Greg decided it was time to let Mallory loose on the customers and so he stood back and gestured for her to serve the couple who came to the bar. Once she was done and had managed to get their order correct and give them the right change, she felt quite proud of herself. Greg and Ron gave her a mini round of applause.
“Aye, you’re a natural lassie.” Ron beamed, “and you’ll certainly brighten this place up, if you know what I mean.” He gestured toward Greg and winked at her, making her giggle.
“See, I told you you’d be fine.” Greg thankfully didn’t see Ron’s gesture. “Now you’ll need to decide what hours you’d like to do, but really I could do with some help on the night’s I’m playing here. You know when the crowds hear about my gig and they come swarming in droves.” He chuckled. Mallory rolled her eyes.
June 2011
Mallory was really enjoying working at the pub. She had made several new friends and had mastered the art of pint pulling in the two weeks since she had begun perfecting the skill. Greg had been great and they had laughed a lot during their shifts together. The chalkboard had made an appearance when Greg had played his second gig.
It was a week until her birthday, but she hadn’t heard anything from Josie about when they were coming up. She felt a little disappointed. As her birthday fell on a Saturday this year, Greg had made suggestions that they should have a barbie on the beach and Stella had given them the go ahead for a night off. Mallory wasn’t bothered. She just wanted to see Josie and Brad.
She stood behind the bar. It was Greg’s third gig tonight and he was, as always, dressed for the occasion. Tonight, he wore a white linen shirt and he had married it with khaki combats. Very smart, Mallory smiled. Although, why he felt he had to look different on the other side of the bar befuddled her.
“You look terrified,” she commented as he stood drinking a glass of cola. “What’s up?”
“Ah, nothing. I always get like this before I go on. Goodness knows why. I’m a grown man.”
“Age has nothing to do with it. We all get nervous, Greg. You’ll be fine.”
He checked the clock and so did she. Eight, time to go on. The bar had filled up nicely. People enjoyed coming and hearing him sing and Mallory enjoyed it too. He took his position at the mic and lifted his guitar onto his lap.
“Evening all, anyone would think something was going on with all of you’s turning up tonight,” he joked. “As always, I’ll steer clear of my own stuff but be warned, one of these days I’m going to sneak one in when you’re not looking.” A low mumble of laughter ran around the pub. “Don’t forget, no singing along, it puts me off and you’s lot can’t sing anyway.” The usual jovial boos and light hearted heckles came.
“Right, this first song is a wee bit obscure, but I love it so tough.” He smiled. “It’s by a band called Nirvana who take me back to my younger days. I’d like to dedicate this to someone who I think I can now class as a good mate. This is ‘About a Girl’.”
He began to strum his guitar and his eyes closed as they always did when he first started to play. Mallory felt quite touched by the gesture and smiled her approval over at him as she bobbed around to the music. He nodded and winked at her with a cheeky grin. The song felt quite appropriate too given their long chats about their lost loves.
Greg’s set was very well received and he even had a swarm of young women around him by the end of the night. They had been in last time, but hadn’t dared approach him. This time they had obviously acquired a little Dutch courage. They giggled and played with their hair while they chatted to him. He seemed a little embarrassed but also appeared to be enjoying the attention. Mallory chuckled at how the girls flirted and batted their eyes.
“Get you with your groupies,” she joked when he came over to the bar, finally rid of the mini Harem.
“Aye, they cannae resist.” He blushed. “What did you think tonight, Matey?” he asked. She smiled at the new term of endearment she seemed to have been allocated.
She scrunched her face up. “I thought it was a bit rubbish really.” She carried on emptying the dish washer under the bar. He looked hurt. “God, for someone who doesn’t get offended easily, you get offended…easily!” She threw a bar towel at him. “You were fab as always, you numpty.”
Greg frowned. “Great choice of words. Remind me to get you to critique my first album, eh?” He threw the towel back at her.
“I especially liked the Nirvana track you opened with.”
“Aye well, that’ll be before your time, eh? You being such a kid,” he teased.
“Oy! I remember Nirvana very well thank you.” Mallory went through to the back to get her coat.
