Abandoned Child

by Neale, Kitty

  ‘Juliet!’ cried Penny, alarmed now. ‘You love what you do, you’ve always said so. You never mentioned moving on before. What’s wrong? What’s happened? What’s changed?’

  ‘Absolutely nothing has changed,’ said Juliet, speaking very slowly, emphasising every word. ‘That’s the bloody problem. Same old men trying to take advantage, same silly young girls encouraging them. Well, maybe I’m sick of babysitting you all. Maybe I’ve had enough.’ Juliet made to turn away, ever so slightly unsteady on her high heels.

  ‘Don’t be like that, Juliet,’ said Penny, realising her friend was slightly drunk. ‘Come on, we’ll go together, how about Bar Italia …’ It was too late, the other young woman strode off, pushing back her wonderful blonde hair and causing all the men to look her way. Except for one, Penny noticed. The good-looking Mexican had his eyes on her, ignoring Juliet’s dramatic exit. Should she go over and continue their conversation? It was tempting – he had been charming and not at all pushy, so that had to be a good thing. But she couldn’t face losing another friend so soon after Michelle. I do fancy Bar Italia, though, she thought. I’ll go and find Mark and see if he’ll come along. At least he’s still speaking to me.

  Next morning, Juliet turned up for the dance class on time, looking very slightly the worse for wear, and immediately apologised. Penny was relieved. She’d replayed the scene in the bar over and over, and couldn’t see how she’d done anything wrong. Mark had agreed with her, pointing out that it would have been very rude not to have answered a civil question, and it didn’t do to annoy the punters, particularly when there was a group of them who made a point of coming back. ‘You have to be friendly to them to keep in business,’ he told her. ‘Prescott would want that. It’s what goes on beyond the club he objects to. You have to know the difference and not overstep the line. But I can’t see how you did that.’

  ‘Do you think there’s something wrong with Juliet?’ she’d asked, unable to let go of that worried feeling. ‘Is she ill or something?’

  ‘Can’t say as I’ve noticed,’ Mark had said, ‘but I’ll keep an eye on her. She won’t want anyone sticking their nose in, so don’t say anything about it, or not just yet.’

  Now here was Juliet, saying how sorry she was for flying off the handle. ‘I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions but I’m so fed up about Michelle, I couldn’t bear the thought of you doing the same thing.’

  ‘Well, you know I wasn’t,’ smiled Penny, more than happy to bury the hatchet. ‘I had to say hello back, didn’t I, or I’d have been in trouble that way too.’

  ‘Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.’ Juliet searched through her bag. ‘Shit, I’ve finished my water bottle already. Can I have a gulp of yours? I’ll replace it later.’

  ‘Help yourself,’ Penny said, bringing out her own bottle, which she’d never forgotten since that first exhausting day. ‘Let’s line up. Don’t do anything to set Maureen off, she’s been in a right state since that row with Michelle.’

  ‘Tell me about it,’ said Juliet, moving into her place.

  Maureen didn’t know how she’d managed to get through the morning, she was so wound up. Bloody Dave had called her into his office the day before and had another go. He’d heard about the row and wanted to know why, after such a straightforward warning, the girl had then turned up in the bar sitting on the knee of the very man she’d been told not to be seen with.

  ‘From what I heard, Maureen, you didn’t mince your words,’ said Prescott, ‘so what I want to know is, how can she have misunderstood? What is she thinking of?’

  ‘You know as well as I do there’s no misunderstanding,’ said Maureen. ‘She just doesn’t like to be told. She’s taking the piss.’

  ‘Then stop her,’ said Prescott.

  ‘Stop her?’ cried Maureen. ‘I’m not her boss. You are.’

  ‘She’ll take it better from another woman,’ Prescott said, glass of whisky in his hand. ‘I don’t need this shit. Bloody bastards have got planning permission to turn the old Ashdown studios into a club and guess what, they’re going to have a burlesque show. They never should have got it, God knows I wined and dined the right people to stop it going through but they must have nobbled someone higher up. Our reputation is on the line and that little tart can either stop it or sling her hook, it’s all one to me. She’s pretty enough but there are others. Got any likely replacements in your class?’

  ‘Why would I do you any favours?’ Maureen had demanded. ‘You’re dropping me right in the middle of this mess and it’s not even my responsibility.’

