Double Cheque

by Heather MacQuarrie

  “Really? Wow! Thank you. That’s really kind of you, especially when we’ve only just met.”

  “Sure we’re almost family,” Maggie told her. “My future sister-in-law will also be your sister-in-law when Tania and Sam get round to tying the knot.”

  “Well thank you. I’d love to come. When is the wedding?”

  “We’ve just secured a booking thanks to a late cancellation. With my dad dying not so long ago we had put things on hold but now we just want to be married as soon as possible. We’ve set the date for 19th November. It’s a Saturday so hopefully most people will be free.”

  “Thanks Maggie. I’m really chuffed to be included.”

  She was half way up the stairs to Jillian’s apartment when Maggie turned round again and asked Jasmine whether she was in a steady relationship. “I wouldn’t want to leave your boyfriend out if that were the case,” she said jocularly, “but Mum will go mad if I keep adding names that she doesn’t recognise. We don’t want a crowd of strangers. It’s going to be a fairly small and intimate gathering.”

  Jasmine took a deep breath. “No, I’m not in a relationship,” she told her friend, “but I have my sights firmly set on someone. I hope that I will be soon.”

  “Fair enough,” laughed Maggie, “I need confirmation within the next couple of weeks.”

  “OK, good to have a specific target,” Jasmine laughed. “I had been thinking about Christmas! I’ll have to get cracking.”

  “Talk to you soon.”

  And Maggie disappeared out of view.

  Jasmine felt elated. She liked Maggie. Everything was going swimmingly for her since she moved in here. And now she had a further incentive to make a move on the man of her dreams. Maggie’s wedding was only six weeks away. How much more would she enjoy it as part of a couple, rather than just going alone.

  ***

  Sunday was almost over. Two full days and not a word from her husband. Patty wondered for the hundredth time where he had gone. Tomorrow would be his birthday. Gosh, how she had messed things up. They should have been sightseeing, taking in the architecture of Barcelona, enjoying the tapas bars, relaxing in a fancy restaurant overlooking the beach. She checked her phone again. Nothing. Only endless texts and messages from Douglas. She ignored those, just couldn’t cope with them yet. Much as she loved him too, her husband of twenty-eight years was missing. He had to come first. But where was he?

  Patricia had enjoyed seeing Sam and Tania yesterday. They had reinstated contact with Stevie, lovely little Stevie, her darling grandson. But it had been a trick. They hadn’t been in touch since. And where was Jasmine? Too busy enjoying her own space, revelling in the freedom of her new flat, socialising with her new friends. Molly hadn’t even phoned today. It had been the longest day of her life.

  ***

  Way up in the Scottish Highlands, in a small guesthouse by a pretty lough, Kenneth lay on the bed watching a local Scottish news programme. A body had been found on the outskirts of Edinburgh. A local man, the newsreader announced, found in the garden of his brother and business partner, Douglas McKendrick. Foul play had been ruled out. It appeared that the unfortunate man had tripped over some obstacle on his way down the driveway, following a visit to his brother. He only lived a few yards away but never made it home because he caught his head on a sharp, angular stone, bursting a blood vessel to his brain. He would have been dead within minutes. The family were distraught because he had apparently lain there all night before being discovered by his niece when she took her dog for a walk on Sunday morning. Kenneth could scarcely believe what he was hearing.

  I got the wrong guy! But I’ve gotten away with it. They definitely said that foul play wasn’t suspected. Just an accident. And yes, there were lots of obstacles lying about that driveway. There were loose stones, a trowel, a small rake, terracotta pots. A visitor to the house could have tripped over any of those in the darkness. No-one will ever know it was me. As long as I stay away from home until that bruise on my hand has disappeared.

