“So Gladys is getting hitched!” I say cheerfully.
Rob’s mouths drops open, he is speechless – That’s a first.
“And she’s leaving, going to Devon or Cornwall.” I add and take a big mouthful of my salad.Rob is glaring at me now, he looks really mad. I quickly chew and swallow.“Hey,” I reach over and touch his hand. “You ok?”
Rob swallows hard and shakes his head.“I can’t believe it,” he whispers.
“Well neither could I,” I bawl and launch into an animated story of finding Gladys with her new man. I use lots of sparkle, humour and dry wit, but there’s nothing, just nothing.Now as much as I’m really trying not to think the worst, I know whatever is wrong with Rob must be really bad, because I know Rob so well, and he would be rolling on the floor with laughter at that one, especially with how embarrassed I was through it all.
I clear my throat and stare at my salad.“Rob, what’s wrong?” I look up at him, he shakes his head at me. Still not ready to talk then?
I sigh heavily. Isn’t that what friends are for, to always be there for each other, in their times of need?“You’ll tell me though, when you’re ready?” I add. I get nothing so I try a different tack. “Look whatever it is, we can sort it, I know we can. I’ll always be here for you, whenever you need me.” I tell him softly.
“It’s not really something you can help me with.” He croaks, his eyes glistening over - Oh no!
“Oh Rob, won’t you tell me?” I beg.
He silently shakes his head. I squeeze his hand again, trying to make him see I’ll always be here, he’s always got me.
“I can't believe Gladys is leaving you,” he whispers.
I frown at him.“Well, she’s not really’ – “I mean, I get that she’s getting married, not wanting to be on her own and all that. But why move away, why leave you?” He bellows.
I turn and look at the people walking by us, who stop and stare at Rob’s little outburst.
“Rob! It’s ok. I talked it all out with George last night.” He doesn’t look convinced. “Really, it’s ok. She wants to move away, have a new life with Malcolm and it’s not like I’m a kid anymore, she doesn’t need to stick around for me.”
Rob clenches his jaw and stares blankly ahead – Why’s he getting so worked up about Gladys? It doesn’t make sense, I decide to get off this subject.
“Hey, I was going to ask you...I’ve been thinking about doing something regularly, but I need a partner for it.”
“What is it?” He asks, his voice flat.
“Salsa dancing,” I say. I know Rob loves dancing, I’m confident he’ll say yes.
“I can't commit to…anything at the moment Coral.” He stares out into the distance again.
“Oh, ok.” I look down at my salad.
“I don’t want to hurt you or let you down.” He adds.
I nod silently.The rest of the meal continues in awkward silence. I want to ask him if it’s me, if I’ve done something wrong, but deep down inside I have a feeling this is all about Carlos, and nothing at all to do with me…
WE WALK IN SILENCE BACK TO THE GALLERY, and I pick up the painting for Tristan. Rob carries it back to the car for me. As we drive out of the car park, Rob finally speak to me.
“How are you going to get all of this home?” he asks.
“I’ll get a taxi.” I mumble.
“Want me to drop it off at your place for you?”
I turn and smile at him.“Really, you wouldn’t mind?”
He rolls his eyes at me. “No, I don’t mind and I’ll drop the other presents off too.”
I frown at him. “The other presents?”
Rob stares ahead, his face blank. “Yeah…something’s come up, I won’t make it Saturday.” He looks sad again.
“Oh...ok.” I don’t really know what else to say, not if he won’t talk to me.
“Tell Lily I’m sorry.” He adds.
I nod silently as Rob pulls up outside work. “See you soon then?” I whisper.
“Sure…” He stares straight ahead, still deep in thought.
I lean across and peck him on the cheek. “Here for you, always.”
His eyes glisten over again – Crap! – He turns slightly and gives me a weak smile.
“Love you.” I whisper and step out the car with the dress I purchased for Joyce.