  ‘For old times’ sake,’ he leered. ‘And because you want your skinny niece to keep her job. And, as I said before, because no one is indispensable.’

  So there it was. Sort out that daft cow Michelle or watch Penny lose the job she loved, and maybe lose her own position as well. Bloody marvellous. ‘Okay, take a break,’ Maureen shouted over the booming music, and searched the group of dancers for the trademark bouncy brown curls. But Michelle wasn’t there. Probably sleeping off another five-course meal, she thought bitterly, wondering how someone who claimed to be so streetwise could actually be so pig-ignorant.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Penny had now taken to going to the bar every night after the show, mainly to check that Juliet was all right and didn’t get too sloshed. They’d had no more rows but she was still concerned for her friend, who in her eyes was still acting out of character. Mark had said he couldn’t see it but Penny was sure there was something up.

  But tonight there was no sign of her friend and so she stood at one of the tall tables, nursing her glass of water, to which Frankie the barman had added some ice cubes and a slice of lime out of pity.

  ‘Hello again,’ said a familiar voice. ‘On your own this time?’

  She turned and found herself face to face with the good-looking Mexican. ‘I’m just waiting for my friend,’ she said.

  ‘May I join you until she turns up?’ he asked, smiling irresistibly.

  Well, why not? Penny thought. As Mark said, mustn’t annoy the punters.

  ‘All right,’ she said, and smiled back.

  ‘What’s that you’re drinking?’ he asked. ‘I’ll get you another. A gin and tonic?’

  ‘Oh no, no,’ she said, but he misunderstood.

  ‘Vodka, my mistake,’ he said and called over to one of his group who had reached the front of the queue at the bar. Penny heard what he said quite distinctly even over the general noise: ‘A vodka and tonic for the most beautiful dancer.’ Part of her was smug that she’d understood his Spanish. She was even more delighted with what he’d said, but then instantly grew suspicious. Did he realise she’d understand? But how could he? Relax, she thought. You’ve been listening to Juliet too much, it’s just a nice man offering to buy you a drink. A very good-looking, Spanish-speaking, nice man.

  While she’d never taken much direct interest so far in men, it hit her that the one in front of her was exactly right in so many ways. Of course they all talked about their ideal man being good-looking, nice-mannered, charming, well-dressed – but the fact that he spoke Spanish cut right through her defences.

  ‘Eduardo,’ he said, passing her the drink and clinking the glass with his own. ‘Delighted to meet you.’

  ‘Penny,’ she said, trying not to giggle. She suddenly felt very self-conscious and exposed. ‘And what do you do, Eduardo? All the way from Mexico?’

  She noticed that when he smiled his eyes crinkled at the corners, which she found she liked. So it meant he was quite a bit older than her – but it didn’t matter. She hadn’t thought much of the few boys of her own age she knew, as they were too childish and most of them obsessed with football. No, this one was a real man.

  ‘I can’t tell you exactly,’ he said. ‘It’s difficult to explain. But I am attached to the Mexican embassy.’

  ‘Oh,’ she said, impressed despite herself. Surely even Juliet couldn’t object to that. She’d mention that detail as soon as sh
e could. ‘That sounds very interesting. You must be busy.’

  ‘Of course,’ he laughed. ‘They wouldn’t bring me to London and then give me nothing to do. That would be crazy.’ He paused and smiled again. ‘But I’m not so busy that I don’t have some free time. I wonder if you’d like to have dinner with me one night? We could go to somewhere near here – what is that place everyone talks about? L’Escargot.’

  Oh God, Penny thought, he speaks Spanish and he loves good restaurants. Even Michelle hadn’t been taken there. How could she say no? She’d wanted to go ever since she’d heard about it. But a little voice urged caution.

  ‘We’re not supposed to date audience members,’ she said honestly.

  ‘But who said anything about a date?’ protested Eduardo. ‘This would just be two friends, sharing a love of good food. You love good food, I can tell.’

  He can read my mind, she thought. This was meant to be.

  ‘In that case, it would be lovely,’ she beamed.

  ‘Wonderful!’ he exclaimed. ‘Would it be too much to ask if you are free tomorrow? Yes? Then I will make a reservation and meet you here. Will that be all right?’

