‘Oh well! That is a relief.’
‘What I mean is that you’re after a hell of a lot more than a one-night stand.’
‘You have no idea what I’m after!’
‘I know you’re after more than that loser is giving you! You want it all Katie. And that’s fine. Why shouldn’t you? But you’re not getting it and you’re not even trying! Instead you just waste yourself on men like Calum and spend your time looking after friends - and even clients you don’t like very much - in order to fill whatever void it is that you have in your life.’
‘You have no right to judge me! And last time I checked, being kind wasn’t a crime.’
‘Of course it’s not. And as for judging you, you seemed to think it was OK to judge me and my treatment of women, so I’m just returning the favour. The difference is, I’m comfortable with my relationships.’
I made a noise at his use of the word. He ignored it.
‘Clearly you’re not, which is why you run around trying to put everything and everyone into neat little boxes, trying to fix people’s lives when, in truth, you need to take a good hard look at your own. And that would start with your so-called boyfriend. If you’re happy to let him treat you like you’re not the most important thing in the world to him, then that’s fine. But you can’t force people who care about you to think it’s OK.’
My eyes blazed and I could feel the tears shining in them as I willed them not to fall in front of him.
Michael took off his cap, ran a hand through his hair and then replaced it. ‘I know that you deserve more than he’s giving you. And I think you know it too.’ His voice was softer now. He took a step back and leant on the car. ‘I’m sorry Katie. I didn’t mean to shout at you.’ He looked across at me. ‘You know, my sister would tell me about you sometimes, how frustrated she was over you seeing this guy. She loves you to bits, you know.’
I nodded and a tear dislodged and rolled down my face. I swiped at it with the back of my mitten.
‘Anyway,’ Michael continued, ‘I’d just listen. You know, let her get it off her chest and then not think about it any more. But then I met you and now I can see why Janey is so upset about you wasting your life on him.
I shook my head as he stepped towards me.
‘Katie.’ Michael’s thumb touched my cheek, gently wiping away the tears. ‘You’re talented, gorgeous, funny, intelligent, kind. You’ve all the good stuff going on. You should be with someone that appreciates all that.’
‘I’m sorry I upset Janey.’
‘Ah, she’s fine. And once you come to your senses about this guy, she’ll be even better.’
I looked up and saw the conciliatory expression and the hesitant half-smile. But still…my mitten made a thwump sound as it hit the padding of his coat sleeve: I wasn’t about to let him off entirely.
‘It’s really not as bad as it seems, you know. I’m busy too so quite often, it’s…’ I stopped as I saw the look on Michael’s face. He was done exploding at me, but it was clear he wasn’t going to change his view on my relationship with Calum any time soon.
‘Come on, I’ll walk you to your door.’ He tilted his head at me. ‘You could at least try not to look quite so surprised. I know you think I’m a complete Neanderthal, but I do have some manners.’
I was too tired to protest and actually it was kind of nice. Unless he was coming in, Calum usually dropped me at the kerb and left. It would have been nice occasionally for him to have walked me to the door, especially as it wasn’t like you could see it from the pavement, thanks to the bushes and a large London plane tree that stood in front of the building.
I fished my key from my pocket. As I lifted it to the door and turned, Michael stepped back, allowing me room to go in.
‘Night Katie.’
‘Night Michael.’
***
Are you in? x
The text came back almost immediately.
Yes. Are you nearby? x
Got some time between appointments. Can I pop in? x
Kettle’s on. Get your arse over here :D x
I giggled at the reply and shoved the phone back in my bag, picking up my pace as I turned towards Janey’s house. The air was crisp in my lungs as the sun hung low in a cloudless blue sky. A jogger overtook me, which, bearing in mind she wore trainers and I wore four-inch platform court shoes, wasn’t that much of a surprise. Although, having had to belt for a bus in the same shoes in the past, I did at least know I could probably still give her a run for her money if I had to. My gaze fell on the little dog that trotted alongside her, a pink fluorescent jacket wrapped around its fluffy white fur. I tried not to think about Rooney. My determination lasted until the end of the road when I pulled out my phone, scrolled to Mark’s name and sent a text.
