by Dawson, H A
‘Your dress is stunning,’ Teresa said.
‘Thanks. I like it.’
She nudged Geoff. ‘Don’t you think?’
There was admiration in his eyes. ‘Yes. You look lovely.’ He turned to his wife. ‘Almost as gorgeous as you, my sweet.’
He leaned across and kissed her cheek. She turned her head, whispered something in his ear, and wrapped her arm around his middle.
Unwilling to be an observer in this intimate moment, Leanne averted her eyes and continued to absorb the relaxing ambience, but not for long. Within moments, they were guided to a table and encouraged to sit down.
Leanne sat opposite Steven and next to Teresa. After making casual conversation, the menus arrived. The food on offer was home-cooked English cuisine, from the more exotic such as guinea fowl, to chicken in a fine sauce. Each dish sounded delicious, and her mouth watered with expectation.
‘This is our treat Leanne,’ Geoff said, ‘make sure you have exactly what you want.’
Her eyes flickered between Geoff and Steven.
‘You too Steven,’ he added.
‘I . . . no one said,’ she replied.
‘No arguments. We haven’t given you a good impression. We’ve had our problems.’ He reached for Teresa’s hand. ‘But we’re getting there.’
He placed it to his mouth and kissed it. Teresa’s eyes glistened, their issues apparently forgotten.
Geoff turned back to Leanne. ‘When you’ve been married as long as us, you’ll have your problems too. It’s all part of the enjoyment. Life would be dull if it always ran smoothly. Don’t you agree?’
Reluctantly, as she knotted her hands, she agreed. It had never been dull with Phillip and they had rarely had issues. Her chest swelled. This time last year, she would have never envisaged living this life. How quickly things changed.
‘What do you like to do in your spare time Leanne?’ Geoff asked.
‘My time’s taken up with my son.’
‘I hear he was over at the weekend.’
‘Yes, it was great to see him. It’s strange being apart from him.’
‘Steven tells me he’s a fine young man and a credit to you.’
‘Thanks. He is a sensible sort and quite mature for his age.’
‘He’s sixteen, is that right?’
‘Yes.’
‘Has he any idea what he wants to do when he leaves school?’
‘Not really. I have been pressing him about it. He enjoys geography and in particular cartography, so I think he might get into that. When he was little, he would often draw maps of the area.’
‘Interesting. Is he going to university?’
‘Yes. There are quite a few courses he could do - earth sciences, geology, surveying – it’ll take a bit of deciding.’
‘How is he going to find out about them?’
‘I’m hoping through the school. Otherwise, I will spend some time on the Internet researching the jobs and entry requirements.’
‘Good idea. At least you don’t have money worries. That must be a huge relief.’
Teresa glared at Geoff.
‘It’s okay,’ he said to his wife. ‘Leanne understands what I’m saying.’
‘Of course, and yes you're right. I don’t know what I would do if I had to find that amount of money. I wouldn’t want him getting a loan.’
‘Quite right.’ Geoff turned to Steven. ‘You’re in the same situation, aren’t you?’
‘Yes. It’s a worry, for sure.’
‘I admire you both,’ Geoff said, ‘having teenagers must be stressful. I doubt I would manage as well as you.’
‘I’m sure you would,’ Leanne said, ‘it comes naturally. You want to do the best for them in every way and sometimes that means dealing with your own emotions differently . . . or even hiding them altogether. I don’t think I could have coped with my recent losses anywhere near as well without Tyler. I would have wallowed far more.’
‘I like your honesty.’
Feeling shy, her eyes drifted across the menu as she pondered Geoff’s behaviour. He was different to their previous meeting, and she had to agree with Teresa and Steven that his rudeness was due to the drink. Covertly, she glanced towards him, noting his fingers interlocking with Teresa’s and his eyes exuding warmth and passion. They seemed happy, far more so than Teresa or Steven had suggested and far more than she believed possible.
They placed their orders and continued to make easy chatter, talking about the education system, job prospects and government policies, although nothing personal. When the subject did drift towards family values, Leanne moved the conversation on, still hurt by Teresa’s strong negative opinions regarding her search for her mother. No one appeared to notice.
With the main course completed, Teresa departed to visit the washroom, swiftly followed by Geoff.
Leanne turned to Steven. ‘They seem to be getting on well tonight.’
‘Yes. They do seem cosy.’
‘Is it an act?’
‘That’s cynical.’
‘It’s just that they are fondling each other like they’ve just met. How long have they been married?’
‘Thirty or so years.’
‘I thought as much.’ She paused, thoughtful. ‘It still bothers me that she doesn’t want me around at her house.’
‘You’re making too much of it. She likes to be organised and doesn’t like people dropping in unannounced.’
‘But she’s okay with you.’
‘Most of the time I warn her.’
‘You do?’
‘Yes, I’ve been thinking about that. I remember her being a bit odd with me when we first met. I think it’s just one of her eccentricities.’
‘So you think I’m being a bit paranoid.’
He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. ‘A little. Give her a chance. She’s a nice woman when you get to know her.’
She pulled it free and reached for her near-empty glass of wine. He looked annoyed. She avoided his penetrating gaze and looked to the bar area.
