If the Shoes Fit

by Pauline Lawless

  Boxer smiled as he watched her perform. He was delighted that she was back in his stable. She was a great asset and he knew he’d have to look after her well to prevent any other club from poaching her.

  Val was never happier than when she was performing and suspected that her shoe sales would not be enough for Grace to renew her contract. She didn’t care. Niamh would always do better than her and she hated having to be second-best to her sister. She had been half expecting a call from Niamh with a tirade about her visiting the house when she knew she wasn’t there. But she hadn’t heard a dickey-bird. She wondered if Gav had told Niamh at all. Probably not.

  Amber had been in very bad form since her last date with Carlo. His suggestion that she was still in love with Dermot had jolted her considerably. Could it be true? Whether she was or not, one thing was for sure, she was not capable of getting involved again. Would she ever be, she wondered. Meanwhile, she kept herself from thinking about it by throwing herself into her work. It was so satisfying and she loved it. She was also very scared at the way she had lapsed and polished off the bottle of wine on her own. She was terrified of going down that road again.

  She was glad now that Tessa and Susie had not been available the night she and Carlo broke up. It was better if they didn’t know about it, so she said nothing. The only person she confided in was Luke. They’d got into the habit of having supper together every Sunday night. Sometimes he cooked, other times she cooked or, if they were both tired, they’d order in a pizza or Chinese. Occasionally, they went out for an Indian meal, which they both loved.

  Luke was very understanding and it was so easy to talk to him. He was a very dear friend.

  They’d all been so busy that they hadn’t had a chance to get together socially, so they were looking forward to seeing each other again on the twentieth. The last orders had been delivered and all the girls were tired but happy as they convened for the last meeting of the year. They hugged and kissed and caught up with each other’s news. Although they had been phoning each other regularly, it wasn’t quite the same as actually being together.

  Grace welcomed them all and Carlo did his usual hand-kissing. Amber found it hard to meet his eyes but relaxed when she saw that he was treating her exactly like the others. No lingering kiss or meaningful glances. He seemed to be over her.

  Grace greeted them all warmly and introduced the seven new managers who would be starting after Christmas.

  Amber thought that Niamh was very subdued and asked her if everything was okay. She wasn’t totally convinced by Niamh’s answer that it was. Something was bothering the girl.

  “My God, Lesley looks a wreck,” Tessa whispered to Amber.

  “Probably shagging herself to death,” Amber whispered back, taking in the dark circles under Lesley’s eyes.

  Tessa giggled. “That’s meant to give you a bloom,” she informed her friend.

  “She’s sticking like glue to Pete – I take it he’s the shagger,” Amber remarked, watching him chatting up the new managers.

  “She’ll have a job keeping him to herself,” Tessa said, as she too spotted Pete in action.

  Lesley caught their glances and gave them each a dagger’s look back.

  The new managers were all very impressed when they heard how well the women had done in just three months and Niamh, Amber, Tessa and Rosie remembered how excited and enthusiastic they’d been at their first meeting. And If the Shoes Fit hadn’t let them down. It had fulfilled their wildest dreams. All of them were in a better place now than when they’d joined.

  When Grace posted the sales on the screen there was an audible gasp from everyone present.

  Niamh’s sales were way ahead of everyone else’s. The girls cheered and hollered as she went up to collect her prize. She took the envelope from Grace, blushing as she did so. Opening it as she sat back down, she gasped as she saw the contents.

  “What is it?” Rosie asked, leaning in to see, as did Amber and Tessa.

  “I don’t believe it!” she exclaimed. “It’s a weekend for two in Paris, all expenses paid, and €300 spending money!” she cried, her green eyes open wide with delight.

  “Fantastic!” Amber said, clapping her on the back.

  “Paris is wonderful. You’ll love it,” Tessa said smiling.

  “I’m so happy for you,” Rosie said, hugging her.

  Val and Lesley glowered.

  Amber had the next best sales. She was presented with a beautiful leather purse.