How’s Rooney this morning?
As I approached Janey’s house, my phone chirped and Mark’s message flashed on the screen. I stopped as I read it.
Morning Mark. How are you? I’m fine thanks, Katie.
A pokey tongue face served a punctuation, before he continued.
As for the boy in question, you’ll be glad to know he has found a home. I think it’s going to be great. As you said, we knew he wouldn’t be here long.
Part of me was over the moon – I never wanted Rooney to be in kennels long – but, deep inside, I knew I’d hoped to have another go at changing Michael’s mind, at convincing him he was ready for another dog, and that dog was Rooney. Or whatever he chose to call him. And now he’d been gazumped. But I knew Mark would only let animals go to people he knew were absolutely committed to giving that rescue the best life it could have so whoever was lucky enough to be the new owners of that soppy date had really got a great deal.
Chapter Fourteen
‘You look like your dog just died,’ Janey said as she answered the door. Her hand flew to her mouth as she realised where I often spent my weekends. ‘Oh shit!’ she said from behind it. ‘One of the dogs didn’t die, did it?’
I leant in and gave her and the bump a hug. ‘No, it’s fine. One of them just got rehomed.’
She closed the door behind me and gave me a look as I took off my coat and hung it on the coat rack.
‘So, isn’t this the point, you go “yay, one of them got rehomed.”’ She did a sort of jazz hands thing to add illustration.
‘Yes. No, I’m thrilled. Obviously.’
‘Obviously.’
‘It’s just that…have you spoken to your brother today?’
‘Michael?’ she asked, turning away to rummage in the cupboard for teabags. ‘Earlier, yes.’
‘Did he say we went out yesterday?’
‘You went out?’ She spun round.
‘Yes, to the rescue centre.’
‘Oh. Oh yes. That. Sorry, I thought you meant…never mind. Tea?’
‘Yes please. And the other? Definitely not going to happen.’ I half laughed, remembering how yesterday he’d categorically stated he would never ask ‘someone like me’ out.
‘Because of Calum?’
‘Because of a lot of things.’
‘He’s not that bad, you know.’ Janey’s voice had a defensive note.
‘Oh God, Janey, I know!’ I leant over and caught her hand. ‘I didn’t mean it like that. Honestly I didn’t. I know he’s not. For goodness’ sake, the waitress in the pub tipped my dinner over me yesterday because she was so busy gawking at your brother.’
‘No!’
‘Yes.’
‘I do wish he’d tidy himself up a little.’
I took a sip of the tea she’d placed in front of me. ‘He’s fine. But him and I? Not happening. We’d drive each other bonkers in no time for a start.’
Janey shrugged her shoulders. ‘So, what’s with the look you had when I answered the door. Is it to do with yesterday?’
‘Kind of. Remember we had suggested to him about getting another dog?’
‘Mmmhmm,’ she said, disappearing behind her mug of tea.
�
��Well, there was this dog at the centre and I knew he’d be perfect for Michael. I got him to go down there and we had a really lovely walk together.’ Janey looked up. ‘With the dog,’ I added hastily. ‘It all seemed to be going really well. It was clear he thought Rooney was great.’
‘Rooney?’
‘I know. But apart from the name he was perfect! And he just took to Michael like he’d known him for ever. I really thought he was going to take him. And then, when we got back, he just handed me the lead, gave him a hug and left, saying he had a phone call to return.’
‘Oh.’
‘And then Mark’s just texted to say they’ve found him a new home.’
‘But surely that’s good?’
‘It is. Of course. I know, I know! I sound mad. I just really wanted it to be with Michael. Oh Janey you should have seen them together, it was so cute!’
She smiled. ‘I can imagine.’