  It would be so much more than all right, she thought, her head spinning. ‘Y— yes,’ she managed to say.

  ‘I shall see you here, then, after the show,’ he said. ‘Now my friends are telling me that I must go. Until tomorrow.’ Eduardo leant forward, held her hand to his lips and kissed it.

  God, she thought, do people still do that? Maybe they did in Mexico. How charming. She followed him with her eyes as he made his way through the busy bar to the exit with his friends. Her first date, even if they weren’t calling it that, and it was with a gorgeous older man from the Mexican embassy. Well, that wouldn’t have happened in Margate.

  ‘Oooh, who was that?’ said Mark, emerging from the door to the auditorium. ‘Very tasty.’

  ‘Hands off,’ she grinned. ‘He might be mine.’

  ‘And what’s that you’ve got there?’ he went on, sniffing her glass. ‘Tonic and … not vodka? Yes? A proper drink. Naughty. You’ll get Frankie into trouble.’

  ‘Well, I didn’t buy it,’ she said. ‘My new friend did.’

  ‘New friend, is it now?’ he teased. ‘I don’t know, we leave you alone for one hour and you get some hunk to buy you a drink and you’re not even embarrassed.’

  ‘He did more than that,’ she admitted. ‘He asked me to go to L’Escargot with him and I said yes.’

  ‘Oh my God!’ cried Mark. ‘You jammy cow. You never. Oh, we’ll have to find you something to wear. No, hang on.’ He calmed down. ‘Look, I know he’s gorgeous-looking but what do you know about him? He’s not another Rudolfo under those lovely looks, is he?’

  ‘No, no,’ she said, ‘he works for the Mexican embassy.’

  ‘Gorgeous and connected,’ Mark sighed. ‘I can’t pretend I’m not jealous. Still, we must be practical. You can’t tell Maureen, not when she’s just had to threaten Michelle with the sack.’

  ‘I know,’ she said, beginning to feel a stab of guilt. ‘I didn’t really think about that. I just saw how handsome he was and then he said he’d take me to this place I’ve wanted to go to for ages – and so what was I meant to do?’

  ‘Hold your horses,’ Mark said. ‘You can still go, but be careful. Don’t tell Maureen – or at least not until afterwards. Don’t tell Juliet, she’ll go spare. Let me know your arrangements and I can chaperone you from a distance. Make sure he doesn’t try any funny business. Just because he’s good-looking doesn’t mean he won’t try it on. I usually walk you most of the way home anyway, so just regard it as an extension of my services.’

  ‘Mark, you’re lovely and I don’t deserve you,’ Penny said, hugging him fiercely.

  ‘That’s my trouble,’ he sighed. ‘I’m so good nobody does deserve me and nobody comes near, except the miserable little heartbreakers. Still,’ he brightened up, ‘we’ll get you all dolled-up tomorrow and you’ll have the best evening ever.’

  Penny could hardly sleep that night, her emotions were in such turmoil. Would this be the beginning of a big romance? Would she end up as an embassy wife, dining at wonderful restaurants all around the world? Maybe she’d have to organise big parties. Maybe she’d cook amazing dinners for important visitors and everyone would compliment her. Maybe he’d be posted to Madrid and she could impress them with her fluent Spanish …

  As dawn began to break she finally drifted off, and when she woke up found it was so late she’d missed the dance class. Maureen had let her sleep in. Well, Penny thought, she could miss the occasional day. It wasn’t compulsory to attend every one and she was much fitter now. She’d have a leisurely bath and take her time getting dressed, then she’d go and find Mark to see what he could come up with for her to wear tonight.

  Chapter Thirty

  ‘For God’s sake,’ hissed Michelle as they made their way off through the wings after their first routine. ‘Can you concentrate, please? You stood on my foot twice. What’s wrong with you this evening?’

  ‘Sorry,’ said Penny. ‘Didn’t mean to.’ She had no idea how she’d got through the dance as her mind was anywhere but on what she was doing. She’d tried to scan the audience to see if Eduardo was already there but the glare of the lights made it impossible. Now she had to sit tight and wait until they’d done their last routine before she could go and join him in the bar. Usually she liked sitting through the other acts but this evening they seemed to go on for ever. She realised she was grinding her teeth during one of Fifi’s slower numbers.

