You've Got My Number: Warm your heart this winter with this uplifting and deliciously romantic story!

by Angela Barton

  Her mobile vibrated against her mug.

  ‘Hello.’

  ‘Tezza! I’ve had a letter that says I could be disqualified. How can I do my job without a car? How can I pay the mortgage without a job? What shall I do?’

  ‘Who’s the letter from?’

  ‘The Magistrates’ Court.’

  ‘Oh.’

  ‘What do you mean, “oh”?’

  ‘Nothing. I suppose a letter was inevitable.’

  ‘Shit, Tezza, it looks so formal.’

  ‘Bring the letter over tonight after work and I’ll read it.’

  ‘It says I could go to jail.’

  ‘Blake, that won’t happen. It’s your first offence and you didn’t hurt anyone. I’m pretty certain you’ll get points on your licence and a fine.’

  ‘You think? Bloody hell, I’m actually shaking.’

  ‘Calm down. Breathe deeply and slowly. It’s the jargon they use. It can be quite intimidating if you don’t understand it. I remember when Margaret at work was threatened with a CCJ. The letter she read out to us sounded as if she was about to be transported to Alcatraz.’

  Tess heard Blake take a few deep breaths. ‘Better?’

  ‘Yeh. Thanks, Tezza. I do love you, you know? I’m sorry about all the stress I’m causing at the moment.’

  ‘Don’t be silly. I think you’re being incredibly brave and positive under the circumstances. I’m very proud of the way you’re coping.’

  ‘Shall I pick up a takeaway?’

  ‘No, save your money. I’ve got some salmon in the fridge.’

  ‘See you later then.’

  ‘Bye.’

  So much for a new month. It felt as if the first line of the new exercise book had been blotted, never mind the first page. She had tried to sound positive on the phone to Blake, but she’d never received a letter from a court so she wasn’t really sure of her ground. Tess reminded herself that Blake must feel vulnerable. The shock of the letter couldn’t be good for his recovery. Not for one moment did she condone what he’d done, she’d been stunned by his stupidity and had told him so when she’d collected him from the police station. He could have hurt or even killed an innocent person. She knew drink drivers should be punished, but also believed that Blake hadn’t been himself at the time. It must be so stressful, struggling to recover from a serious illness while working full-time.

  At seven that evening, Blake sat on the arm of a chair in Rose Cottage, picking at a cuticle until it bled. Tess sat reading and absorbing the letter’s contents. A fire blazed and crackled in the hearth, but she didn’t feel comforted by its warmth. Outside, the purple haze of dusk descended, subduing the village with fading colours. Gusts of wind spat leaves and rain against the windowpane as Tess finished reading the letter. Despite her limited knowledge on court summons, she smiled reassuringly.

  ‘There’s still hope you won’t get a ban. For drink driving offences, the court must take into consideration any mitigating circumstances at the time of the offence. It’ll also help your case that you haven’t been in trouble with the police before and that you’re stressed due to your illness.’

  Blake sighed and slumped into the chair, throwing a palm full of peanut M&M’s into his mouth.

  ‘I’m not saying that you won’t be punished in some way.’

  ‘I know. I’ll pay up and take the points.’

  ‘I’ll write a letter to the magistrates for you explaining your circumstances at the time of arrest. I’ll write it as if it was from you, but you’ll have to sign it. I don’t think the judge would be too impressed with a letter from your girlfriend. Hopefully it’ll help if they know a little more background.’

  Blake lifted his face to the ceiling, closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He’d take all the help he could get. If Tess wrote a letter explaining that he’d forgotten to eat before having a few drinks, that he knew he should have pulled over if he was tired, and that he was a good guy with an unblemished criminal record, he may even receive a smaller fine. What would he do without her? It didn’t bear thinking about. After his hearing he would make it a double celebration. He’d tell Tess that not only had he been given the all-clear by the magistrates, but the doctors too. Things were going to be different. He would never take her for granted again. He’d get his finances and fitness in order, and who knows, he might even propose on New Year’s Eve.

  Tess sat at the kitchen table typing the letter on her laptop. She tried to concentrate over the noise of the canned laughter while Blake watched You’ve Been Framed. You had to give him credit, she thought. He was incredibly brave to be so positive for the majority of the time.