I wave at Rob as he quickly pulls away, he half waves back to me with a stony face, and I’m left standing on the street feeling totally gutted, and sad – sad for my best friend. He’s going through something and I don’t know what to do about it, but if he won’t talk to me, there’s not much I can do about it…
I HEAD BACK TO THE OFFICE feeling somber. What a change from this morning. I actually felt like I was dealing with everything, and now I just feel lost. Back at my desk, I check to see if Joyce is on the phone, the line is clear so I knock on her door.
“Come.” I plaster a fake smile across my face and buoyantly walk in.
“Joyce, I got a lovely dress.” I say handing it over with her card.She pulls it out of the plastic bag and smiles.
“Lovely choice Coral, Lily will look so sweet in this.” I nod in agreement. “Thank you for doing that. With everything that’s gone on…I completely forgot to get her something.”
“Joyce, it was my pleasure, and like you say you have enough going on.”
Joyce stands from her desk, walks around it and hugs me, kissing me lightly on the cheek, so as not to smudge her perfect lipstick.“Your eyes look better.” She softly says.
Oh yeah, forgot about that! – I feel even more melancholy now, because I know Rob must be feeling really, really bad, because he’d have drilled it out of me as to why I’d been crying.
“I know,” I say making my lips smile. “I’ll definitely use that trick in the future.” I add.I go to walk out, then I remember there was a question I wanted to ask her. I stop and turn around.
Joyce is already back in her seat; typing at full speed.
“Um...Joyce.” I stare down at the floor.
“Yes dear?” She looks up at me.
“Can I ask you something? It’s not work related.”
“Of course you can.” She smiles.
“Well...I wanted to ask, you’ve met Malcolm?” I question.
“Yes.”
“Do you think...um...I don’t know how to put this?” I bite my lip.”Is he…do you think Gladys will be happy with him, do you think he’s a good man?” I blurt.
“Yes,” she clearly states. “I do.”
“Ok.” I go to walk out.
“Coral, you’re worried?”
I stop and turn around. “Yes.”
“Malcolm is a good man. And don’t forget they’re not love struck teenagers. It’s different when you get to our age. Most people are very sure of themselves, of who they are and what they want. I think they’ll make each other very happy.” I feel better hearing that and decide to really give Malcolm his chance tonight, but above all to be happy for them both.
“Thanks Joyce I’ll get back to my work. Can I get you anything first though?”
“No, I’m fine thank you.” I smile back at her and skip out of her office, feeling a little lighter than before, but when I sit back at my desk and begin going through my in-box, my mind wanders back to Rob and that sinking feeling in my stomach reappears. Don’t think the worst Coral!
Then I panic. How am I supposed to get to Worthing for Lily’s party? I was supposed to be going with Rob and Carlos.I sigh inwardly; guess I’ll have to get a lift with Gladys. Oh god! I hope they’re not all mushy over each other in the car!
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
JUST AS I’M FINISHING off for the day, I get a call from Gladys.
“Darling, what time shall we pick you up?”
“I don’t mind.” I answer.
“Shall we say seven?”
“Sure.” Great two hours of hanging around not doing anything!
“Lovely, we’ll see you then.” Gl
adys sounds giddy with excitement.
“Ok.” I almost hang up when I hear Gladys call me.
“Coral, dress smart darling. We’re going to the Hilton.”
I raise my eyebrows in surprise.“Oh, ok.” Wow, dining in style. Funny how things change, Gladys always used to like The Katarina Harvester at the Marina. “I’ll meet you by the Gym.” I tell her.
“Ok sweetheart, see you soon.” I frown deeply wondering why Gladys has changed from her usual restaurant, then shrug it off, maybe Malcolm prefers fine dining…
I AM STANDING OUTSIDE THE GYM, waiting impatiently for them to collect me. Although I shouldn’t be as I’m fifteen minutes early. I don’t understand why I feel so nervous? My foot won’t stop tapping and I’m chewing my tips again. Ugh! Stop it Coral!
I yank my finger out of my mouth and scan the road for them again, no sign. I take a deep breath and try, for the millionth time today to clear my mind of all things Tristan.I have wondered far too often about him today. His eyes, his lips, his chiseled cheekbones, his shiny dark hair, and whether he’s thinking of me like I’m thinking of him – It’s ridiculous!