  Chapter 14

  Jasmine decided to stop pussy-footing around. She had to be more forthcoming, make things happen herself, not just wait for good luck to strike in her direction. A house-warming party! Not a big affair, something intimate like Sam and Tania had done. She would have them back of course, along with Maggie and Lawrence. Imogen and Grant. Gillian and Bradley from upstairs. Rebecca and Alastair. Robyn? Jasmine had never actually known her except as a cute little baby. It would be just like the old days. As long as the conversation steered well clear of their parents. She didn’t want to talk about what was going on there. Her mother’s behaviour had made her feel a bit ashamed and it was now evident that her father was not at home. She didn’t blame him for walking out but where was he and when was he coming home? Maybe he really had paid that man a visit but Jasmine didn’t even want to think about it. And Grant’s parents were tied up with the same people; there were too many connections for comfort. So she would have a blanket ban on discussing anything to do with parents. Then they could have a proper party atmosphere and a bit of fun.

  Robyn decided not to come. Jasmine was glad because she had only sent the invitation via Grant as a matter of courtesy. It turned out that Robyn and her boyfriend, Jack, already had plans for Friday night which included tickets for a show. But Jasmine was surprised when Grant and Imogen also declined her invitation, saying that they were going away for yet another weekend. She had immediately assumed that they wanted to spend more time with Grant’s Scottish father but they had assured her that their plans had nothing to do with him. However, they had been somewhat secretive and Jasmine ended up deciding that Imogen and Sam were maybe not yet particularly comfortable in one another’s company or that Grant wasn’t happy with them spending time together. It couldn’t have been further from the truth but how could Jasmine have known that her childhood friend and the previous occupant of her lovely apartment were getting married that very day! In the end Rebecca also decided to stay away.

  So it was just the eight of them. Perfect. Jasmine would have her work colleagues over another time. Maybe. Although she got on well with people at work, she didn’t often socialise with anyone in particular. She wouldn’t be offending anyone. Her guests started to arrive.

  “Hi Maggie.” She gave her new best friend a hug and then addressed her boyfriend. “Good to see you again, Lawrence. There are drinks in the kitchen. Come and help yourselves.”

  The doorbell rang again, almost immediately. “Hi Tania, your brother’s already here. Drinks are in the kitchen.” Jasmine smirked at her own brother who was at Tania’s heels. “Remember what I said. No parent talk,” she instructed.

  “Suits me,” Sam grunted. “They can work things out for themselves from now on.”

  A taxi was heard pulling up at the door. Jasmine flew out to greet Alastair who was on his way upstairs, as usual. “Hey, the party’s down here,” she called out to him jocularly. “Come on in. Jillian and Bradley should be here any minute.”

  Alastair retraced his steps and allowed himself to be shepherded inside where he was introduced to the others. Sam was astounded to see him looking so fit and healthy and had to remind himself that sixteen years had passed since they last met.

  And finally Jillian and Bradley came through the door. Jasmine made sure that everyone had a drink, deposited coats in the bedroom and then started to mingle and chat, her heart fluttering excitedly as she passed from one to another.

  “So where is this guy you’re lusting after?” Maggie quizzed, when they found themselves alone in the kitchen for a few moments. “I was hoping I might meet him tonight.”

  “You already have,” Jasmine replied, licking her lips. “He’s right here in my flat this very minute.”

  “Not Bradley? You can’t have him, Jasmine. Jillian is one of my best friends. They’re engaged for goodness sake.”

  “All’s fair in l
ove and war.”

  Maggie gave her friend a horrified stare before realising that she was pulling her leg.

  “Who then?”

  “Alastair, of course!”

  “Alastair?”

  “I have dreamt about him since the first moment I set eyes on him two weeks ago. Don’t you think he’s gorgeous?”

  Maggie hesitated before speaking. “Jasmine, maybe you don’t know about Alastair. I never met him before but Jillian has mentioned him to me. He’s got some kind of brain damage. There are lots of things he can’t do.”

  “And I suppose you can do everything. And Lawrence is some kind of Superman.”

  “Jasmine, I’m only trying to help.”

  “By perpetuating the stigma that has plagued him all his life!”

  “Being friendly with someone is one thing; starting a serious relationship with him is quite another matter.”

  “So I should be nice to people with disabilities but keep them at arm’s length!”