  She spent twenty minutes typing, explaining to the magistrates that Blake had recently been diagnosed with cancer and had been working full-time while receiving intensive treatment. She’d told them that the stress of his job and coping with the illness had made him act out of character and that drink on top of medication could have contributed to his breathalyser reading. When she’d finished the letter, she printed it and carried it through to Blake. He was lying on the settee, chewing chocolate and sniggering at the silly antics on the home-recorded videos.

  ‘I’ve finished the letter. I just need your signature.’

  He signed his name at the bottom, leaning sideways to see the television behind Tess. Back in the kitchen, Tess clicked the kettle on and unplugged her laptop. She sat at the table waiting for the kettle to boil when a sudden sadness descended like an autumn leaf. What would she be doing now if Blake had never become sick and she’d ended things months ago? Would Daniel be lying on her settee now? What was he doing this very minute? Tears welled, making her throat feel as if she’d swallowed a pinecone. She wiped her eyes. This wasn’t the time to get maudlin. It wasn’t her that was sick. Blake needed her support. She slipped the letter into an envelope and addressed it to the Magistrates’ Court.

  Tess placed two mugs on the coffee table and put another log on the dying fire, before slumping into an armchair. She needed chocolate. Leaning over the arm of the chair, she reached for the bowl of M&M’s on the coffee table. It was empty.

  After a few minutes her mood calmed. It was like a pendulum these days. One minute confused and indecisive, the next, optimistic and cheerful. Some days she wished Blake would take his problems and leave, and on others she’d think how stoical and resilient he was being. Would she have the strength to laugh at the television if she knew she’d been diagnosed with a serious illness? He wasn’t feeling sorry for himself, or asking, ‘Why me?’ Okay, so she had a crush on someone else. But it was a secret and she wouldn’t act on it, so it was harmless, wasn’t it? It was human to find someone attractive. You can’t control your feelings, but you can control what you do with them. Tess decided that she should try harder to show Blake more affection.

  ‘Move over, make room for a little one.’

  He shuffled backwards and Tess squeezed onto the edge of the settee with her back to him. Blake nestled his chin into her neck so he could continue to watch the television. His breath smelt of stale tobacco and sickly chocolate and he continued to laugh at the ridiculous antics on the screen. The best thing she could do was to fall asleep. She closed her eyes. A few minutes later, she heard the theme tune drift from the television as the credits rolled.

  Tess was in that indistinct moment between dreaming and wakefulness. Her back was being rubbed by a gentle touch. A hand was massaging her skin beneath her jumper. In her sleepy consciousness, she felt her stresses being stroked away. Was it Daniel touching her? In her mind, he was gently slipping his fingers beneath her bra and caressing her breasts. She conjured up memories of Daniel’s mouth as she felt her jeans being undone. With one leg out of her jeans she pulled his body towards her, urging him on. He was now on top of her, moving rhythmically. Tess pictured Daniel’s smile. She imagined she could smell the lemon soap on his skin. Tess could feel delicious waves of pleasure slowly building up inside her body…

  Blake groane
d, loudly. He sighed, suddenly feeling very heavy on top of her. Tess opened her eyes, reality hitting home like a slap. He rolled sideways and stood up, removed a condom and fastened his trousers.

  ‘I’ll get rid of this. Don’t want a screaming kid just yet, do we?’

  Tess blinked at the bright light of the lamp. Thank God one of them was thinking clearly.

  ‘No.’ Tess sounded calm but her thoughts were chaotic. Had she seriously just had sex with Blake without checking beforehand that he’d taken precautions? She had to get over this silly crush on Daniel. It was dangerous.

  Tess pulled her jeans on and lay back down on the settee. She felt frustrated and disappointed while staring at the ceiling in disbelief.

  The next thing she knew was when Blake woke her up again.

  ‘I’ve got a valuation first thing in the morning my end of town. I’ve got to make tracks.’

  ‘What time is it?’ She groaned and stretched.

  ‘Ten thirty, the news has just finished.’

  ‘What! That means I’ve slept for two hours.’

  ‘Yep. Although, if I’m honest, I slept for an hour too.’