Pushing the biscuits towards me, Janey snagged one herself and took a bite. ‘Things will work out for the best Katie. Don’t worry.’
‘Yeah, I know.’
‘Did I hear you have a date tonight?’
I stopped chewing.
‘What’s that look for?’ she asked.
‘Nothing.’
Janey raised a disbelieving eyebrow.
‘Fair enough. Michael and I sort of had an argument yesterday, and he was worried about me running to you to tell tales on him, which I told him I would never do. But apparently it doesn’t work the other way around.’
‘Bollocks. He’s not worried about you telling me anything. When you come from a family like ours, it’s pretty much the rule that whatever you say will, sooner or later, be known by all the others. And Michael’s not one to say things he doesn’t stand behind, so he doesn’t tend to mind who knows, and certainly not me.’
‘But the only way you know I have a date with Calum tonight is because Michael told you.’
‘That’s true. And you know why he told me?’
‘Do I want to know?’
‘I don’t know. But I’ll tell you anyway. He said you got pinned down to a time that wasn’t really convenient – ’
‘I wouldn’t exactly say “pinned”.’
Janey gave me that look that she and Michael did so well. The one that seemed to see right through me.
‘OK.’
‘So he offered for you to change at his place and go from there, right?’
‘Yes. Although I wasn’t entirely sure if that was still on since we sort of had that row last night.’
‘He doesn’t go back on his word, and I’m guessing it is because he mentioned it this morning.’
‘He’s of the same opinion as you about Calum.’
Janey pulled a face.
‘I’m going to talk to Calum tonight about things.’
‘I hate to doubt you sweetie, but you’ve said that before and I’ve not seen a lot of change.’
‘No, I know. I mean it though, I promise. And I think, once he knows that I’m not happy with how things are, that he will try and make some changes.’
‘OK. Good.’
‘How are the kids now?’
‘Much better, thank goodness. Lily’s upstairs having what’s she’s taken to calling a power nap, and Joey’s school has an inset day today so I’ve just dropped him off at a friend’s for the afternoon.’
‘That’s good. I think my previous client might be coming down with what they had. It really seems to be going around. She was looking pretty dreadful so in the end I just told her she ought to go to bed and give me a ring when she’s feeling better.’
‘Why didn’t she cancel before now, instead of dragging you out and risk giving it to you?’
‘Oh, she’s been so excited about getting started. I can’t blame her.’
‘Of course you can’t.’ Janey rolled her eyes.
‘What?’ I laughed.
‘You. You’re impossible. You project this no nonsense, strict school mistress persona – always smartly dressed, hair up, make-up immaculate–’
‘That makes me sound horribly dull, you know that don’t you?’
‘Don’t knock it. Some men love that look.’ She gave me a wink.
‘I sense a but.’
‘But it’s all bunkum.’
‘Excuse me?’
‘Underneath it all you’re as soppy as the rest of us.’
‘Rubbish.’
‘Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone. Although, between you and me, anyone worth their salt already knows anyway.’
I got the distinct feeling that my friend didn’t count my current boyfriend as being amongst this group.
‘Right, I’d better be off.’ I slid off my stool. ‘Thanks for the tea and natter.’
‘Any time. Are you off to Michael now?’
‘No, I’ve got someone else in-between. Just a follow-up, so I’m hoping, unless something’s gone horribly wrong, that it shouldn’t take long.’
Have fun. I hope things go OK tonight with Calum.’
I tilted my head. ‘Do you?’
Janey gave me a squeeze and then held me by my upper arms. ‘I’m afraid I’m too much like my big brother to pretend I like something when I don’t. I am not Calum’s biggest fan, that’s for sure. I think you deserve someone that makes you a whole lot happier and pays you a hell of lot more attention than he does. But I’m not going to fall out with you over him. I’ve a feeling you’ll see the light yourself eventually anyway.’
‘I don’t really know what to say to that. Thank you doesn’t really seem applicable.’