“Are you finished up here? I’ll walk you over home if you like?”
“Why? Scared some of your groupies are jealous that you dedicated a song to me and will be waiting outside?” Her turn to tease him now.
“Funny.” He made a face at her. “Actually, I could murder a coffee and I’ve none left at home.” He grinned.
“Cheeky sod.” She laughed.
They walked back to Mallory’s and were greeted by a very giddy little black dog. Mallory went to put the kettle on.
“Your answering machine light is flashing,” Greg hollered into the kitchen
“Oh right, thanks.” She made the coffee and carried it through to the lounge placing it on the tree stump table. She hit ‘play’ on the answering machine.
“Oh hi, Mally. It’s Josie…look I’m really sorry, but we can’t make it up for your birthday. Brad has a lot on with his latest job and we just won’t get the time to come up. I’m sure you’ll understand, babe. I’ll ring you later. Love you! Bye, bye.”
Mallory slumped onto the sofa. She was devastated. Josie and Brad hadn’t been up since the funeral and she missed them like mad. How could they miss her birthday? They promised they’d be here. Greg sat beside her and rested an arm loosely around her shoulder.
“Don’t worry. We’ll still have a laugh. I’ll keep you entertained.”
But she was so disappointed.
He nudged her. “Look, we’ll have drink at the pub and then take a bucket barbie onto the beach and I’ll cook a steak, eh?” He was being very kind, but it just wasn’t going to be the same.
She forced a smile. “Yes, thanks, Greg, I appreciate it.”
“My pleasure, you’re only thirty once, eh? I will expect the same, mind you, for my fortieth.”
Saturday, June eleventh came around very quickly. Mallory had a lazy day. Stella had insisted she took the day off and not work on her birthday. She had received cards through the post from friends in Yorkshire, from her ‘family’ in Canada and from some of her local friends. She had felt a little depressed and had got the photo album out of her last birthday when Sam had taken her to Edinburgh as a surprise.
They had stayed in the four poster suite in the stunning Dunstane House Hotel just minutes away from the shops at Princes Street. They’d had the most wonderful time. They visited the Dungeon and had a silly photo taken of Mallory pretending to chop off Sam’s head. The museums were fascinating and the architecture superb. They’d shopped in Jenner’s department store and Sam had bought her the most beautiful dress to wear for dinner on her birthday. It was a deep purple fabric with a chiffon overlay. The bodice fitted her perfectly and made the most of her curves. Sam had been desperate to get her out of it after their dinner out at an exclusive restaurant. He had been undressing her with his eyes for the whole evening. She loved it. She sighed as she remembered…
June 2010
“My God, you are just so sexy in that dress, Miss Yorkshire.” Sam kissed her hand as they sat side by side in the cab on the way back to the hotel.
“Why thank you, Mr. Canada.” She giggled. She loved the way he looked at her.
He leaned toward her. “I’ve been imagining you naked all night,” he whispered.
Mallory checked to make sure the driver couldn’t hear their conversation. “I’ve been imagining you g
etting me naked all night too,” she whispered back.
They arrived back at the hotel and almost ran up the stairs to their suite. Once inside the door, Sam grabbed Mallory by the waist and removed the clip which pulled some of her hair back from her face. He devoured her mouth with his own and explored with his tongue. He set her body on fire with his passionate kisses. She grabbed at his hair pressing her tongue into his mouth.
He stopped kissing her and turned her around. He slid the zipper down to where it finished just above her bottom. She had dressed in the bathroom and so he had no idea what lay beneath the jewel colored fabric. He slid the dress down over her hips and gasped when he saw the basque and stockings. He turned her round, dropped to his knees and gazed up at her, his eyes filled with lust. Without warning he nuzzled her through the lace of her panties. She moaned as pleasure washed over her. He slid her panties down her stocking covered legs and rose in front of her still fully clothed. He gently caressed the flesh at the top of her breasts where the basque had pushed them up into creamy white mounds. Then he kissed where he had just touched.