  Tess sat up and Blake pulled her to her feet. They walked unsteadily to the hall, arms around each other’s waist for support. Spotting the letter, he snatched it up.

  ‘I’ll drop it in the post box on my way.’

  ‘Don’t forget it. It’s important.’

  ‘I won’t.’ He gave her a quick kiss. ‘Bye, sexy.’

  Tess stood waving goodbye until the red lights of his car disappeared down the road. Her emotions felt very different from when she’d stood waving goodbye to Daniel, having been left holding his towel. Was it too late to phone him now? She needed to know what time they were meeting tomorrow. She snuggled into a pile of cushions in her armchair as bubbles of anticipation made her smile to herself. Holding Daniel’s grey business card up to the light, she tapped out his number even though she’d added him to her contacts. Daniel answered on the third ring.

  ‘Hello.’

  ‘Hi, it’s Tess.’

  ‘Hi. I’m glad you called.’

  ‘You are?’ Tess hugged a cushion.

  ‘Yes, I’m going to London for a couple of days so I’ll have to cancel our meeting tomorrow.’

  Tess released the cushion and the smile fell from her lips. She tried to sound upbeat. ‘Oh, okay. We can rearrange.’

  ‘Yes, how about next week?’

  ‘I’m not sure what day I’ll have off, but it should be fine.’

  ‘Great. I’ll check my schedule. I passed your door earlier while walking the girls, but I didn’t knock because I recognised Blake’s car. I didn’t want to disturb you both.’

  ‘You could have done. We were only watching television.’

  She blushed. What if Daniel had knocked on the door while she and Blake were…

  ‘I must go and pack a few bits because I’m leaving early,’ said Daniel. ‘Have a good weekend.’

  ‘And you have a good trip. I’ll be in touch next week.’

  ‘Bye.’

  Tess finished the call and sat in silence for a few minutes, going over their short conversation. He had cancelled their meeting. He’d have to check his schedule. He didn’t want to disturb her and Blake. It had been like a business conference call. Quite obviously she was living out a fantasy when she imagined the two of them having a special connection. The warmth of their last conversation was missing, instead it had sounded like a customer and contractor exchange.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Daniel turned into Denise and Simon’s driveway and parked beneath the dappled shade of a large fig tree. Dark fruit hung from its branches, like sleeping bats amongst autumn’s yellowing leaves. He looked up at the double fronted house with its hanging baskets and wooden window surrounds, each one painted the colour of vanilla ice cream. It had been several months since he’d visited his sister and her family in Hampstead and this time it wouldn’t be solely a happy, sociable occasion. He’d come to offer his sister support and love. She had called him the previous day and it was obvious from listening to her, that she was struggling with the apprehension of receiving her results.

  Daniel climbed out of his Land Rover, pushed the door to and clicked the lock. His emotions were fraught and anxiety gnawed at his thoughts, causing him to click the lock twice more. Lucky number three. Everything would okay.

  He walked towards the front door along a paved sandstone path bordered with pruned lavender bushes, knocked and waited. Frantic pounding on the bay window caused Daniel to take one step back, where he saw Sam grinning and waving. His nephew disappeared from view but could be heard calling his mother from inside the house.

  ‘Mum! Uncle Daniel’s here. Muuum!’

  The front door opened. Denise pulled it wide, allowing Sam to run outside and wrap his arms around Daniel’s waist.

  Daniel leant forwards and hugged him, while looking up towards his sister. He winked.

  ‘He’s been driving me mad all morning asking when you were going to get here.’

  Daniel stood up and walked inside holding Sam’s hand. ‘No nursery today?’

  ‘No. I was sick in Mummy’s slippers last night.’

  Daniel pulled a face. ‘Poor Mummy.’

  Denise continued on into the kitchen. ‘Yes, especially as poor Mummy was wearing them at the time.’ She turned to her brother. ‘He’s been fine today, but I thought I’d keep him at home just in case.’

  ‘When’s Peter back from school?’ asked Daniel.

  ‘I’ll meet him from the school bus at four. Simon should be back around half six.’

  She turned to her son. ‘Sam, darling. Why don’t you finish your Lego house so you can show Uncle Daniel?’

