Kay was in the hallway with her jacket on ready to go, but Michael seemed to be in no rush to leave. He followed Mrs Watson through to the sitting room and shook hands with Mr Watson.
“I know Kay will be in safe hands with you, Michael,” he said, “but she’s still our daughter and I’d like you to get her home in good time this evening.”
Kay could feel her stomach contracting as she listened to her father issuing orders to her boss.
“I was planning on driving to Blayton for our meal, sir,” replied Michael not looking put out in the least. “In which case, I can’t promise what time we’ll be back, but I can assure you I will look after Kay. She means a lot to me as well.”
Glancing quickly at her mother, Kay could see a worried look pass over her face. The sooner she was working in Blayton the better, she decided.
* * *
It was wonderful to be beside Michael in his very modern Austin sports car. The evening was a little chilly, but Kay had agreed that it would be fun to drive with the top down and had tied a scarf around her hair so that she didn’t look like the wreck of the Hesperus when they arrived at the restaurant.
“I like your car. It’s a lovely colour,” Kay said touching the paintwork on the inside of the door.
“The colour’s speedwell blue,” Michael said turning briefly to look at her.
She couldn’t help comparing the colour of the car with his eyes which were a much stronger colour, deeper and more intense. “We don’t have a car, but we’ve borrowed one from a friend a few times to go on holiday. Dad can drive, but I think he prefers his bike.”
“It’s a bit of an indulgence having a car like this, but it’s fun, don’t you think?”
“I love it.”
From time to time Michael took one hand from the steering wheel and lightly touched Kay’s hand. She felt that she wouldn’t have minded going without a meal and continuing to drive along with him all night long.
“We could go dancing after we’ve eaten if you like,” he shouted over the engine noise. Kay stiffened and withdrew her hand from his. Michael looked at her and pulled the car over to the side of the road and stopped. “What is it? What did I say wrong?”
Kay took a deep breath. “Just to clear the air,” she began, “let me explain. I had an understanding with a man I used to dance with. We were quite good in fact and won several competitions. I don’t like to mention things like that at work because it’s not appropriate. Anyway, I thought George and I had a future together, but he waltzed off with someone else he met at a competition and didn’t even have the courage to tell me to my face. Just posted a letter to me.” Even after all these months, Kay could feel the humiliation she’d felt at the time. She looked across at Michael and realised that perhaps George had done her a favour; if it hadn’t been for him, she wouldn’t be here with Michael now. “However, that’s in the past,” she said firmly. “I’ve got a lot to look forward to.”
Michael took her hand and raised it to his lips. “So have I, Kay. I feel privileged to be in your company.” He started the engine and they sped off again towards Blayton.
Kay was glad she’d protected her hair from being blown about as the restaurant was very stylish. She accepted a small sherry and the waiter handed her the menu. It had never been Kay’s habit to dine out often so she felt a bit at sea. It was as if Michael sensed this and he leaned over and said, “I’m having prawn cocktail, steak and a lovely messy pudding. How about you?”
“That sounds delicious. Can I have the same, but I’ll wait to see if I’ve got room for the pudding.”
With the meal decided and the order given, Kay sipped her sherry. She glanced towards the window and blinked hard. “Isn’t that Charlie over there?” she said. “Fancy him being here. Doesn’t he look smart? I never understood why he left in such a hurry. Should we go over, do you think?”
“No!” said Michael sharply. Then he softened his tone. “I don’t want to share you, Kay. That’s one reason I brought you out here so that we wouldn’t see anyone we knew.”
“You’re not ashamed of me, are you?” she teased.
“Quite the contrary,” he assured her, picking up his glass and holding it in a toast. “To the best companion anyone could wish to have.”
* * *
“That was tasty,” Kay said, having finished the last scrap of her prawn cocktail.
“Good, you looked as though you were enjoying it. Apart from enjoying eating out what else do you like to do?”
“It is lovely being waited on in a restaurant. It’s quite a treat. We have fish and chips once a week from the chip shop, but this type of place is for out of the ordinary occasions.”
“One of the things I like about you, Kay, is you don’t put on any airs and graces, you’re comfortable being you. Some of the women at the tennis club pretend they’re something they’re not. I don’t like it. But you still haven’t told me about your hobbies.”
“I like going to the pictures. As I said I used to dance. All the time. I started when I was quite little. Mum and Dad managed to pay for classes and I got quite good. And…”
“And…”
“I needed a partner so my dance teacher introduced me to George. We got on really well and he was a good dancer. I’ve got trophies from when we were together. Well, you know the rest.”
“But why have you stopped dancing just because George left? Surely there are other men who could be your partner?”
“I don’t know. I gave up. It was an awful time.” It seemed strange to Kay that she was telling him all about her break up with George. She hadn’t talked much about it at the time even though she’d been devastated. It felt quite good getting it off her chest to Michael.
“I’d quite like to learn to dance.” Michael smiled.
“I thought you must be able to when you suggested we go dancing after our meal.”
“I thought we’d have fun even with my two left feet. I have had to dance at functions, but I’m pretty useless. I usually end up treading on my partner’s fancy shoes.”