  “You’re making me sound awful now. I just thought that maybe you weren’t aware of his difficulties. You could be storing up trouble for yourself.”

  Bradley came in to refresh his drink and the sudden silence immediately alerted him to the fact that they had either been talking about him or having a row. “Should my ears be burning?” he asked looking from one to the other.

  Jasmine just left the room. Maggie was annoyed with herself. “Just a difference of opinion about something,” she told Bradley. “I’d better go after her.”

  She found Jasmine in her studio. Her eyes were wet with unshed tears and her hands were trembling. Maggie put an arm around her.

  “I already knew about Alastair,” Jasmine stuttered. “I expected abusive comments and reservations from narrow-minded and bigoted people but not from you. I thought you would understand.”

  “I do. I’m so sorry. I spoke impulsively, thoughtlessly. I just assumed that you didn’t know.”

  “He told me quite a lot about himself the day I moved in here. I know he has problems and I know he worries about the future but all he needs is someone who cares, someone who really likes him, someone who loves him.”

  “Just be careful, Jasmine. You’ve only known him for two weeks.”

  “I’m sure I can be that person. I just feel it in my bones. I go weak at the knees just at the sight of him.”

  “Then I think it would be absolutely wonderful if you hook up with him.”

  “Really?”

  “Let’s get back to the others. Just say I was looking at your artwork.”

  They left the room with Maggie loudly enthusing over the canvas that was currently on one of the easels. “How did you get those apples to look so realistic? Lawrence, come and look at this painting.”

  Bradley gave the two girls a wry grin as everyone else squeezed into the studio to admire the painting. “Everything OK?” he enquired kindly.

  “Absolutely,” they both chorused. “We’ll just go and turn the oven on. I’m sure you’re all ready for something to eat.”

  As they prepared the snacks in the kitchen, Maggie and Jasmine chatted about other things but both of them were privately trying to come up with a scheme whereby Alastair would remain behind for a while when the others left. Eventually Maggie uttered her thoughts aloud. “We’ve all had a few drinks so I think I’ll get Eddie to collect us all when he comes for Tania and Sam.”

  “Eddie?” Jasmine was momentarily confused.

  “Lawrence and Tania’s dad. He and Judy are looking after the baby but not overnight. He said he’d collect Tania and Sam from here and then leave them home, with the baby.”

  “Will he have room for all of you?”

  “Lawrence and I will squeeze in.” She looked at Jasmine with a cunning grin. “But there won’t be room for Alastair.”

  “He came by taxi. He probably has one booked for going home too. He uses them quite a lot because he’s not allowed to drive.”

  “Just make sure he doesn’t go upstairs with Bradley and Jillian. Once they’ve gone, it’s up to you. If you get my drift.”

  Jasmine gave her friend a hug. “Right, everybody, food’s ready,” she called into the lounge. “Come and help yourselves.”

  They all flooded into the kitchen and complimented Jasmine on the delicious snacks. Sam poured them all another drink. “You’ve landed on your feet here, Sis”, he then said, taking a good look around. “This is lovely. It’s so modern compared to our place.”

  Jasmine laughed. “You had first refusal on it,” she reminded him.

  “But I couldn’t have asked Tania to live here. It has Imogen’s stamp on it all over. In a way I’m quite glad she wasn’t able to come tonight.”

  “Imogen’s stamp?”

  “Probably just my imagination but yes, I can sort of feel her presence. It’s a bit weird thinking that she sat on these chairs, cooked in that oven, chose some of these furnishings.”

  “Hey, you’d think she’d died, talking like that!”

  Sam smiled. “All I’m saying is that you’re welcome to it and Tania and I are better off where we are.”