I knew the moment I got back to the studio I had to do something. I wasn’t going to give myself anymore spare time to daydream about him, and I couldn’t sit in the studio waiting around, twiddling my thumbs, so I grabbed my gym bag and spent an hour in the pool. My shoulders feel sore for it, but the water was so cool and inviting – I didn’t want to leave.
Reluctantly I did, and took a long lazy shower, then dressed in my best. Actually I feel like I’m going to work because my best consists of my dark-blue pin-stripe work trousers, and my short-sleeved, light blue blouse – I wish I were in a dress, a really beautiful, long, fitted, summery dress.
I shake my head at myself – Get a grip Coral! – I take a deep breath and try to calm my anxious mind.
As I look up again, I finally see them. Malcolm is waiting for the traffic to clear so he can turn right into the gym car park. I’m surprised by his choice of car, I thought he would be in an executive car, you know, a flashy Merc or a BMW, but no – he’s in a silver Toyota Land Cruiser.
Gladys is waving at me with a wide smile stretched across her face. I lift up my hand, plaster a smile on my face, and wave back. Why am I nervous?
Malcolm pulls up beside me, then leaving the engine running he exits the car. I raise my eyebrows in surprise. He’s impeccably dressed in a smart, light beige suit and a crisp white shirt, he scrubs up good. He smiles broadly at me, with kind, gentle eyes.
I can already feel myself warming to him and relaxing – Maybe this won’t be so bad?
“Good evening Coral.” He smiles deeply and leans in to kiss my cheek. I’m surprised that I don’t feel weird about it.
“Hello Malcolm, nice ride.” I smile, but I quickly notice he looks just as nervous as I feel. No doubt still embarrassed about the last time we met. Malcolm opens the rear door for me.
I’m impressed, the guy has manners. I slip inside the sumptuous beige leather seating, and lean forward to kiss Gladys.
“Hello darling.” She smiles warmly at me.
“Hi.” I lean back in my seat and put my seatbelt on.
Malcolm gets back in and we’re soon heading west on the A259. No-one is talking, but surprisingly enough the atmosphere in the car feels really calm and relaxing. I’m trying not to notice the loving glances they keep giving each other, or the fact that Malcolm has been holding Gladys’s hand above the centre console, squeezing it every now and then, at least I don’t have to endure the loved up couple for too long.
Ten minutes later we are parked at the Hilton Metropole. I instantly think of Tristan – I wonder if he’s up there? Then I remember he said he was going back to Leeds. I wonder if that’s where he’s permanently based? I shake my head at myself – Forget him, tonight’s important, concentrate Coral.
Right, concentrate! I look up at the building, last time I was here was for Debbie’s wedding. I start getting flashbacks, all the preparations, Debs walking down the aisle, Scott’s face when he saw her in her dress, the meal, the after party.
“Coral?” I hadn’t even noticed Malcolm had opened my door for me again, and is standing there with his hand held out to me.
“Sorry Malcolm, miles away.” I say and place my hand in his. As Gladys reaches me she wraps her arm around my waist, squeezes me and then winks playfully at me.
“Shall we ladies?” Malcolm gestures for us to go before him and we head inside….
I AM COMPLETELY WON OVER. Malcolm is charming, warm, witty, sweet, and seems to think the world of Gladys. I finally relax knowing that Joyce was right; they really do seem like a perfect match for one another.Inside I’m gushing with happiness, I have never seen Gladys so happy and buoyant, it’s like she’s got this fire lit inside her. I can see it clearly, the glow and twinkle in her eyes gives it all away.
How strange it feels though, I always thought she was really happy anyway, Gladys has always been a fun, positive person to be around but now she just seems so, so – alive?
After an hour of drinking, chatting and laughing we have finished our starters, which were delicious, and the wine is going down a treat. In-fact, I think Gladys is getting a little tipsy, she seems nervous.
As the waiter clears our plates, Gladys turns to me and squeezes my free hand.“So darling, we have something very important to ask you.” She says.Uh-Oh!
My stomach flips.“Ok.” I whisper and take a gulp of wine – Please don’t ask me to be a bridesmaid!