She loosened his tie and unfastened his shirt, sliding it off at the same time as his jacket. They stared longingly at each other, unable to wait any longer. Sam unfastened his trousers and slid them off quickly. She loved the heat in his eyes. They tumbled on to the four poster bed and within seconds he was making love to her.
June 2011
Mallory was snapped back to the present by a knock on the door. She answered to a rather giddy looking Greg who stood holding a bunch of helium balloons with ‘Thirty Today!’ emblazoned on them. She giggled when he began to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ purposefully out of tune and far too loudly.
She grabbed the front of his jacket and yanked him into the house. “Come in you nutter.”
She felt she ought to save the poor neighbours ears.
He had a little gift bag in his hand which he handed over when she had shut the door. She opened the bag to find a wrapped parcel inside. “Oh, I get it, it gets smaller the more layers I take off it, eh?” she teased.
“Na. That’s it. Last layer,” he assured her.
She ripped off the paper and took out the box. It was a set of new craft pens. “Oh, Greg, that’s lovely. Thanks ever so much.”
His cheeks flushed. “There’s something else in there too.” He pointed at the bag so she delved back inside.
She took out a little black velvet box. “Oh,” her voice was almost a whisper as she held on to the box. Her eyes darted nervously between it and Greg who had a small smile curving at the corners of his mouth.
She opened it and gasped. Inside was a silver chain with a silver Celtic looking pendant hanging from it.
“It’s a Celtic knot,” Greg informed her. “It’s the symbol for friendship.” He smiled.
Her eyes welled up with tears. “Oh, Greg, it’s beautiful.” She threw her arms around him and hugged him. A sudden unwelcomed heat surged through her body at the contact and she gulped pulling away and stepping back immediately. Greg ran his hand through his hair, his eyes looking anywhere but hers.
“Here put it on me.”
He pulled her hair around to one side and placed the chain around her neck. He fastened the clasp and then let her hair fall back over her shoulders. She turned to face him.
“Gorgeous.” He smiled.
She walked over to the little porthole mirror near the front door. “I love it, Greg. Thank you so much.”
“Well, I figured you’re the closest thing I have to a best friend around here, so…”
“Well, I’m honoured to be your friend. It’s such a thoughtful gift. They both are.”
Greg cleared his throat and ran his hand through his hair again. “Anyway, it’s all arranged, I’ll pick you up at half seven. We’ll go over for a couple of drinks and then we’ll go down to the beach for that steak, okay?”
“Wow, you have it all organised.” She appreciated how kind he was being and how much of an effort he was making to ensure her thirtieth birthday went with a bang and not a fizzle.
“Aye, I have. Make sure you wear something very smart; the beach is an exclusive place to dine, you know.” He put on his best ‘posh’ accent and winked. “And it’s quite warm out,” he added. He opened the front door and turned to her. “I know it’s not the same as you’d wanted, but I hope you still enjoy your birthday celebrations, Mallory.” He smiled.
“Oh, I’m sure I will. So far so good.” She gestured to her necklace. He was gone.
She ran herself a bath and added some relaxing essential oils, poured a glass of her favourite red wine, and climbed in. The warm water was soothing and she began to relax whilst the heady aroma of jasmine filled her senses. She couldn’t help still feeling a little disappointed with her so called friends. This was a milestone birthday. Plus it was her first birthday since Sam was gone. She wasn’t sure how she would cope. He always made such a fuss of her. Tears stung the back of her eyes. She fought them back. No, you are not going to do this Mallory Westerman! She chastised herself. This is your birthday and you will bloody well smile and enjoy yourself.
Once the water had gone cold, and she resembled a shrivelled up prune, she climbed out of the bath and wrapped herself in a huge, soft bath sheet. She surveyed her miniscule wardrobe of ‘slim’ clothes that had now been promoted from the suitcase under the bed.
She found a long floaty skirt in shades of turquoise and black and slipped it on feeling unsure as to whether she would end up freezing at the beach. Oh sod it; I’ll take a blanket just in case. She decided. She accompanied the skirt with a pale turquoise fitted T shirt which showed off her, now smaller, bosom with just a hint of cleavage. She slid on her favourite flat, jewelled flip flops and her short denim jacket. She felt summery.