  Everything went nicely to plan. After Eddie called about eleven o’clock and collected his family members, Jillian and Bradley prepared to go back up to their own flat. As expected they invited Alastair to join them while he waited for his taxi but Jasmine quickly jumped in, offering to show him some more of her paintings. Alastair had expressed great interest in them during the evening, revealing that he did a bit of painting himself. Bradley, who had spent the best part of his life looking out for Alastair, was initially taken aback when his friend accepted Jasmine’s offer and chose to stay but, on reflection, he was delighted to see the independent streak that was becoming more and more evident in recent weeks. After all Alastair was a young man of thirty-one now, not the vulnerable brain-damaged child Bradley had befriended all those years ago. It had taken a long, long time but it was becoming clear that his brain was at last recovering some of the functions it had lost, slowly but surely.

  “OK, see you soon,” Bradley said.

  “Great party, Jasmine,” added Jillian. “It’s a pity Imogen and Grant missed it.”

  “Thanks for coming.”

  The door closed and Jasmine was alone at last with the man who had caused her heart to flutter over the past fortnight. She was almost sure he would be able to hear the thumping palpitations as they turned to face one another.

  “Don’t phone for your taxi just yet,” she suggested.

  “I wasn’t going to.”

  Their eyes met, smiling. “You feel it too, don’t you?”

  Alastair nodded. “I’ve never kissed anyone,” he admitted in a whisper.

  Jasmine took his hand and led him over to the sofa. They sat down.

  “I’ve never kissed anyone that mattered,” Jasmine told him.

  “Have you ever …?”

  The incomplete question hung in the air for a moment.

  “Never,” Jasmine confided. “I’ve been waiting for you.” Then she laughed. “Did that sound a bit cheesy?” she asked.

  “You’re a lot younger than me.”

  “Seven years. That’s nothing.”

  Alastair cupped his hands around her face and gently kissed her lips. “You taste nice,” he said in a low, sexy voice. Jasmine’s desire for him intensified tenfold as she kissed him back and suddenly they were wrapped in each other’s arms sharing their first sensation of ardent, passionate love.

  A phone started to ring in the bedroom. “My phone’s in here,” Jasmine said, reluctantly ending the embrace. “It must be yours. Your coat is in there.”

  “I’d better check it,” Alastair agreed.

  Jasmine led the way and showed him where his jacket was, placed provocatively on the bed. He took his phone from the pocket
. It had stopped ringing but a message had just come through. He read it and showed it to Jasmine.

  Don’t bother with a taxi. I’ll pick you up. Or have you decided to stay at Bradley’s place for the night? Mum x

  They faced each other across the bedroom, both breathing heavily with anticipation.

  “Technically it wouldn’t be a lie,” Jasmine ventured. “This is Bradley’s place. Sort of. It’s the same building.”

  “Just what I was thinking,” Alastair concurred, his eyes dancing. “But are you sure?”

  “Do you really need to ask?”

  Alastair selected the ‘reply’ function.

  Yes, I’ll stay over. C u 2moro

  He put the phone back in his pocket and picked up the jacket. Setting it on the chair in the corner, he sat down on the bed, easing Jasmine down beside him and they kissed again with even more fervour than before.

  “Just give me a few minutes,” Jasmine then muttered. Feeling both nervous and elated she went to the bathroom and freshened up, then heard Alastair doing the same whilst she locked up and turned off the lights. She sat down on the sofa in the darkness. Alastair came out of the bathroom and joined her.

  “You’re beautiful,” he said, gently stroking her hair. “We don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to. I’ll understand.”

  Her response was to slip something into his hand. “You might need this,” she whispered, embarrassed. “I don’t even know why I had it. It’s been in my toiletry bag for a couple of years.”

  Alastair looked down at the condom in his hand. He nodded. “Let’s go to bed,” he prompted.

  Back in the bedroom, they both undressed in the dark and slid in between the cool, cotton sheets. When Jasmine shivered, an involuntary reaction to her unaccustomed nakedness, Alastair wrapped his arms around her. “I’ll soon warm you up,” he breathed. And he wasn’t wrong. They spent the next hour, arms and legs entwined, hands all over each other and lips exploring places they had never been before. It was all they had dreamed of and more. In the early hours Jasmine finally fell asleep knowing that her happiness was complete. Alastair kissed her softly even as she slept. He felt ecstatic. He had grown up at last.