Season's Meetings

by Amy Dunne

  “Peas.”

  “And what else?” Beth asked, as she scooped some peas on to the plate.

  Florence frowned and mumbled something incoherent.

  “Kiddo, you know the rules. Three types of veg with dinner. Come on,” Katie said.

  Florence pouted and covered her face with her hands.

  Beth shot an apologetic glance at Catherine and Holly. “She’s recently decided to be a fussy eater. Although in a peculiar twist of fate, it seems to be only vegetables and fruit she doesn’t like.” Beth turned back to Florence. “You have exactly until the count of three and then I’m choosing for you. One. Two. Thr—”

  “Carrots and broccolis,” Florence said. “Please.”

  Beth and Katie both looked surprised. Beth dished out the veg and presented the plate to Florence. She started serving herself. “I think Kimmy’s set a good example for a certain person. She’s refused to eat carrots for months now.”

  “Don’t suppose you can teach Kimmy to stay in bed until after seven every morning, can you?” Katie asked with a grin. “Sure would be nice to have a lie in.”

  “She’s a dog, not a miracle worker, darling,” Beth said.

  “It was worth a shot.” Katie chuckled. “Kimmy’s a real beauty though, Cat. She reminds me of the dog we had when I was a kid. Maybe we should think about getting a—”

  “Don’t even think about finishing that sentence, unless you want a world of pain,” Beth said through gritted teeth. With violent nods of her head in Florence’s direction, she added, “Walls have little ears and understand more than we think.”

  “Walls don’t have ears, Mummy Beth,” Florence said, proving Beth’s point without looking up from the plate, where she was chasing a pea around with a mini fork. In the end, she squished the pea with a finger, inspected it, and put it in her mouth.

  “The mash is great, wifey,” Katie said with a smirk.

  “Creep,” Beth said.

  Catherine could feel Holly watching her, and it took all of her resolve not to look up.

  “I love your necklace, Holly,” Beth said, clearly trying to fill the awkward silence. “Where did you get it from?”

  Catherine raised her gaze. Holly looked flustered.

  “It was a gift.”

  “How lovely. Who from?” Beth asked, taking a sip of wine.

  Holly took a sip from her own glass before replying. “A friend. This wine is lovely. Is it expensive?”

  Beth went into great detail about how she got the crates of wine shipped here, and Catherine slowly released a breath.

  Conversation was stilted throughout the rest of the meal, and it was a relief when it came to an end. Catherine helped Katie clear the table while Florence and Holly decorated the chocolate sponge.

  They had dessert in the living room with the comfort of the log fire and Christmas tree. The atmosphere remained frosty. Florence rubbed her eyes, notably grumpy.

  “Right, kiddo. Time to head up the wooden hills,” Katie said, getting up.

  “Aunty Cat, will you tuck me in and read me a story?” Florence asked. “Please?”

  “Of course.” Catherine was grateful for the excuse to leave the room and Holly. “I think I’ll probably call it a night after.”

  “Cat, don’t be a lightweight,” Beth said. She topped up her own wine glass. “Stay up a bit longer.”

  “Honestly, I’m shattered.”

  “Don’t let my tipsy wife bully you. Your room is the last one down the corridor on the left. I put your suitcase and stuff on the bed earlier,” Katie said.

  “What about Kimmy?” Beth asked. “Is she okay to stay in here with us? How does the cage thingy work?”

  Kimmy was sprawled by the fire and showed no intention of moving.

  “I’ll put her to bed when we all go up,” Holly said. She avoided looking at Catherine. “The crate is easy to assemble.”

  “Err, thanks.” Catherine quickly exerted all her attention into giving Kimmy a fuss good night.

  They were about to leave when Florence decided to give everyone a good night hug. Catherine wasn’t quite sure if she was supposed to do the same thing. The decision was made for her when Katie pulled her into a bear hug. As she hugged Beth, her heart started to race and butterflies thrashed in her stomach.