Janey grinned. ‘At least make sure you order the most expensive thing on the menu.’
I shook my head, slid my feet into my shoes and pulled my coat from the rack. Janey tucked a hair behind my ear.
‘We just want the best for you, you know. That’s all.’
‘I know you do Janey.’ I gave her a hug. ‘I’m so grateful for your friendship, and everything you are. You know that. Even if I’m not always very good at showing it, I promise you, I am.’
‘I know you are. Now, go on, be off with you and stop cluttering up my house. And text me later.’
‘I will. I promise.’
Checking my watch, I calculated I had nine minutes to get to the next client. It should only take seven so I was pretty much on schedule.
***
I walked up the steps to Michael’s house and rang the bell. The previous client’s follow-up had taken even less time than I’d planned as they had had done so well and were still happy with the way things were going. I’d texted Michael and explained the situation, suggesting that as I was cutting the appointment this evening shorter, I was happy to come a little earlier, but only if it suited him. He’d replied almost immediately saying to just come whenever I was ready.
To be honest, I was a little nervous after the row and the walking me to the door. I felt a bit odd and slightly awkward. We seemed more than just client and service provider, but were we actually friends? And why was he so bothered about who I dated? I squared my shoulders and reminded myself that this was the very last time I did a favour for a friend. If this was the level of complication it caused, I could most certainly live without it.
I pressed the doorbell and almost immediately Michael opened the door, making me jump.
‘Gosh! Were you hiding behind the door!’
He smiled. ‘No. But I saw you walking up the street from my office.’
‘Oh.’
‘Here.’ He took my coat and hung it on a spare hook. I stared. For the first time, I could actually see most of the hall floor.
‘When did this happen?’
He rubbed his hand over his stubble. ‘Last night. I couldn’t sleep so I thought I’d get up and do something useful. I mean, I know it’s not perfect, but I tried to remember everything you said and put it into practice. And I took all those boxes to the charity shop and the dump this morning. That’s made quite a lot of space.’
I couldn’t help smiling. The house was really coming together. For the first time since we started, I was actually feeling sure that we could really make the Christmas deadline.
‘I bet it has. Are you pleased?’
‘Huh? Yes. Yes, of course.’
‘Oh. Good.’ I struggled to maintain my smile. Michael didn’t look as pleased as I’d hoped he would, which made me worry about the longevity of the organisation. I’d never had anyone totally ‘relapse’ yet, but, then again, I’d never had a client come to me in quite the same set of circumstances as he had.
‘Is everything all right?’
‘Yes. I need to show you something.’
‘All right.’ I bent, took off my shoes and tucked them against the wall, then turned back to Michael.
‘Lead the way.’
To my surprise, he merely took a few steps and then stopped outside of his office.
‘Oh no!’ I put my hands up to my mouth.
‘What?’ he asked, concern creasing his face.
‘You messed it up?’ I raised my eyes to his.
‘You know, a lesser man might be hurt at your complete lack of faith.’
I rolled my lips together. ‘Sorry.’
‘I’ll forgive you. This once.’
He put his hand on the door handle, and hesitated, looking down at me. ‘About last night…’
‘Let’s just forget about it. Now, what’s in here?’
‘I never meant to upset you.’
‘You didn’t.’
‘Katie. Even I can see when I’ve made a woman cry.’
‘Look, I was tired, I was a bit upset about saying goodbye to the dog and I had a steaming headache. I know you meant well so let’s just leave it at that, all right?’
He opened his mouth to say something, looked at me, then closed it again. ‘Sure.’
‘Now, please! What’s this big surprise?’
Michael opened the door and I stood for a moment, shocked. I looked up at him and he couldn’t keep the grin off of his face as Rooney scooted towards us, tail wagging madly, toenails clicking on the floorboards. I dropped to my knees and he barrelled into me for a cuddle, rubbing his head on my shoulder and my cheek, making me laugh as he practically pushed me over in excitement.
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