“Maybe… no, that’s a silly idea.”
“Go on.”
“I was going to say maybe I could teach you.”
“I’d like that, Kay, very much. Once the move is over and we’re less busy let’s do it.” Their conversation was interrupted by the waiter bringing the steaks. Michael poured them each a glass of red wine. They both tucked in. Kay remembered that Charlie was in the restaurant, but when she looked over he’d gone.
Through the rest of the meal, Michael enthused about the new office, the town and the plans he had for the company when he would be in charge. Kay watched as his face lit up as he talked. “I’m so pleased things are working well for you,” she said.
“And what about you? Are you feeling happier now you can see your future changing?”
“The main difficulty will be finding somewhere to live,” confessed Kay. “I’m used to being at home and I like my creature comforts. I wouldn’t like to share facilities and anything else would be much more expensive, although the pay rise is welcome.”
“I could help if you’d let me,” invited Michael.
“In what way?”
“Putting out enquiries, making a few calls to contacts, that sort of thing.”
“That wouldn’t be fair on the others, would it? I don’t want any sort of favouritism, Michael.”
“No use offering you a loan of money, then?” he said.
“Certainly not.” Kay was appalled. That wasn’t what she wanted at all. “I’m not after your money, you know. I like working for you and… well, I enjoy your company, but please don’t…”
“I didn’t mean to offend you,” replied Michael. “Let’s change the subject. I’ll tell you about the tennis club. You might consider joining the one in Blayton. I’m a member there. I could introduce you to a few people.”
Kay thought she might be out of her depth there after what he’d said about some of the women, but he was so e
xcited about her joining she didn’t like to dent his enthusiasm.
“There are some nice people there too, as well as those tiresome women. And I need a partner. I’m always being asked to play doubles.”
“I’m not sure.” The only time Kay had played tennis was at school and most of that time she’d spent gossiping with her friends when the teacher was coaching some of the better players. “I’ve never been good at sport. I did go over to the park with my friends where we hit a ball against the big shed with an old racquet. You know the sort of thing. See who could do it the most times before losing control of the ball.”
“Let’s agree. I’ll teach you to play tennis and you’ll teach me to dance. What do you say?”
“I say we each have quite a challenge!”
The meal eventually ended after a creamy dessert, and coffee in small cups.
Michael signalled for the bill and helped Kay on with her jacket. As they passed the place where Kay had seen Charlie, she said, “It was rude of us not to speak to Charlie.” His face grim, Michael didn’t say anything as he held the door open for her.
Back in the car Kay laid a hand on Michael’s arm. She wanted to get things back to normal before he drove her home. There was something bothering him and she felt as though she’d spoilt the evening by mentioning Charlie again. If only she’d kept her mouth shut. “I just want to say I’ve had a marvellous evening. Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure, the most enjoyable evening I’ve had in a long time. Thank you,” he paused. “I hope we can do it again sometime soon.”
Kay’s heart gave a little skip then she remembered the promise she’d made herself after receiving George’s letter. To try and let her head rule her heart. “Maybe,” she said.
Michael sat still for a moment. “I’m sorry about back there in the restaurant. It’s just that there’s something you don’t know about Charlie,” he said, his face tense once more.
* * *
Michael hadn’t been forthcoming about Charlie, and Kay hadn’t liked to force the issue. She hoped that the evening hadn’t been spoiled by Charlie’s presence at the restaurant. Maybe it was her fault. If she hadn’t pointed him out things would have been all right. Neither of them spoke on the drive home.
Kay wasn’t surprised to see the lights on downstairs. She knew her parents would be waiting up to make sure she got home safely.
“Here we are.” Michael leapt out of the car and held the door open before walking her to the front door. “Thank you again.” He leant forward as if he was going to kiss her, but appeared to think better of it and gave her shoulder a quick pat. “Good night, Kay.”
“’Night, Michael. I’ll see you on Monday.”
The front door opened as Michael made his way back down the path. He turned and gave her a wave.
“Nice evening, love?” her mum asked.
“Lovely. It was really posh. We had prawn cocktail and steak.”
“Come on into the kitchen. Your dad’s just made some hot chocolate. You need bringing back down to earth!” Her mum chuckled. “You should hear her, Harry, with her prawn cocktails and steaks.”
“I’m ever so tired. I think I’ll take my drink upstairs. I’m going to take the bus to Blayton tomorrow and have a look for somewhere to live.”
* * *
Kay had cut sandwiches for her lunch and packed a bag with a notebook and pencil. She intended finding a place to live before she returned home later in the afternoon. In a way she was excited at the prospect of being independent of her parents, but she was also a bit apprehensive.
Walking along the High Street, she passed a couple of estate agents and looked in their windows. There were a few advertisements which seemed promising and she went in and told them what she required.
“If you want something self-contained,” said the first one, sucking his teeth, “you’ll not find it cheaply.” He named a figure which made Kay sit up. There was no way she could afford that sort of money on a weekly basis, with or without a pay rise.
The second agent said much the same thing, adding helpfully, “If you go along towards the park, you might see a notice in a window saying there’s accommodation to let.”