  Turning to face Holly’s direction, her heart missed a beat. Her mind warned her to try to act natural, otherwise she’d give something away. But her body was behaving of its own accord. Awkwardly, she stepped forward and refused to look Holly in the eye. Their bodies were drawn to each other as if magnetised. They fit together perfectly. Holly’s smell engulfed her in a comforting haze. The warmth of her body was wonderfully familiar. It felt like home and she didn’t want to ever let go. Holly’s arms tightened and her hair lightly tickled Catherine’s neck. A tiny moan escaped Catherine’s mouth.

  How long had they been hugging? Would friends hug for this long?

  Catherine forced herself to step away. Her body jilted from the loss. Not daring to look at Beth or Katie, Catherine took hold of Florence’s little hand, and together they left the room.

  *

  The one bedtime story turned into four, but Catherine didn’t mind. She helped Florence to read the first book, but after a barrage of yawns and eye rubbing, she read the rest.

  As soon as Florence had drifted off, Catherine planted a gentle kiss on her forehead and crept out of the room like a ninja. She found her own room easily. It was huge and had its own en suite. After taking a shower, dressing in pyjamas, and brushing her teeth, she settled beneath the soft duvet with her tablet and began reading.

  A while later, she heard everyone else come upstairs. Eventually, the house fell silent. Sleep was a luxury Catherine expected to be granted, but she was too tense and her mind refused to switch off.

  “Argh,” she whispered. She’d read the same sentence at least twenty times. And although the bed was comfortable, it was also massive. The empty space beside her added to her depressing loneliness. She pined for Holly.

  A timid knock sounded on her door, and Catherine didn’t doubt for a second it was Holly. Panicked, she tried to assess her options. She either opened the door or she didn’t.

  The knock sounded again.

  Speaking to Holly would be a mistake, but she couldn’t fight the desire to see her. Excitement made her a little giddy, as she tiptoed over to the door and opened it. Holly stood on the threshold, her hair scruffily tied up. She wore the same pyjamas from the cabin.

  “Can I come in?” Holly whispered.

  “Yeah, okay.” Catherine stepped aside, holding the door open. As soon as Holly was safely inside, she sneakily glanced down the hallway. They were alone. She closed the door and turned to find Holly watching her from the bed. Her expression looked sombre.

  “This situation is shitty,” Holly said. She spread her hands wide. “I’m sorry, but I can’t keep lying to them, Catherine. They know something’s going on.”

  “With us?” Catherine asked. Bile scorched the back of her throat.

  “No. They know something’s not right with me.” Holly crossed her legs and folded her arms. “I’ve always been honest about my life. I don’t keep secrets from them. Lying is killing me.”

  Catherine sat, ensuring a decent-sized gap between them. “I’m sorry.”

  Holly studied her carefully. “I believe you are. But that doesn’t help me. What is the big deal with them knowing? I don’t think they’d batter an eyelid. They love us. They want us to be happy.”

  Catherine dropped her gaze to the floor. “It’s not necessarily about them. I’m the one who needs time.”

  “Time for what?” Holly asked. When Catherine didn’t answer, she pounded the duvet with her fists. “Was it all a lie? Was I just a plaything to occupy you while we were snowed in?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Really? Because that’s how you’re making it seem. I feel used, Catherine. I don’t know if you care about me, or if you’re str
inging me along, or if you’re trying to let me down gently. But if it’s the latter, it’s not working.”

  “Sorry—”

  “Stop apologising,” Holly said with a snap. “Talk to me. Explain what’s going on.”

  “I care about you. I do,” Catherine said. She rubbed her face with her hands. “I need time to sort my head out. Telling Beth and Katie will bring a whole host of pressure and expectations down on us. I can’t deal with that right now. Why can’t we keep it to ourselves for a couple of days and see how we get on in London? I don’t think that’s asking too much. I get this isn’t a big deal for you, but it is for me.”

  “This is a huge deal for me. I swear to God, if you were anyone else, I’d have ended this in the car when we arrived. And I’m furious at myself for not doing exactly that,” Holly said loudly. Anger radiated off her in waves. “And I hate that you can make me feel so cheap and hurt. It’s not just about what you want and feel. Don’t you care about me at all?”

  “I do. And I’m going to make it up to you.” Catherine’s chest constricted and breathing became painfully difficult. “It’s another five days, and then we’ll leave. That’s all.”

