by Mandy Baggot
‘Don’t do that. I’m coming over; I’ll be there as soon as I can,’ Joel replied and he ended the call.
Kate slumped down onto the sofa, the letter in her hand, the words swimming in front of her eyes. He was getting back at her; he was using his own daughter to get back at her for involving the CSA, for making him pay what he should towards her care. She was only two; she was just a little girl.
When she opened the door to Joel her face was awash with tears and her eyes were red and sore.
‘Sorry I called you, I’m fine now. I just couldn’t get hold of Hermione and…’ Kate began, feeling embarrassed.
‘It’s OK, are you alright? What happened?’
‘Matthew’s told the CSA there’s doubt over Bethan’s paternity, he wants a DNA test,’ Kate blurted out and then burst into tears all over again.
Just saying the words brought the raw emotion back. It didn’t seem real or fair, it was like someone was punishing her. Just when she thought things couldn’t get any worse Matthew trumped his last action all over again.
Joel put his arms around her and drew her towards him, holding her tightly. Kate began to cry loudly and Joel hugged her to him consolingly. She felt so hurt and betrayed by the man she had loved and she couldn’t believe he was willing to put a little girl through an unnecessary ordeal because he didn’t want to acknowledge her or pay to support her.
‘She’s just a little girl, she’s his daughter,’ Kate spoke.
‘I know,’ Joel replied.
‘Why would he do this? It’s so horrible, he’s so cold.’
‘He’s doing it because he doesn’t want to pay; it’s as simple as that. It’s a delaying tactic that’s all and that’s how you should look at it,’ Joel answered.
‘Do I have to do it? I don’t want her to have a blood test or whatever for no reason.’
‘I think it’s a mouth swab now.’
‘Do you watch Waking the Dead?’ Kate queried.
‘No. Why?’
‘It doesn’t matter. Whatever it is I don’t want to do it, I shouldn’t have to - it’s wrong.’
‘I know,’ Joel agreed.
‘Sorry, I shouldn’t be burdening you with this, it just got to me and I didn’t know who to call.’
‘It’s OK.’
‘I don’t know, the minute I think I’m on top of things and I’m doing OK, something else happens. Would you like a drink? Sorry, I should have offered, come through. There’s wine, oh well there was,’ Kate spoke, picking up the large bottle of wine and finding it was empty.
‘I’ll just have a coffee or something, I’ve got the car. What can I smell?’ Joel suddenly asked.
‘Probably Fisherman’s pie.’
‘It smells disgusting, were you going to eat it?’
‘Yes, of course.’
‘Did you know that they make those meals out of the crappiest off-cuts they can find?’
‘No, perhaps I suspected, but I never dwelt on it.’
‘Do you want me to make you something?’ Joel offered.
‘No! I’m fine, honestly.’
‘Do you have eggs?’
‘Maybe.’
‘Cheese?’
‘Possibly.’
‘Onion?’
‘It’s probably past its best.’
‘Introduce me to your frying pan,’ Joel instructed.
‘You don’t have to cook for me, I’m really not the helpless damsel in distress, I just had a weak moment that’s all. Everyone has weak moments; even you must have weak moments,’ Kate insisted, feeling foolish.
‘I’m not cooking for you, I’m cooking for me. I stayed late at work and haven’t eaten yet. And as for weak moments, yes a car back firing usually does it for me. Frying pan?’
Joel made omelettes with the contents of Kate’s fridge plus some tinned mushrooms and new potatoes he found at the back of the cupboard.
‘They taste better with fresher ingredients,’ he admitted as they ate.
‘It’s nice,’ Kate replied, eating hungrily.
‘And you saw how easy it was.’
‘Yes, yes, I’m a lazy working mother, whose idea of cooking is ripping the lid off a Pot Noodle, I know, I know.’
‘So, have you found a talent yet?’
‘Yes I have,’ Kate answered with a smile.
‘Really? I’m impressed, that’s quick work. So what is it?’
‘I’m not telling you.’
‘Oh come on, I told you mine.’