Geoff exited the washroom, headed to the bar and ordered a drink. He was chatting to the bar attendant when Teresa appeared. After they had received drinks, they stepped away and paused to hold a conversation. Teresa seemed a little perturbed or irritated by something, and Geoff was trying to placate her.
‘What’s going on?’ Steven asked.
‘They have just stopped for a chat. It doesn’t seem too amicable.’
‘I meant with us.’
‘Nothing.’
He frowned. She looked away.
‘What do I have to do to make you pay me attention?’ he asked. ‘I feel as though you’re trying your best to avoid any kind of interaction with me.’
‘I haven’t.’
‘Every time I speak to you, you seem to start a conversation with Geoff or Teresa. What have I done wrong?’
‘I’m trying to get on with them. I thought that’s what you wanted.’
Steven harrumphed.
Finally, he had noticed something was wrong. It was a satisfying moment. Maybe soon he would admit to being out with Queenie.
His mouth opened then shut, as though he was about to speak. Not wanting to progress the conversation any further, she glanced across the room to Geoff and Teresa, who were striding back to the table. Upon their arrival, she passed them a warm smile.
‘Enjoying your meal?’ Geoff asked.
‘Yes,’ she replied. ‘It’s a great little place.’
‘Now you understand why it’s one of our favourites.’
‘I’d love to come during the day. Didn’t you say there were some good walks out the back?’
‘You like walking?’
‘Yes, I do.’
‘It’s far too strenuous for me. I’m more of a beer and TV man.’
‘There’s a man who’s here most weekends,’ Teresa said. ‘He does a lot of painting.’
‘What does he paint?’
‘Sometimes landscap
es, sometimes fine work, like insects or tiny flowers. He’s talented.’
‘Does he sell them?
‘I don’t know.’ She paused, pensive. ‘It could be an opportunity for you. You could sell it in your craft business. If it’s any good that is.’
Geoff’s eyes widened and he leaned forward. ‘You have a craft business?’
Teresa spoke first. ‘I did tell you.’
‘No, you didn’t.’
‘I don’t have a business,’ Leanne replied, ‘but I’ve been involved with one before and I am thinking of starting one up.’
Intriguingly, he was buzzing with excitement. ‘I can’t believe this. I have something that could interest you. I’m buying into a craft business near Norfolk with a friend and we want someone to run the place. Would you be interested?’
‘Norfolk? I . . . I could be.’
‘Alternatively . . .’ he gazed vacantly for a couple of seconds and then reached for his phone. ‘Hang on a minute.’
He scurried to the bar area, and whilst he was chatting, she tried to get the idea straight in her head. Teresa and Steven both approved and told her it may be just what she needed. It was the new start she had been after, an exciting prospect.
He returned bubbling with enthusiasm and displaying a broad grin. ‘I have an even better proposal, and Tony agrees. We want a third partner. It would mean putting some money in, but it would guarantee you had a say in the business. The only problem is you would have to act quickly. We are about to sign the contracts. The woman wants the sale complete this week.’
‘How much money?’
‘How does forty sound?
‘Thousand?’
‘Yes. We are doing this as an investment, and don’t have a clue with crafts, so we’d hardly be involved. It would give you a free run. I have the details in the car – I forget to drop them home - but as I said, I’d need an answer by tomorrow.’
She glanced between Teresa and Steven. Their expressions told her they both considered it a fantastic opportunity. She was inclined to agree.
‘It’s all happening a bit quickly.’
‘If it helps,’ Steven said, ‘I can vouch for Geoff. We may not always see eye-to-eye, but I know he is a good businessman. He wouldn’t do something unless he believed it would make him money.’
‘Is it currently a craft shop?’
‘It is, and it’s doing well,’ Geoff said. ‘It has an excellent turnover. The woman wants to retire. It’s a private sale and she wants cash. Lord knows why, but it’s no problem. The contracts have all been verified. Everything is in order.’
She scrutinised their expectant gazes. ‘But you don’t know me.’
‘I can smell the right people,’ he said. ‘I can tell you are straightforward and meticulous, and probably - correct me if I’m wrong – a fast learner. You’re the ideal candidate.’
‘It’s a lot of money to part with.’
‘I know it is, but I promise you . . .’ he leaned forward and locked eyes. ‘It is an excellent investment. It is in the right location, and there are possibilities for expansion. We’ve already worked out that we should get our money back within the first year.’
‘I must say I am tempted, but I’m not sure where I’ll be living. I have Tyler to consider.’
‘Isn’t it about half way between here and your other home?’
Leanne nodded.
‘Then it’s ideal.’ His tone grew stern. ‘I don’t want to push you, but I’d say it was meant to be. Do you believe in fate?’
‘I’m not sure.’
‘I’d say you should. This has to be the reason you’ve been drawn here. Chances like this don’t come around often.’
‘Can I sleep on it?’
‘Of course, but I’ll need to know first thing, one way or another.’
‘Thanks.’
‘I’ll leave the details with you. Make sure you remember to take them.’