  Mark had picked out a gorgeous cocktail dress which appeared silver in some lights, pearly grey in others. ‘Perfect for you,’ he’d said, holding it up against her. ‘Not everyone could get away with this as it’s basically a straight line of fabric but on you it’s just right.’

  ‘You mean I still haven’t got any curves,’ groaned Penny. ‘What if I stay this shape for ever? What if he doesn’t like me?’

  ‘Face it, darling, he’s seen you in your tiny shorts and halterneck so he isn’t under any illusions,’ Mark pointed out. ‘Not much room left for surprises there. You’ll look divine, so just believe it.’

  Now she sat with the other dancers, counting the endless minutes before they went on again, still worried that she’d say the wrong thing or look out of place somehow. Michelle threw her a filthy look.

  ‘I can’t sit next to you no longer, you’re all fidgety and it’s driving me mad,’ she complained. ‘I’m off to get some water.’

  Michelle made her way past the racks of discarded clothing to the tiny kitchenette and found a glass. She turned on the cold tap, filled the glass and held it against her hot forehead. She was as nervous as Penny plainly was, she just didn’t intend to show it.

  She hadn’t set out to get into trouble over Rudolfo. He’d been the latest in a whole string of clients she’d gone out with and she hadn’t foreseen that there would be any more fuss than before. But when the storm had broken, a rebellious streak in her objected to being told what to do. She wasn’t a kid any more and she should be able to see who she liked. She’d also rather enjoyed the very public shouting match with Maureen. It was better than taking a cold shower, really refreshing. Although she knew it would be wiser not to repeat it, a devilish voice inside Michelle whispered that it might be fun.

  She wasn’t too sorry that Rudolfo hadn’t returned from Italy after Christmas. She gathered that his businesses had been affected by the downturn and it didn’t seem likely he’d have been able to entertain her as lavishly as before. So now she was about to embark on a date with another client, one she knew much less well, but he seemed to offer all that Rudolfo had and more. A pity he was so old, but that had never bothered her in the past. In fact it might be an advantage, as he’d probably tire more easily … She jumped when Mark came round the corner and put a hand on her shoulder.

  ‘What are you doing here? Aren’t you on again in a minute?’ he hissed.

&n
bsp; ‘Taking a little break,’ she said. ‘Just collecting my thoughts together before going out later with you know who.’

  Mark rolled his eyes. ‘You’re going ahead with it, then? Do you really think it’s a good idea?’

  ‘Why not? He seemed like the perfect gentleman and I can tell he likes me. As he damn well should.’

  ‘Look, I know you’re an old hand at this but please be careful,’ Mark said earnestly. ‘You’ve only just avoided getting the sack. Don’t go looking for trouble. You don’t need it, we don’t need it.’

  Michelle sighed and folded her arms across her tight sparkly top. ‘I know you mean well. I appreciate it. But I’ve got to cast my net wide while I’m young. And I’m damned if they’re going to stop me.’ She glanced up at the clock above the ancient steel sink. ‘Shit. Gotta go, we’re on any minute. See ya later.’

  ‘See ya later,’ echoed Mark, watching her run along the corridor. ‘Hope he’s worth it.’

  Penny wasn’t sure how she managed to walk calmly across the bar, her legs were shaking so much. She could see the group of friends that Eduardo usually came in with over in one corner, though she couldn’t see if he was with them or not. She decided to risk it and get herself a drink for Dutch courage. Penny slipped to the side of the long bar, where the staff collected the glasses, and where she could see the rest of the bar but they couldn’t see her. It was a good vantage point. ‘Go on, just a vodka and tonic,’ she begged Frankie. ‘No one’ll know.’

  ‘You’ll get me sacked,’ he hissed. ‘All right, just one, or you’ll put the punters off with your sad face. What’s up?’

  ‘Nothing,’ said Penny. ‘Bit tired, that’s all.’ She didn’t want the entire staff to find out what she was doing – though Frankie generally knew everyone’s secrets, as he saw all the dramas playing out before his eyes. Still, there was no sense in inviting trouble.

  Sipping her drink, Penny forced herself to breathe deeply and calm down. It seemed to work. Over the hum of voices she gradually began to pick out the Spanish sounds from the group of men not far away, hidden from view around the corner.