  Tessa was surprised to be third. Grace gave her a lovely wide leather belt. “Oh, it’s lovely, thank you,” she said, surprised and delighted. She’d been sure Lesley would be third. Lesley thought so too. She couldn’t believe that the Giraffe had beaten her. This was the nickname that, in her jealousy, she’d given Tessa. She could see the car she hoped to win receding into the distance. It was all Pete’s fault. She spent far too much time with him but she couldn’t help herself. She was addicted to him.

  Since he had brought her into his pad, things had changed between them. She knew how to keep him happy. Sex, sex and more sex, in every possible position and permutation! He was hooked, no doubt about it!

  She now spent three or four nights a week there, sleeping over. No more sex in the back of his Beamer. Her husband, Paul, never questioned where she was spending her nights. It was none of his business. She wouldn’t be with him for much longer anyway.

  She knew she had neglected the business. She would be sorry to lose the car to Niamh but what the hell! Pete would surely buy her a car to replace her old banger as soon as they became a permanent couple, which wouldn’t be long now.

  They broke for lunch which was a fun affair as the Christmas spirit took hold. Carlo sent two bottles of wine to their table and they tucked in with gusto. They were all looking forward to the evening and to giving their representatives a good time. Niamh had organised a DJ so it had the makings of a good night.

  After lunch, they returned to the room to find the new collection of shoes on display. They were as beautiful as the first collection and all fourteen managers were thrilled with them. They would be selling them from the fourth of January. The new women were particularly excited by the fabulous shoes. After they’d oohed and aahed over them, Grace called the meeting to order and opened up the floor to the new people who had many questions to ask of the established managers. Niamh was very much in demand and answered as helpfully as she could.

  Val was seething as she watched her holding forth. Thinks she’s the bee’s knees, Val thought viciously. Winning a trip to Paris, indeed!

  As the meeting ended, Grace advised them to enjoy the Christmas break and forget about If The Shoes Fit while they recharged their batteries. They had two full weeks off before they started back again, when they would have the new collection of shoes to introduce. The atmosphere in the room was electric as they broke up and Grace and Carlo wished those who were leaving a Happy Christmas.

  The four girls adjourned for coffee while Val went off home to get ready for the evening.

  “Typical,” Amber said to Tessa and Rosie when Niamh was out of earshot. “Not only is Val not coughing up for the DJ but she’s not helping to get the room ready either.” She liked Val less and less every time she met her.

  The girls were thrilled to see what Grace and Carlo had planned for the evening. The big ballroom was very festive with a big Christmas tree and decorations and Carlo and Grace had brought balloons and posters which the girls happily put up. They also arranged a display, of both the old and new collections of the shoes, on a table in the centre of the room. The shoes were to be the stars of the evening. Finally, they set out the spot prizes on the stage, where the DJ was setting up his equipment. When they were finished the girls stood back to admire the result and they all agreed that it was very splendid indeed.

  Amber and Tessa had booked a room in the hotel for the night and Rosie and Niamh joined them there, to dress for the evening. Amber was still fretting about Niamh. Finding h
erself alone with Rosie, she mentioned it to her.

  “I’m worried about Niamh,” she said quietly. “Something’s bothering her. She’s not her usual self at all.”

  Rosie looked at her thoughtfully. “You know, Amber, I was thinking the same thing,” she said. “She’s much quieter than usual. Have you asked her if anything’s wrong?”

  “Yes,” Amber replied, a worried frown on her face. “She said no, but I’m not so sure. Maybe she’ll talk to you. You two get on great.”

  “I’ll try,” Rosie said, worried now about her young friend.

  She got her chance as she and Niamh left together to go down to the party.

  “Is everything okay, Niamh?” Rosie asked her gently. “You seem very quiet. Is anything the matter?”

  Seeing Rosie’s concern and hearing the kindness in her voice brought tears to Niamh’s eyes.

  “Rosie, promise you won’t tell anyone, but I think Gav is having an affair and I’m worried sick about it.”