Greg called as promised right on time at half seven. She opened the door and did a twirl.
“Will I do for the posh dining experience?” she asked with a smirk.
“You look…great.” Greg seemed a little taken aback, but Mallory presumed she had misread his response. “Come on; let’s go get a birthday drink.” He held out his elbow to her and she linked her arm around his.
They wandered over to the pub. As they got to the door Greg opened it and gestured for her to go inside before him.
“Why thank you, such a gentleman,” she kidded as she walked through the door.
“SURPRISE!” The pub full of people all shouted in unison.
Mallory stood there frozen, open mouthed as she was bombarded by party poppers, camera flashes and cheers all at once. She turned to Greg who was leaning against the door with his arms folded. A smile playing on his lips, he looked quite pleased with himself for his part in the deception.
She gasped and pointed to him, narrowing her eyes. “You knew?”
He held up his thumb and finger. “Little bit.” He chuckled as he gestured.
All at once Mallory was surrounded by people hugging her. She burst into tears when she spotted Josie and Brad. Brad lifted her and spun her around. Josie was crying too.
“But…but you rang! You weren’t coming!” Mallory sobbed.
“You daft cow. Do you think I’d miss this?” Josie hugged her friend tightly. “Not a chance. We were always going to be here, but we were the first people Greg rang when he decided to plan this thing.”
Mallory froze. “Greg did all this?” She covered her mouth with her hand in total shock.
“He sure did. Look who else is here.” Josie stepped aside and Mallory was swept into a group hug by Renee, Ryan and Cara. Cara was holding a cute little blonde baby boy.
“Dylan?” She cried, “he’s gorgeous Cara.” She dabbed her eyes with a hanky someone had handed her. “It’s so good to see you all.” Mallory was hugged from all sides by neighbours and friends.
Colin and Christine from the shop, Ron, Aileen, Stella, and a group of friends she had made since working in the pub—they were all there. This was so special. The only one missing was S
am.
A while later Mallory heard Greg’s familiar voice over the pubs PA system. Oh brilliant! Mallory was overjoyed.
“Evening party people!” he shouted as if he was some famous radio DJ hosting ‘Party in The Park’ or something similar. It made Mallory giggle. “Well, we’re all here tonight to celebrate the fact that Mallory is and I quote ‘Getting old’.’’ Everyone laughed and looked at her.
She felt her cheeks heat. She would have to get him for that. “I reckon the first number tonight requires a bit of audience participation. Which as you may know is not something I usually encourage. You all know the words and this time you can sing along!” The crowd cheered.
They all broke into a loud rendition of ‘Happy Birthday to You,’ and then the pub erupted into cheers, applause and whistles. Mallory’s face could have split in two with the grin.
When the ruckus had died down, Greg smiled over at her. She mouthed the words “Thank you” at him. And he mouthed back “You’re welcome.”
“Right, that’s enough of you lot singing! It’s my turn now and you know what I always say?”
“DON’T BLOODY SING ALONG!” Everyone shouted in unison. Mallory threw her head back with laughter.
“Aye, that’s right and don’t you forget it.” He put his plectrum in his mouth whilst he adjusted the guitar on his lap. He took hold of the plectrum and spoke again, “Okay, now as we know, Mallory is the big three oh today.” Someone whooped. “Aye and so this night is dedicated to her. I’ll play loads of her favourite songs, that’s if her friends have told me the right ones and I’m not going to get into trouble later.” A rumble of laughter rolled around the pub. This first one is a song I dedicated to my good friend once before. He played the opening bars of ‘About a Girl’.
He sang the song so well and with such feeling. Throughout the night the audience was delighted with some fantastic music. He had clearly been speaking to Josie as she had pretty much given him a soundtrack to their history.
“This next one is by a band who you may have heard of. Foo Fighters.” The audience cheered. “You’ve never heard of them?” He joked, “oh well this is a little song they did a few years back, it’s called ‘Learn To Fly’.”
Bridge Over the Atlantic Page 13