  Sam ran through to the lounge leaving brother and sister standing beside each other. Daniel moved first, opening his arms wide and immediately Denise fell into them. He held her securely, rubbing her back.

  ‘How are you?’

  ‘Terrified.’

  He hugged her more tightly. ‘How can I help?’

  ‘This is helping.’

  They stood together for another minute until the kettle clicked off. She pulled away giving Daniel a tight-lipped smile. ‘I’m coping. As long as the boys are unaware that anything’s worrying me, I’ll be fine. Actually, sod the coffee. It’s after twelve. Wine?’

  ‘I’ll keep it a secret if you do.’

  They moved to two armchairs close to a log burner and both sunk into the cushions. Daniel played with the stem of his glass while speaking. ‘I’m so sorry this is happening to you, Den.’ He looked up at her. ‘If I could take the worry instead of you, I would.’

  She smiled, sadly. ‘I know.’

  ‘Have they told you what’s next?’

  ‘I’m just waiting for the biopsy results. A pathology report will be sent to my consultant.’

  ‘How long will they take?’

  ‘They’re going to phone me. They said up to two weeks.’

  Daniel nodded, unable to trust himself to speak.

  Denise continued. ‘I keep telling myself it’ll be fine. I’m too young. I don’t smoke. Hopefully I’ll get a call to say it’s nothing to worry about and the boys will never know anything was wrong. It’s just when I think of them…’ Denise’s voice broke.

  Daniel was beside her in seconds, kneeling on the carpet as he hugged his sister. ‘I’m here.’ He gently rocked her in his arms. ‘You did everything right. You didn’t wait. You went straight to your GP. I’ll stay with you until the results come through. My neighbour, Mabel, has got the dogs overnight, but I know she’d willingly have them longer.’

  Denise took a deep breath and sat up straight. She wiped her eyes. ‘You’ll do no such thing.’ She smiled, retrieved a tissue from up her sleeve and blew her nose. ‘I’m fine. It’s just when I think of the boys and protecting them. You have an exhibition to get ready.’

  ‘The exhibition can be delayed.’

&
nbsp; ‘No, it can’t. Besides, it’s something to look forward to when all this is behind me. I’ve no doubt it’ll be great and it’s very important for your future career that it goes well. I’m fine, honestly. Sit down and get comfy.’

  Daniel sat back down as Sam came running in carrying a multi-coloured box made from Lego bricks, its sides dotted with small plastic windows.

  ‘Wow, that’s fantastic,’ said Daniel.

  Sam handed it to his uncle. ‘I made it all by myself.’

  Daniel studied his nephew’s construction. ‘It’s sturdy with a strong roof. Four windows, oh, where’s the door?’

  ‘There isn’t one. That way the big bad wolf can’t get in.’

  ‘Ingenious,’ said Daniel, rubbing Sam’s hair. ‘If only it worked in the real world.’ He looked at his sister. ‘No doors to let any bad news in.’

  ‘I’ll have a word with Simon and see if he’ll block them all up,’ said Denise.

  Sam laughed. ‘Silly Mummy.’ He turned to Daniel. ‘Uncle Daniel, one of Peter’s teeth fell out yesterday. It was wiggly for ages. He can stick his tongue through the hole, like this.’ Sam stuck his tongue out a short way through his pursed lips.

  ‘Very impressive. Did the tooth fairy come?’

  ‘Yes, but Peter said it was Mummy really, but it wasn’t, was it?’

  ‘Certainly not. I hope Santa’s elves didn’t hear him say that.’

  ‘I don’t know. Daddy says they’re watching us to see if we’re being good or not.’

  ‘If you’re good for your mummy and tidy up your toys and do as you’re told, I’m sure you’ll go to the top of the good list.’

  ‘And get a scooter?’

  Daniel glanced and Denise. She nodded. ‘Yes, I’m sure Santa will bring a scooter if you’re very good.’

  A few days later, Tess, Blake and Holly had arranged to share a takeaway. It had been a sunny but cold day, with the smell of autumn bonfires suffusing the air. The skies had remained cloudless as evening fell, making the temperature plummet. The bells of St Mary’s Church tolled seven when Tess heard a knock on the front door. It was Holly.