‘No, my lips are sealed. Besides if I say the words out loud I will probably realise how crazy the idea is and change my mind about the whole thing.’
‘Am I allowed to guess?’
‘Absolutely not.’
‘Contortion?’
‘Joel!’
‘Escapology?’
‘No.’
‘Plate spinning?’
‘I’m not saying.’
Joel laughed and finished his omelette.
‘I can’t wait to hear you play the guitar. What style do you play in? Are you more Jimi Hendrix or The Gipsy Kings?’
‘Somewhere in between, I hope.’
‘The Lady Dragon doesn’t think I have what it takes to be a solicitor. She cornered me today, tried to put the thumbscrews on. Told me how much hard work it would be and how I couldn’t possibly cope, especially as I have a child,’ Kate spoke suddenly, changing the conversation.
‘You mean she’s frightened you might have just what it takes,’ Joel replied.
‘Maybe.’
‘Do you want to be a solicitor?’
‘I don’t know what I want to be.’
‘What did you want to be before Matthew left?’
‘Just a wife and a mother with a decent job that paid reasonably well, that’s what I was, that was all I wanted to be, I didn’t need to think any more about it.’
‘Then apart from the marital status nothing’s changed. You’re a mother with a decent job; you don’t need to be a wife to feel complete. Haven’t we had this conversation once before?’
‘I don’t need a man to make me feel complete, but I miss the feeling of security. I wasn’t on my own, I had someone to share the responsibilities with, share the decision making with, it’s very lonely at three a.m. when you’re tired and your daughter’s vomited every half an hour for the whole night and you’re the only person she can rely on.’
‘There are plenty of single mothers out there doing a fantastic job and you have Hermione.’
‘I don’t want to be a single mother, in fact that was the last thing I ever wanted to be. I wanted to be married before I had children, I wanted to do things right, the old-fashioned way. I thought I was doing things right and now what I have isn’t what I wanted.’
‘Plans go awry; some things are just out of your control.’
‘You think I’m stupid,’ Kate said with a sigh.
‘No, of course I don’t. I just think you put too much pressure on yourself. From what I can see, apart from not looking after yourself very well, you do a terrific job looking after Bethan and working and trying to do everything you can to keep things on an even keel,’ Joel told her.
‘Like entering a relationship contest in a bid to win some money off my mortgage?’
‘That is dedication of the highest order,’ Joel agreed with a smile.
‘You think I should get the DNA test done.’
‘I think you should get it done and not give Matthew any reason to hold back paying for his daughter.’
‘You’re right, he’s done this because he knows it will upset me and I shouldn’t still let him do that.’
‘That’s the spirit. Now, tell me about this talent.’
‘No, but I will give you a clue. It involves a lot of ruffles and some feathers.’
‘You’re going to do an impersonation of the Love Dove?’ Joel guessed.
‘No!’ Kate answered with a laugh.
Nineteen
‘Ooo, it has a fount
ain at the entrance!’ Kate exclaimed excitedly as Joel pulled the car up to the reception of Waterfield Country Park.
The day of the next show had arrived and they had travelled for an hour and a half to the outskirts of Bournemouth. Kate was both nervous and excited. She had drunk a litre of water and eaten a family-sized bag of crisps, two Kit Kats and an orange that Joel had insisted she ate when they stopped at the services for smoothies.
‘A fountain is surely a good sign; I read somewhere that fountains are a symbol of success,’ Joel said, turning off the engine.
‘Stop teasing me, you sound like Mione! Let’s get the keys! Let’s go and see our lodge,’ Kate spoke excitedly, leaping out of the car and hurrying to the reception office.
‘I see someone’s got excited, having spent the first half an hour of the journey worrying whether she’d left enough clothes for Bethan for one night and wondering if she’s going to need more than the two bags of toys you packed,’ Joel said as he followed her.
‘I can’t remember the last time I stayed away. OK, having to stand on stage with a giant bird and Larry Rawlins is a major downside, but let’s hope the luxurious lodge compensates for it. Come on!’ Kate ordered, leading the way.