  Rosie sat her down on a sofa in the corridor. “Surely not, Niamh! What makes you think that?” she asked, her heart going out to the young woman.

  Niamh told her about the shirt with the lipstick stain and perfume.

  “There could be a simple explanation for that,” Rosie said, taking Niamh’s hands in hers. “Have you asked him about it?”

  “No,” Niamh replied, miserably. “I’m checking his phone for evidence but I’ve found nothing. It’s killing me. It’s on my mind all the time.”

  She started to cry softly and Rosie gathered her in her arms. She couldn’t imagine what Niamh was going through. She only knew that if she’d ever suspected Jack of having an affair, it would have broken her heart.

  “There, there,” she crooned to Niamh. “You must ask him straight out, tonight. It could be nothing and here you are, worrying yourself sick.” Handing Niamh a handkerchief, she said, “Now, dry your eyes and put on a smile and let’s go and meet these reps of ours.”

  Like a small child, Niamh did as she was told.

  “Thanks, Rosie. It’s a relief to talk about it. You’re right,” she said. “I’ll talk to Gav tonight.” Blowing her nose and checking that her mascara hadn’t run all over her face, she smiled brightly.

  Linking arms they made their way downstairs.

  The managers formed a reception line and greeted the representatives as they came in the door. The women handed out name badges to their own reps and introduced them to Grace and Carlo. Val was late and Niamh, furious with her, had to greet Val’s ten reps. Even without these, it was obvious that Niamh’s reps far outnumbered everyone else’s. Grace was impressed with the way she treated them and everyone she spoke to sang Niamh’s praises. The girl was a gem, no doubt about it.

  “Where have you been?” Niamh hissed at Val when she finally turned up.

  “You’d be surprised,” she smirked back at Niamh. Now what does she mean by that? Niamh wondered.

  The evening went with a bang and Niamh forgot about her troubles as she danced the night away.

  The reps had a wonderful time and adored the new shoes. Carlo marvelled at the way the women were all up on the floor like a shot, every time the DJ changed the music.

  “Where do you all get your energy from?” Carlo asked Tessa, who dragged him up to dance with her. “I feel ridiculous. I’m the only man here,” he cried, laughing, throwing back his head in that way that he had.

  “Blessed art thou amongst women,” Tessa laughed back, twirling around him as she danced.

  Carlo thought she looked fantastic in her bright red mini-dress and was surprised to see that she was such a great mover. For someone so tall, she was extraordinarily graceful. They looked spectacular together, both so tall and attractive, and the others cleared a circle on the floor around them, clapping as they danced.

  “What a gorgeous couple,” one of Amber’s reps remarked to her.

  With a pang Amber had to agree with her. Tessa was glowing as she smiled and swayed to the music. After two dances, Carlo begged for mercy and taking her hand led her off the floor. They sat down together and he gulped down a glass of water, still panting.

  Amber couldn’t help but feel a little envious as she saw the easy way Tessa and Carlo were chatting. She remembered what great company he had been and how sympathetic. What a pity it hadn’t worked out. Well, c’est la vie, she thought.

  Lesley was sorry now that she had opted out of the party. If she’d known that the company was going to pay for it, she’d have opted in but she’d thought that she’d have to pay for it herself and no way was she spending her own money on her reps.

  Pete had intended going to the party but she’d kicked up such a song and dance about it over the phone that he’d agreed to stay home.

  He was expecting her for the night but when he opened the door he saw that she had two suitcases with her and it looked like she was planning on staying longer.

  “I’ve left Paul,” she announced as she marched past him.

  “You’ve what?” he cried, blanching as he realised that she wasn’t joking.

  “Kaput! My marriage is over,” she said matter-of-factly, throwing off her coat and plonking down on the couch. “I told Paul about us and he agreed that the best thing was for me to leave and move in with you. Pour me a drink, sweetheart, I need it badly.” She smiled at him, unaware of the turmoil she had created in Pete.

