decade too long. They had pushed a small dining table into the corner between two doors. The left door opened and revealed a slight woman with greying hair in a tight bun and a pinny wrapped round her waist.
“Hi Mum, this is Hayley, the girl I was talking about.”
The lady smiled and looked her over. “And a pretty young thing you are too.” She held her hands out to her and Hayley felt compelled to take them.
“Mum, seriously, just show her the room.” Hayley laughed whilst the woman slapped Rob’s arm. She opened the other door and asked Rob to show her the room whilst she put the kettle on.
Walking through, he marched upstairs. “Sorry, Mum’s not used to women being in the house,” he blushed.
Hayley couldn’t help but smile at his embarrassment.
“Right, this is my room, or your room if you want it?”
On opening the door, she saw they had made the bed with a floral quilt cover and frilly pillows, looking back at him with a curious smirk.
“They’re not mine, I swear,” he said, holding his hands up. “I think Mum’s given the room a once over, probably best.”
Hayley looked around the room. There was a white wardrobe, white dressing table and stool, and a small side table with drawers that carried a floral lamp.
“You spend a lot of time in the mirror?” Asked Hayley, pointing to the dresser. Enjoying Rob’s embarrassment.
“Like I said, this was my old room, and Mums made a few changes,” he protested.
“Hmm, hmm,” said Hayley, unconvinced.
Rob laughed and pushed her back on the bed.
“So, are you taking it?”
She screwed her nose up and looked around again.
“Toilet and bathroom are just down the hall,” he said pointing out of the door towards
the front of the house.
“OK, but I might not need it long. I’m going to ask the landlord to see if he’ll accept damages and give me the place back. I may still need to move out just while they get it fixed, if he lets me.” Hayley stood up.
“I’ll tell Mum. She said she’s not bothered about payment, but make sure you give her something, you know, just to help towards bills.”
“Course.”
They made their way back downstairs and Rob’s Mum sat at the table waiting for them, with three cups of tea.
“You like?”
“Very nice Mum, especially all the flowers,” he said sarcastically as he pulled a chair out to sit down.
“Well, it needed sprucing up, if this young lady was going to have it.” Hayley smiled and took a seat just behind the door. “So, do you want it?”
“Please, if you don’t mind? I was just telling Rob I might not need it very long, as I’m hoping my landlord might let me stay.”
“Oh, that would be nice. Shame you’re the one being thrown out, if you ask me.” Hayley glanced at Rob. “Anyway, when are you looking to move in?”
“Tomorrow if that’s OK? I’ve not got much stuff and I’m on an early start tomorrow, so I can be here for about five-thirty, if that’s all right?”
“Super, well you finish your tea and I will make a start on the ironing.” She walked through to the front room holding her tea, closing the door behind her.
“You sure she’s OK with this?” Hayley was feeling like an intruder.
“Yep, she’s fine, like you said; it’ll not be for long.” Rob took a sip of his tea.
“What’s your Mum’s name?” asked Hayley.
Rob laughed, “Sorry, I’m lousy with introductions, its Marie and Dad’s name’s Michael.”
Hayley nodded, still feeling a little out of place but exceptionally thankful for them opening up their home to her.
Chapter 10
Dragging her suitcase up to the door, she knocked. Marie opened it smiling “Hello sweetheart, you all right with that bag?” She asked watching Hayley heave it over the threshold.
“Yeah, I’m fine, thanks,” she said, out of breath. It was heavier than she had first thought, and pulling it on and off buses hadn’t helped. But she didn’t want to ask anyone else to help her, she was relying on other people more than usual just lately.
“Cup of tea?”
Hayley nodded and thanked her when she handed it to her.
“Go up when you’re ready, do you want anything for tea?” asked Marie, smiling warmly.
“No, it’s fine I’ll sort myself out, but thank you.”
“It’s no bother, I was just going to order a Chinese so if you want something ordering, let me know,” answered Marie.
Hayley slung the suitcase on the bed after closing the door. So, this would be her sanctuary while her flat got fixed. Thankfully, her landlord had agreed to her paying damages each month to offset the initial outlay of getting the work completed, redecorating the apartment and buying a new sofa and carpet. It’d cost her in the long run, but it meant she didn’t have to find anywhere else to live or move all of her stuff out. She had let Mrs Hallam know earlier that day that the stay would only be for a couple of weeks, depending on its completion.
She took her clothes out of the hold-all, arranging them in the wardrobe. Thankfully, there were plenty of hangers, and enough space to lay jeans and other things in. Lying down on the single bed, staring at the ceiling, it felt odd being in someone else’s home, almost like a bed-and-breakfast but more intimate. She wasn’t looking forward to the morning rush, in case she stayed in the bathroom too long, or couldn’t work out the shower or any other manner of things that she would find embarrassing. She hated asking for help.
She’d packed some books, as she’d seen there was no television in the room when she’d looked round. Grabbing one from the suitcase, she leaned back on the headboard and started reading.