Before she even got through the door Kate caught sight of a shock of pink hair.
Becky pulled open the door and unleashed a party popper straight in Kate’s face.
‘Hello guys, come in, come in!’ Becky spoke, ushering the two of them into reception.
‘I think I’ve got a bit of coloured string in my eye,’ Kate remarked, trying to pull the papery coils from her face.
‘Right, let me take you through the itinerary. You’ve got about an hour to settle in, everything should be set up for you in the romance lodge, if not just give reception a call and they will sort everything out. At three we have a photo call on the piazza followed by drinks and canapés and at five we have poolside games where you get to relax and let your hair down with the other contestants. We then need you dressed and ready for the show at seven in the greenroom before we go live at eight,’ Becky announced and she handed Joel and Kate a piece of A4 paper.
‘Then we better have our keys because it doesn’t seem like we have long to unpack,’ Kate remarked, looking at the itinerary.
‘Here we are, RL forty two, here’s your park map and your club and fitness suite passes. It’s just past reception, second turning on the left,’ Becky spoke, handing the information to Joel.
‘Thanks. Come on,’ Kate spoke, tugging at Joel’s arm and moving towards the door.
‘Enjoy! See you later!’ Becky called as the couple left reception.
‘Poolside games? Photo call and canapés! This accommodation better be good,’ Kate announced as she got into the car.
The romance lodge was pink. It was a pine clad, New England style cabin with a hot tub on the veranda.
‘Ooo, a hot tub! Do we have to go to a photo call? Can’t we just stay here?’ Kate asked excitedly.
‘Do you want to upset the girl with pink hair?’
‘Ooo, there’s a flat screen TV with surround sound, a remote control fire, lovely dining table crying out for a ready meal, ooo a big bath and a double shower and a television set right into the wall of the bathroom, and a sauna, goodness! Oh - oh dear,’ Kate suddenly remarked as she looked into the bedroom.
‘What’s the matter? It was all sounding so good,’ Joel spoke, moving into the lodge to join her.
‘There’s, er, only one bed. Only one bedroom,’ Kate remarked her cheeks going red.
‘Oh, well that’s OK; I can sleep on the sofa,’ Joel responded immediately.
‘No, that’s not fair, we’ll toss a coin for it, the loser sleeps on the sofa,’ Kate suggested.
‘I don’t mind honestly and you said you can’t remember the last time you stayed away, you should have the bed,’ Joel insisted.
‘I know it’s romance and everything but I did stupidly think there would be more than one bedroom.’
‘It’s fine. I’ll go and get the bags,’ Joel said.
As soon as Joel left the lodge Kate got out her phone and dialled Hermione’s number.
‘Hello.’
‘I’ll have to be quick, there’s a problem, there’s only one bedroom!’
‘So there should be, it is a romance lodge. What are you going to do? Bunk up and see what happens?’
‘No! Of course not! Joel’s offered to sleep on the sofa but that’s very small and he’s really tall and I feel bad about it.’
‘Then bunk up! Look at him Sweetie, what’s not to like?’
‘Mione, stop it! Yes, yes, we’re fine, got here in good time, is Bethan OK?’ Kate spoke hurriedly as Joel re-entered the lodge.
‘Have a few drinks, play your quiz game and then jump on him as soon as you get back there,’ Hermione spoke.
‘That’s good, I’m glad she’s fine. You have got Lynn’s mobile number haven’t you? Just in case you need to call during the show. She’s going to keep her phone on and pass me any urgent messages by semaphore.’
‘Yes I have it, now get off the phone and go and have fun! Proper fun! Not the ‘half-hearted, I don’t know whether I should’ sort of fun you usually have,’ Hermione ordered.
‘Bye,’ Kate ended.
‘And is Bethan still OK?’ Joel asked with a wry smile.
‘I didn’t phone her, honestly, she phoned me,’ Kate lied, taking her bags out of Joel’s hands.
‘So, what do you want to do?’ Joel asked, putting his bag and guitar down on the bed.
‘What?’ Kate asked, looking at the bed, her heart thumping.