  “That’s all?” Holly asked. Her eyebrows arched, her mouth formed a thin line, and two red spots coloured her cheeks “Do you know what’s happening tomorrow?”

  “What?” Catherine asked, dread surfacing.

  “Beth’s organised a meal and invited two blind dates, one for each of us. Katie let it slip while we were out.”

  Catherine didn’t know what to say. How could Beth do this to her? Why was she always interfering and scheming?

  “Are you actually going to say something?” Holly asked. “You can’t seriously expect us not to tell them about us now?” When Catherine didn’t respond Holly raised her voice. “Catherine?”

  “I…” Catherine faltered. Holly was too loud. If they weren’t careful, they’d wake everyone. “Shush.”

  Holly stormed to the door. When she looked back, her eyes were fierce with anger and brimming with tears. “It’s over.” She tore open the door and left.

  The door slammed and Catherine flinched. She daren’t go after Holly in case Beth or Katie came out to investigate all the noise. She didn’t know what to say anyway.

  “She’ll calm down by tomorrow,” she whispered to herself. “And then when we leave I’ll do everything I can to make it up to her. It’ll be okay.”

  She didn’t believe a word of it.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Catherine had barely slept. Her mind and emotions refused to grant her a reprieve. When she finally made her way downstairs, she was relieved to find Holly and Katie had gone out.

  The day dragged and the situation wasn’t improved by Beth’s smugness. She merrily cleaned and cooked, content in the knowledge that she’d arranged the secret blind dates. That Beth was so excited about her betrayal galled Catherine.

  She couldn’t bear feeling like a prized idiot any longer. “You can shove your smugness up your arse. I know about the blind date,” Catherine blurted. She got some satisfaction from Beth’s astonishment, but as always, she recovered quickly.

  “It’s for your own good. You can’t blame me for trying to help you find someone. I care about you. I hate seeing you so lonely.”

  “That’s bullshit. You’re a nosey busybody who derives pleasure from interfering in other people’s lives. You should mind your own bloody business.” Catherine grimaced. It had come out a little harsher than she’d intended.

  Beth glared and folded her arms. “I know you don’t always appreciate it when I spring surprises, so I’m going to forgive your little outburst. I get you’re not keen, but tough titty, because it’s happening.” She looked up at the kitchen clock. “In less than an hour and a half. So, go and make yourself presentable.”

  “Sometimes I hate you,” Catherine said. She felt like a petulant child.

  “I can live with that.”

  *

  It was a strange situation. Dressing for a blind date was always difficult, but when it was one you didn’t want to encourage in any way, shape, or form, that only made it all the more stressful. There was the added pressure of having to look like she’d made an effort, otherwise people would question why. She’d heard Holly and Katie return a little while ago. At least being stowed away in her room meant she didn’t have to face Holly.

  “This is ridiculous,” she said to herself. And it was. Perhaps Holly was right? After sleepless hours of replaying their argument and considering Holly’s points, she was beginning to think maybe she was in the wrong. If they’d been honest and upfront from the start, like Holly had suggested, they wouldn’t have to endure this stupid blind date dinner. Holly would be talking to her, and perhaps they’d be able to kiss and cuddle. At this point Catherine would give anything to be able to hug and kiss Holly. The realisation that she might never get to do either again was far too painful to consider.

  “Our guests are here!” Beth shouted up the stairs.

  Catherine glanced at her reflection. The dark trousers and green jumper would have to do. She’d considered wearing the earrings Holly had gotten her, but decided against it.

  “Catherine!” Beth shouted up the stairs. “Don’t make me come up there.”

  Catherine walked to the door. “Shoot me now.”

  *

  She was ambushed as soon as she descended the stairs.

  “Catherine, this is Amanda Doyle,” Beth said in an infuriatingly sickly sweet tone.

  Catherine turned her attention to the woman beside Beth. Her straight bright red hair—which could only have come from a dye, was cut in a slanted bob. Her tanned skin was bordering on orange. The chunky gold jewellery looked heavy and garish. The makeup wasn’t too bad when compared to everything else. The large tangerine breasts practically popped out of her white top, which was at least two sizes too small.