The remainder of the evening past in a blur and it was difficult for Leanne to concentrate on the conversation. All she could think about was the business opportunity. It was what she had wanted to do, and with two other partners involved in the deal, she would share the risk. Yet her doubts still flirted with her excitement. She did not know Tony Lawrence at all and she hardly knew Geoff and felt as though she should decline the offer. Yet, for some bizarre reason, she trusted them. It was a fantastic opportunity, and it was the new start she needed.
The money was not an issue either. She had the inheritance and had no plans for it, and then there was Honeysuckle Cottage, a fantastically valuable asset. It would not be a massive loss if it went wrong. Should she be impulsive and say yes? She wanted to, she just wasn’t sure if she was brave enough.
Steven wrapped his arm around her waist as they gathered by the bar to leave. His aroma wafted towards her, his warmth projecting itself into her body. She looked at him, deadpan.
‘I can tell there’s a lot going on inside your head. Do you want me to come back to your place to help you check the details?’
Suddenly, she thought of him with Queenie and pulled herself free. Despite her high spirits, she still felt the hurt of his betrayal, and could not dissolve it in her mind. ‘No thanks.’
‘Are you sure? I don’t mind.’
‘I’m sure.’
His tone hardened. ‘I’m not trying to get an invitation to stop over, if that’s what you’re thinking.’
‘You wouldn’t get one even if you were.’
He frowned and headed to the stairs. It was obvious that he was unhappy with her, but she was in no mood to offer an explanation. She buttoned up her coat and followed him out of the building, maintaining a small gap. Mulling over her emotions, she concluded it was foolish to feel jealous of a woman old enough to be her mother, but it still wasn’t enough to eradicate her pain. Steven was not the man she thought she knew, and just because she was deliriously happy she wasn’t about to betray her instincts. Tonight, she would spend alone. Tonight she would dream about the business.
Chapter 26
Such was Leanne’s excitement for the day ahead, the instant she awoke from a fitful sleep pimples extended across the length of her body. She had tossed and turned numerous times, exited her bed on three occasions, and stared at the ceiling and dreamed of her business. Yet, despite the poor quality of sleep, she did not feel at all tired and her energy pounded her veins.
She leapt free of the covers and headed to the papers on the dressing table and carried them back to bed. There was an image of the shop on the front cover and inside a description of the business. Further along were several sheets of figures, from stock to turnover. She flicked through the documents, reassured herself it was real and tried to calm her enthusiasm. Her ideas were flowing; she could integrate her jewellery-making ideas into the business and she could sell her previous employers work. She could attend fairs and exhibitions. She could network with like-minded people.
It felt like a dream. As she dressed, she imagined Janet and Phillip’s joy. They would have all celebrated her new start and told her it was meant to be. They would have gone to the premises together to explore her newly acquired asset. They would have displayed their pride, sharing in her elation.
It was not to be. Nevertheless, she still had Tyler to celebrate with, but rather than hurrying to the telephone, she decided to wait. Once she had signed the documents and was in a position to begin working, then she would tell him. His expression would be worth the wait.
She hurried her breakfast, a mug of coffee and a slice of toast, and dialled Geoff’s number.
‘Have you made a decision?’ he asked.
‘Yes, I’m in.’
‘That’s great news. You won’t regret it.’
‘About the money. You say you wanted cash?’
‘Yes, that was what Mrs Oakdale wanted. I think the best thing is that you withdraw it and we put it straight into my vault. The rest of the cash is already there.’
‘Okay. And w
hat about the contracts?’
‘I’ll have them amended today. How about I meet you at the bank tomorrow? Say at about eleven o’clock. You’ll need to give notice to withdraw the cash. Who are you with?’
‘Lloyd’s.’
‘There’s one not far from here.’
He gave her the details and ended the call. She sat for a moment, cradling it in her palm, and her smile extended from ear to ear.
Leanne’s pulse was racing and her hands were shaking as she watched the bank manager count the money on the table. She could not speak, such were her tremors, and wanted the moment to be over. The sooner it was in Geoff’s vault the better.
He was waiting for her in the lobby.
‘Act normal,’ he said. ‘It’s a lot to be carrying around.’
‘Have you got the contracts?’
‘I have. Are you excited?’
‘I am. It’s everything I’ve always wanted to do. How soon will it be before I meet Tony?’
‘It should be this week. But you won’t have a lot to do with him. He wants to be a silent partner.’
She nodded and continued her awkward gait into the bank and down to the vault. It was dark and dingy. There were security guards, cameras, and alarms, and it gave the transaction a sense of authenticity. He walked across the room, opened a safe and she gave him the money. Inside there was a large red box. He opened it up and placed the money inside, alongside a large number of small packets that she assumed were more notes. He closed the door and nodded to the guard, and they headed back along the corridor.
‘When will it reach completion? I can’t wait to take a look.’
‘Soon I hope. Now, whilst we are here, I have the contracts, and I took the decision to open you a vault at Lloyds. I thought it would be the best place for the contract. If you sign it, you can take your copy straight there.’
‘Don’t I need to sign something to open one of them?’
‘I’ve done it under our new business name. You can change it when we get there, but I’ll have to be there the first time because I’ve authorised it. I thought it would be quicker that way. I hope you don’t mind.’