‘Do you want to check out the park or do you want to try the hot tub?’
‘Oh, sorry, er, why don’t we check out the bar facilities. I might need a drink or two before the photo call,’ Kate admitted.
‘Good idea,’ Joel agreed.
It was a good white wine and it came in a large glass with ice and a straw. Kate closed her eyes and sipped the drink as she and Joel sat on the terrace overlooking the sea. It was a beautiful afternoon, it was warm, there was a light breeze and it felt good to be outside with a little less responsibility than usual.
‘Wine always tastes so much nicer in the sun,’ Kate remarked, sipping some more.
‘Everything seems better in the sun,’ Joel replied.
‘Am I losing you lots of income taking up your evenings and weekends? How many escorting dates do you usually have booked in?’ Kate asked.
‘I actually haven’t taken any bookings for a while,’ Joel replied, taking a swig from his bottle of beer.
‘Oh? Don’t tell me Elite Escorts are having a downturn.’
‘No, at least I don’t think so. I asked not to take any bookings for a while.’
‘Oh. Why not?’
‘I don’t know really, spur of the moment decision, thought I would give escorting a rest for a while.’
‘Oh,’ Kate replied.
‘And I don’t really have time, what with the competition and everything,’ Joel admitted.
‘Oh no, it’s my fault, I knew it. You don’t have time because you’re doing this for me. Now I feel awful and even more under pressure. What if we don’t win? What if we don’t get through tonight?’ Kate gabbled.
‘It isn’t your fault and we’re not under pressure, it doesn’t matter if we lose. I’m not going to hold anything against you - whoa I think that came out wrong,’ Joel answered with a grin.
‘Do you think people really believe we’re a couple?’ Kate whispered, stirring her wine with the straw.
‘Of course. Why wouldn’t they? Apart from when you still try and shake my hand.’
‘That’s not fair; I haven’t done that for ages.’
‘What made you ask?’
‘Well if I was looking at us I wouldn’t think we were a couple.’
‘Why not?’
‘Why not?! Because you look like something off the cover of Men’s Health and I look like�
��’
‘You look like what?’
‘Like someone who has seen better days,’ Kate answered with a heavy sigh.
‘That’s in your mind,’ Joel told her.
‘No, it’s definitely in the mirror; I see it, every day.’
‘I’m not listening to this, you’re just fishing for compliments and I’m not that sort of guy,’ Joel told her.
‘I’m not, I…’ Kate began.
‘You need to work on your self-esteem as well as your addiction to wine and microwave dinners,’ Joel commented.
‘But, I…’ Kate started again.
‘No one will believe we’re a couple if you aren’t at least trying to believe it,’ Joel told her.
‘I am trying, I just…’ Kate said unable to finish her sentence.
‘Hold my hand.’
‘What?’
‘Hold my hand, like you would if I was your guy,’ Joel told her.
‘What now?’
‘Yeah.’
‘Well, I…’ Kate started, becoming flustered.
Joel took hold of her hand and held it in his. Kate’s fingers tensed immediately. It was warm and very nice but it also felt strange. She hadn’t held hands with anyone since Matthew, back in Greece, after they’d eaten at the lovely fish restaurant. She couldn’t remember doing it since, though she must have - Greece was years ago.
‘Didn’t Matthew ever hold your hand?’ Joel enquired as if reading her mind.
‘Of course he did. Well, sometimes. He wasn’t really like that, we weren’t really like that,’ Kate admitted with another sigh.
‘Perhaps that’s where you went wrong. I don’t understand why people are so scared to touch one another. I mean you can say a thousand words with just one touch,’ Joel spoke as he gently stroked her fingers.
Kate felt a shiver run up her back. God, he was so attractive. What would she do if he was someone she had met under normal circumstances? What would she do if he wasn’t being bribed into being here?
‘I’m not scared of it,’ she responded not sounding particularly convincing.
‘Good, then we’re going to breeze through into the final.’
He let her hand go as rapidly as he had taken it and Kate grabbed at her wine to hide her shaking fingers. She was just doing this for Bethan after all.