“Well, it’s about the wedding.” She says glancing at Malcolm.
I try not to frown.
“We’d like to do it sooner rather than later.” Malcolm says, seeing that Gladys is struggling a little.
“Ok.” I shrug nonchalantly.
“We’ve got a date in August,” Malcolm adds.
My eyebrows rise, I stare back at him feeling a little surprised – Christ that is soon!
“And we’d like to have it here,” Gladys adds. “Debbie’s wedding was such a lovely day.”
I nod in agreement.
“But the only date they have left’ – Malcolm says – ‘Is the 8th August.” He takes another swig of wine and looks across the table to Gladys. My Birthday!
Gladys pipes up. “We’re only asking darling, we don’t want to spoil your day, if you don’t want it then’ – “Stop.” I tell her. “Let me think.”I quickly run it over in my head and instantly relax. I wasn’t going to be asked about bridesmaids after all. I can’t help smiling at that one. I can see Malcolm and Gladys visibly relax before me.
Then I think about their request.Am I really that bothered? My birthday is a Thursday this year and I wasn’t planning on doing anything on the actual day, I was going to ask for a barbeque the following Saturday, so what difference does it make? Decision made!
“Ok, well first off, no I don’t mind at all, but it’s a Thursday? Don’t you want your wedding to be on a Saturday? Isn’t that when people traditionally get married?” They both chuckle.
“No darling, we’re not worried about all of that. We were just going to go to the registry office and have a little party back at the house, but then we came here for a meal a few weeks ago, and I was telling Malcolm all about Debbie’s wonderful day here’ – “And I insisted we book it.” Malcolm interrupts beaming at Gladys again, then taking her hand in his, he raises it to his lips and tenderly kisses it - Gladys melts and goes all gooey-eyed.
“Well I think it’s a fabulous idea.” I say excitedly. Then I frown, Joyce will be gone by then, what if I can't get the time off?
“What’s wrong darling?” I’m surprised it’s Malcolm asking me and not Gladys.
I already feel like I’ve known him a very long time – Huh! Who’d have thought it, maybe I’ll get a father figure after all.
“Joyce will have sold by then. I just hope my new boss gives me the time off?” I say.
“Tristan!” Gladys beams, blinking
rapidly. “Of course he will darling.” She adds flippantly, as though it’s a no-brainer. Anyone would think she’s a close and personal friend of his the way she’s acting!
I roll my eyes at her. “Gladys, you don’t know him, so I don’t know how you can say that?”
“I know more than you think.” She says winking at me. What? What does that mean?
I blink several times trying to get my brain to work again. I really want to ask her what she knows, but if I do, she’ll get suspicious and I can't handle her questioning – I’m not even sure how I feel about him yet. I guess Joyce must have told her a lot about him.
God damn it, I really want to know!
I sigh inwardly. “So, you think he will give me the time off? I just think with the take-over, it might not be such a good time.” I foolishly add.
“Nonsense, I’m sure it will be fine.” Gladys soothes patting my hand. “So you really don’t mind?” She queries.
“No,” I chortle. “It will be a lovely day.” I add feeling all warm and buzzy inside.
“Thank you Coral.” Malcolm says, smiling warmly at me.
I shrug, it’s no big deal. “Are you planning on having a big wedding?”
“Oh no!” They both answer. Then smile at one another – Ok, the lovey-dovey looks are actually starting to gross me out a little bit!
“Just family and a few close friends,” Malcolm clarifies.
I nod and drink some more wine.
“Now,” Gladys says in a very business-like manner. “Bridesmaids.”
My face falls and my heart sinks.
They both start sniggering. Oh great, make fun of me why don’t you, yep lap it up!
“We’re not having any,” Malcolm chuckles, and Gladys bursts out laughing – Oh I get it, they knew I’d be freaking out about it, so decided to wind me up!
I instantly relax then see the funny side of it.“Oh! Very funny you two,” I chortle. – Phew! Off the hook!
“Sorry darling, we just couldn’t resist.” Gladys chuckles.
“Evidently!” I snort and shake my head at them both…
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 22