Feeling more hopeful, Kay set off again, glancing down the side streets in search of an elusive notice. Then she saw a very different notice in front of her. On a hoarding outside a brand new office block there was written in large fancy script: Harris & Partners, Solicitors. So this was where the new office would be. It was very central and a lot of the Saturday shoppers were taking an interest.
Peering in through the window, she was delighted and surprised to see Michael inside. He mustn’t catch her prying, she thought edging away. A window opened and he called to her. “Kay? What are you doing here? ” His smile was broad.
“I’m flat-hunting,” she informed him.
He smiled. “Let me know how you get on.”
A couple of turnings along there was the notice Kay was looking for. It must be fate, she decided, striding up to the front door and banging on it.
The room she was shown into was appalling; it was dirty and smelt of cabbage. She was told there was a bathroom upstairs she could share with three of the other tenants and a kettle and mini oven was provided in the room. Kay couldn’t possibly see herself living there and made her exit as quickly as possible, the smell still clinging to her nostrils.
Determined not to be put off and with the thought of Michael wanting to know how she got on, she renewed her search. After two more unsuccessful attempts, she was on the verge of giving up. She decided to sit in the park and take stock.
It was a beautiful park with children playing, and the birds were singing as if willing her to be positive.
Taking a different gate which she hoped would get her back to the High Street, Kay spotted another notice advertising accommodation. She might as well give it a go, there was nothing to lose.
“Come in and see for yourself,” invited the woman who answered her knock. Kay followed her inside. “We’ll go upstairs first and I’ll show you the bedroom that’s to let.”
The house was clean and smelt of furniture polish. Kay dared not get her hopes up too much. The room she was shown into was a large one at the back of the house. It overlooked an unkempt garden. The room itself was simply furnished with a single bed along one wall covered with a colourful patchwork quilt. The wardrobe was large and more than adequate to hold Kay’s clothes. A comfortable chair and a dressing table with a stool completed the furnishings. Everything looked so cosy Kay felt she could be very happy here. There was even a tiny wash basin tucked away in a small cupboard. The curtains were a buttercup yellow and the carpet on the floor was emblazoned with flowers.
“The bathroom’s next door and you’d be free to have as many baths as you wished,” smiled the woman. “I don’t charge extra for heating and lighting. The rent is all-inclusive; you’ll find no hungry meters here.” She laughed as she spoke. “I sleep at the front of the house, just along the landing. You’d only be sharing with me.”
They went downstairs again and into a cosy kitchen. “Do you enjoy cooking?”
Kay thought about it. “I’m not very good, Mum takes care of the household chores. I help Dad in the garden.”
“There’s a garden, too. I’m not very clever with that side of things, but it’s nice to potter in the sunshine. Come and have a look in the sitting room.”
After her tour of the comfortable house with this very pleasant woman, Kay felt there must be a catch and it would probably be the rent. “How much are you asking?” she said, crossing her fingers that she’d be in luck and able to afford it.
The amount quoted was very reasonable. “I don’t charge a lot, but I’m particular who I agree to let to. I like you and if you can see yourself living here with me, please take as long as you need to decide.”
“I’d like the room, please,” blurted out Kay, sure she’d done the right thing.
The woman nodded. “My nam
e’s Olive,” she said holding out her hand.
“And I’m Kay, Kay Watson. I’m going to be working for the solicitors in the High Street,” she added.
“Oh, I see,” said Olive, with a guarded look.
“Harris and Partners,” added Kay, hoping to give the firm a bit of publicity.
Olive beamed. “The new ones? I thought you might have meant Twigge and Moore.”
“I work for Michael Harris at the moment and will be moving here when the new office opens.”
“I’ll have to take up references,” said Olive. “Can you give me your details and I’ll let you know when I’ve heard back.”
When Kay left Elm Close she felt like skipping along the road and singing. She knew her references would be all right and the house was so lovely. Her feet instinctively took her back to Michael’s new office where she knocked at the door. He looked out of the window and beckoned her inside.
“You look happy,” he said. “Any luck?”
“The best. I’ve found somewhere to live.” Kay delved into her bag and brought out her packet of sandwiches. “Not quite as posh as last night, but would you like to share my lunch? Ham or cheese?”
“Mmm, these are good,” Michael said before taking another bite.
“Glad you like them. If you’ve got a knife I’ll cut the apple in half.”
“All mod cons here, you know. I’ll fetch a knife, and boil some water.”
As they sat with their mugs of tea Kay told him all about Olive and the room. “She seems really lovely, but she would like a reference if you wouldn’t mind.”
“Of course not.”
“Lovely, thanks. I forgot to tell you Olive mentioned our rivals, Twigge and Moore, she didn’t seem too impressed with them.”
“I think they’re having a spot of bother. They had a good name, but are so busy I imagine it’s very hard for Mr Twigge to keep an eye on everything. They’ve expanded and taken on new staff. There have been a few rumours going round the town. Nothing for us to worry about though.”
But Kay noticed the same tenseness in his face she’d seen when they’d been talking about Charlie.
Law of Attraction Page 3