  Amanda presented her hand. Catherine did a double take when she saw the long nails. They were painted the same colour red as her hair and showcased little glittering stones. Nearly every finger had a gold ring, although the designs were different.

  “It’s wonderful to meet you, Catherine,” Amanda said, her voice loud and her Scottish accent prominent. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

  “I can’t say the same,” Catherine said. She weakly shook the tip of Amanda’s hand and couldn’t help but sneakily glance, to make sure none of the orange had transferred to her own skin.

  “What Catherine means is, I kept your identity a surprise.” Beth forced a smile.

  “I’m sure we’re going to get to know each other well.” Amanda gave Catherine a slow wink that looked more like a physical tic.

  The way Amanda was looking at her made Catherine uncomfortable. The directness of her gaze was intense. She seemed overly keen.

  “Follow me and I’ll introduce you to everyone else,” Beth said, leading Amanda into the living room.

  Catherine followed and dabbed her sweaty palms on her trousers. She wasn’t looking forward to seeing Holly or her blind date. At least if the date was anything like Amanda, Catherine wouldn’t have to worry.

  “Amanda, this is Holly and Sky.” Beth stepped aside.

  Catherine’s ears pricked at the name. Sky? What kind of a name was that? She brushed past Amanda and looked around the door. Holly sat on the sofa, wearing a low-cut top and the skintight jeans that drove Catherine crazy. Her hair flowed freely around her shoulders, and she wore makeup. She hadn’t worn the pendant—a sucker punch of grief struck Catherine’s gut.

  “Hi, Amanda,” Holly said and then laughed at something the person sitting next to her said. Craning her neck farther, Catherine finally laid eyes on Sky. She felt the blood drain from her body.

  Sky was young and attractive, in a handsome kind of way. Her blond hair was shorter than Katie’s. She had chiselled good looks and great bone definition. She wore no makeup, but her bottom lip was pierced and had a ring through it. Th
e shirt she wore clung to her muscular frame. The jeans were stylish, as were the boots. The way Sky was sitting suggested she was comfortable and confident. Her eyes focused only on Holly.

  Fiery anger scorched Catherine’s chest, surging its way to the back of her throat. Sky’s foot brushed against Holly’s. Worse still, Holly didn’t appear to mind. She was turned toward Sky, and her attention rapt by whatever funny antidote Sky was reeling off so effortlessly.

  Catherine didn’t like Sky. Not one bit.

  Sky couldn’t be more blatantly flirtatious if she tried. It was a disgusting show, especially when surrounded by a room full of people.

  “Here you go,” Katie said. She offered out a wine glass to Amanda, but Catherine snatched it. Frowning, Katie presented Amanda with the second wine glass. Catherine drained the maroon liquid in one go. She didn’t taste the wine or enjoy it.

  “Let’s go and sit down, shall we?” Amanda asked.

  Catherine wiped her mouth and gave an unenthusiastic nod. She needed another drink. As they passed by the coffee table, she poured herself a large refill.

  “Beth told me about your career. Very impressive,” Amanda said. She tapped the cushion beside her in what Catherine could only presume was supposed to be a seductive manner.

  “Thanks.”

  “I work in financial investment. I’m very good at making money, amongst other things.”

  “Mm,” Catherine said, watching Holly and Sky from the corner of her eye.

  “I think we could do some good business together.” Amanda reached out and pinched Catherine’s leg with her Freddy Krueger nails.

  Catherine flinched and stared at the trespassing hand in disbelief. What on earth was wrong with this woman? She was about to say something to Amanda when she noticed Holly looking over. Biting her tongue, Catherine forced a weak smile.

  “We’d have some pleasure as well, of course,” Amanda said and erupted into a loud, shrill cackle.

  Catherine wasn’t sure what she was doing. She knew it wasn’t wise to let Amanda think she stood a chance. The problem was Sky. As much as she disliked Amanda, she disliked Sky and the way Holly was acting around her a lot more. Trying to make Holly jealous was childish, but she couldn’t resist. She wanted Holly to feel how she felt. Taking a hearty chug from her glass, she felt the warmth of tipsiness seep through her body.