  He felt he needed a drink far more than she did. As he poured himself a large whisky and a glass of wine for her, he thought feverishly. How could he get rid of her? He handed her the glass, then sat down opposite her, sipping his whisky, and tried not to panic.

  “Don’t you think that was a bit premature?” he asked her. “Don’t you think that you should have discussed it with me first?”

  “Why? I’m practically living here anyway,” she replied glibly.

  “There’s a big difference between sleeping here a couple of times a week and actually living together! I’m not sure I’m ready for that.” He raked his hands through his hair. God, this had got out of control. He should have stuck to his guns and never had her over to his place.

  “It’s that bitch Amber, isn’t it?” she blazed at him.

  “What’s Amber got to do with it?” he asked, mystified.

  “I’ve seen you looking at her. You still have the hots for her, don’t you?” she hissed, her eyes accusing.

  “Oh, for God’s sake,” he shouted at her, slamming out of the room. God, he needed to talk to Tim.

  Tim was out at the office Christmas party and was a little the worse for drink.

  “Hey, man, I warned you,” he slurred his words.

  “What can I do?” Pete asked him.

  “What can you do?” Tim hiccupped. “You can’t very well throw her out on her ear.”

  Pete could hear that someone was trying to take Tim’s phone from him.

  “Get lost,” he heard Tim say, then laugh at whoever it was. “Sorry, man, have to go. Knew this would happen one day, Pete, ol’ boy. ’Fraid you’ve made your bed and now you must lie on it.” And he hung up.

  That was a great help. Pete threw back his whisky in one gulp and went into the living-room to refill his glass. Lesley was opening the buttons on her dress and then let it slip to the floor. He saw that she was wearing his favourite red bra, thong and black fishnet stockings. She sauntered over to him, taking the glass from his hand.

  “Come here, baby,” she whispered in her husky voice. Slipping her bra off, she pulled his head down to her big beautiful breasts. He couldn’t help himself. All of a sudden he wanted her desperately and he pushed her down on the sofa, snapping her thong as he entered her forcefully. They both climaxed simultaneously and over his shoulder Lesley gave a smug little smile. She knew how to handle him. Everything would be okay.

  Chapter 38

  The party was over and the post mortem was taking place in the bar. The reps had all gone home, thanking everyone effusively. They’d had a wonderful time
. Grace and Carlo had joined the girls for a last drink. They all agreed that it had been a terrific success and that they would have to repeat it next year.

  Val sat quietly drinking and, when she did speak, Niamh realised that she was quite drunk.

  “How are you getting home?” Niamh asked her.

  “Dunno,” she slurred, “taxi, I suppose.”

  “For God’s sake, Val, it’s the twentieth of December,” Niamh said, shaking her head in exasperation. “There isn’t a taxi to be had anywhere in Dublin. I booked mine a week ago.”

  “You can give me a lift so,” Val mumbled.

  “I suppose I don’t have any choice, do I?” Niamh sighed, fed up to the teeth of her sister. She was impossible but what could Niamh do? Amber shook her head in disgust. Niamh was far too soft.

  Rosie was the first to go when Gail’s husband, Mike, arrived to collect her. Carlo and Grace were next and left for the City West Hotel, where they were staying.

  “I’m bunched,” Tessa said, yawning. “It’s been a long day. I’m off to bed.”

  “Me too,” Amber said, also yawning. “Will you be okay?” she asked Niamh as she stood up. “I’ll stay with you if you like.”

  “No, go ahead,” Niamh replied, grateful for her friend’s concern. “My taxi is due in ten minutes. Thanks, anyway,” she said, hugging them both goodnight and wishing them a Merry Christmas. They ignored Val, whose eyes were glazed over by now.

  “No goodnight for me, I notice,” she drawled. “Only for Little Miss Sunshine.”

  Niamh had had enough. “For fuck’s sake, Val, drink up,” she snapped, gathering up her things. “I’m going.”