Marie called up once to check if she wanted anything ordered. Changing her mind, she had dug some money out of her pocket to give Marie for the meal, only for her to decline it, saying it was a welcome present. When the food arrived, it was almost seven o’clock, so she put her book down. Walking downstairs into the kitchen, she could smell the sweet, spicy sauces, and her mouth watered.
“Here,” said Marie, passing her a plate, telling her to get what she liked, while dishing hers and her husband’s up.
There seemed like an awful lot of food for the three of them, but Hayley just got a little of what she wanted so there was plenty left over. Placing the dish on the table, Marie shook her head, “No, go in the living room tonight, we watch TV on a Friday with a takeaway.”
Hayley gulped and pushed the door to the front room. She saw a man sat in his armchair with a Sudoku puzzle on his lap; he looked up and smiled at her. Marie came rushing in behind her to give him his dinner and then disappeared back into the kitchen.
“You must be Hayley,” he held out his hand, and she took it.
“Yes, hi. Michael, right?” He nodded. He hadn’t taken his eyes off her and she was feeling self-conscious, so she sat at the far end of the settee and put her plate down on her lap.
Marie rushed in and handed knives and forks to Hayley and Michael.
“What’s going on with the flat then?” Asked Michael, cutting up his battered chicken.
“They’re redecorating it, and then when it’s done, I can move back in,” replied Hayley.
“That’s good then, you getting to pick the colour?”
Hayley shook her head as she swallowed her food. They ate whilst talking about Hayley’s job, how Rob had trained her up, and how she had found living on her own. Marie and Michael spoke about when they met each other and about the boys with affection. Hayley enjoyed listening to the holidays they had shared on the beach and the mishaps they’d had over the years, including Rob deciding to fling teddies down the stairs one day when suddenly the stairgate had opened and he’d followed all his friends to the bottom in a heap.
They were laughing at one of the boys’ unfortunate events when Jesse walked into the kitchen. He could hear the chatter and the laughter and it took him back to happier times, like Christmas when they all got together around the tree to watch each other open their gifts. They’d carried the tradition on as adults, but alternating between their partner’s parents and their own. He took his blazer off and hung it on the dining chair before opening the living room door.
“We were just talking about you,” exclaimed his Mum, happy to see him.
“Great!” He answered sarcastically, winking at his Dad as he did so.
“Hayley’s here!”
“I can see Mum, thanks.” He looked towards Hayley who was smiling meekly and a little shocked. “Right, I’m going to grab something to eat if you’ve not finished it all already?” He said looking to his parents.
“There’s plenty in there, son. Your Mum’s ordered enough for the five thousand!” Michael laughed.
Hayley watched Jesse leaving the room. After a second or two, she followed him.
“I’m sorry.”
Jesse turned to see her closing the door behind her, leaning her weight on it. “What for?” He picked a plate up, placing it on the table, he began to take the lids off the plastic tubs.
“I didn’t realise you lived here; Rob didn’t say anything,” she added, feeling more intrusive than ever.
“He wouldn’t,” murmured Jesse more to himself than anyone else.
“I can go.”
Jesse looked at Hayley, realising she felt far more awkward about this than he did. He could see she wanted to run away and hide. He wondered if she’d already packed, waiting for him to dismiss her. “Don’t be daft, sorry. It’s me, it’s been a long day, I’m a grumpy sod when I don’t eat.”
Hayley relaxed a little, but she still didn’t take her eyes off him. He chose not to look at her, biting her bottom lip, she pushed herself from the door. “I apologis
e for the other night too.”
Jesse stopped filling his plate and put the spoon down, looking at her as he stood up straight. The concern in her eyes was clear, and all his worries about her being trouble shrivelled up. She looked genuinely worried about what he thought of her.
“You certainly don’t need to apologise for that, OK?”
His eyes shone back with regret and compassion. Nodding, she left his gaze as she walked back into the front room to join his parents. He was a strange man, what he said and how he said it, didn’t seem to run congruently and she couldn’t work out which she should take more notice of.
Jesse just stood, wondering what it was about her that confused him so much. When he was around her, he felt possessive, protective, but when she wasn’t, she set alarm bells off in his head. After a few more minutes, Jesse stepped back into the living room with his plate of food and cutlery in his right hand. Taking a seat next to his Mum on the sofa.
Hayley had moved to the floor. A while later they were all laughing at the television, and she couldn’t help but get caught up with the atmosphere. She hadn’t been part of a family in such a long time; they made her feel welcome, part of something. She loved it. Even if she knew she was only borrowing it for a short while, she’d keep this memory as one to treasure.
Time passed quickly and before they knew it, eleven o’clock struck on the cuckoo clock above the fireplace. “Right, well, we’re off to bed, see you two in the morning. Sweet dreams, Hayley,” said Michael, rising slowly from his armchair.
“Hey! What about me?” Asked Jesse, pretending be hurt.
“You! Ha OK, sweet dreams son!” Michael chuckled, holding the door open for Marie as she followed him.