Law of Attraction

by Patricia Keyson

  Kay stopped the spinning and looked Betty in the eye. “You did absolutely the right thing. There are things I know about Charlie which I can’t tell you, but he’s no good. You deserve someone much better than him.”

  “You deserve someone nice too, but you haven’t got a boyfriend have you? It doesn’t seem right.”

  Kay could feel the colour flushing her cheeks. Could she count Michael as her boyfriend or was he still just a friend? Remembering their shared kiss last week she wondered just how he saw her. Since then he’d barely touched her and he hadn’t even pecked her on the cheek. “I expect one day two handsome men will come along, one for you and one for me. We’re still very young and we should think of our careers as well.”

  “Mum says my life’s all mapped out for me. Marriage and children. I don’t know what I want.”

  “You’re a bright girl. I think you could do very well in your new office. Michael told me all about your boss. When do you start?”

  “A week on Monday. I’m quite scared, but excited too. I don’t suppose I’ll have a friend like you there, but the people I met when I went for my interview seemed nice enough.”

  There was a sudden noise. “What was that?” whispered Kay.

  “It sounded like glass breaking.”

  “Come on, let’s go and see. Here take my hand.” Kay led Betty back into the kitchen and along a corridor which led to the toilet. “Who’s there?” she called, her voice trembling a little. As they reached the door to the toilet they halted. “Who’s there?” The sound of feet running along the outside alleyway told them that whoever had been trying to break in had been scared off. Kay and Betty hugged each other before Kay pushed the door open. The small window had been broken and glass was strewn across the floor.

  “You’ll have to tell Mr Michael,” Betty said.

  “I’ll tell him when I’ve called the police, and arranged for a glazier to come and repair the window. I told him last week I’d like more responsibility and I want to prove that I’m up to it.”

  “Who do you think it could have been? Was it a thief?”

  “Yes, I suppose it must have been.” Kay didn’t want to voice her suspicions. She would see if Michael came up with the same thought that it could have been Charlie trying to get in to obtain information or cause damage in some way. “Let me make the phone calls and as soon as the window is fixed I’ll take you to a very nice coffee bar Michael and I went to.”

  “Mr Michael and you?”

  “Yes, we’re quite good friends now.”

  * * *

  When Kay arrived home on Monday evening she was exhausted having had Betty to entertain all weekend. Not that it had been difficult, just that Betty chatted a lot and wanted to be active all the time. When she saw Michael at the office he had immediately said he thought Charlie would be behind the break-in, but there was no evidence to link him to it. The police had said there wasn’t much chance of catching the perpetrator.

  As she was tucking in to a ham salad, Olive said, “I don’t want you to be cross with me Kay, but I did what I said I was going to do. I spoke to a Mr Alastair Barnes at Twigge and Moore. I didn’t like him. I wouldn’t trust him an inch.”

  “I’ve met him too and I felt the same. He wanted me to go for lunch with him.”

  “You’re a good judge of character. I told Mr Barnes I was re-writing my will and using the services of Harris and Partners. He said he was disappointed and it was my choice, but he would advise me against such a decision as there are suggestions in the town that Harris and Partners is not reputable. As I told you I acted the part of a rather vague old woman and he did try to bully me. It wasn’t a pleasant experience. I said that everything I’d heard and knew about the firm is good and that I would stick to my decision. As I left he was already huddled talking to a man who looked a little weaselly.”

  “That would be Charlie. What do you think will happen?”

  “I’m not sure. Maybe nothing. Let’s wait and see. It’s not big business, is it? An old lady’s will.”

  “Shall I make you an appointment?”

  “An appointment? Oh, I see what you mean. To make my new will. Yes, that would be very good and I’d like to see Michael if that’s possible please.”

  Kay hoped that Michael would make sure Olive didn’t have to pay the full fee, but deep down she already knew that he would waive the fee completely. He was that sort of person.

  * * *

  Every evening Kay practised her dance steps for the competition and by Saturday she was ready. She left the house early as Len wanted to have another quick rehearsal and Olive said she would catch the bus, but wouldn’t be late to watch the competition. As Kay sat nervously on one of the competitors’ seats at the side of the dance floor her attention was taken by a disturbance at the entrance, and there were Michael and Olive laughing and chatting. Kay wondered what on earth Michael had done to Olive. She’d never seen her so dishevelled. “Cooee,” Olive called as they headed towards her.

  “I’m so pleased to see you both,” Kay said, as she stood to greet them.

  “I wasn’t sure I could come so didn’t say anything. I just turned up on Olive’s doorstep.”

  “What on earth happened to you, Olive? Your hair’s a bit…”

  “Of a mess?” Olive patted at her tousled curls. “I don’t care. It was such fun. We came in Michael’s car with the hood down.”

  “Olive waved and shouted at everyone. It was like having a child in the car.” Michael hugged her affectionately.

  “Bagsy I get the lift home. Kay can walk. Now where shall we sit? There are a couple of good seats over there. Good luck, Kay.”

  “Yes, good luck.” Michael took her hand and kissed her quickly on the mouth before following Olive.

  Len joined Kay to watch the other dancers. Kay could tell that Olive was having a good time as she looked enthralled by the dancing and clapped enthusiastically at the end of each number. She was even more animated when Kay and Len took to the floor. Kay was determined to dance her very best for the two people who had come to mean so much to her. She let the music wash over her as she lost herself in the moves. Len was an expert and she followed his lead.

  When the final note died, she knew that she had danced her best. “Marvellous,” said Len, as he led her over to their seats. When all the competitors had completed their performance it was announced that everyone could take to the floor while the judges were reaching their decision. Olive bounced over with Michael following, her bad hip apparently forgotten in her eagerness.

  “Well done, excellent,” Michael said. “I know I’m just a beginner, but would you deign to dance with me?” Kay took his proffered hand.

  As they were walking away she overheard Olive saying, “Don’t just sit there, you pudding, let’s dance.”

  Kay couldn’t help but smile when she saw Len propelling Olive round. Her landlady looked to be having the time of her life. Len was the perfect dancing partner and she could already see that Olive was much lighter on her feet than when Kay had last danced with her.

  The music stopped and everyone was told to take their seats for the results. Michael relinquished Kay who went and sat next to Len with the other competitors. They gripped each other’s hands and waited. The results were given in reverse order and Kay found herself holding her breath as the pressure increased. A trophy was being handed over to the couple who had achieved the third prize and then the announcer called Kay and Len forward to receive the award for second place. Although Kay was a little disappointed, she was delighted they’d been placed and, with shining eyes and a big smile, she let Len dance her to the podium. There was tumultuous applause from the audience, urged on no doubt by Michael and Olive, thought Kay as she and Len returned to their seats.

  Now all eyes were on the couple in first place. For some reason they didn’t appear to be very popular, but Kay clapped hard. It was over.

  “You should have won,” said Olive indignantly to Kay and Len. “Y
our dancing was wonderful.”

  “Let’s abide with the judges’ decision,” said Len, “there’s always next year.”

  Michael brought over drinks from the bar and they sat sipping them. Kay felt cross with herself for the discontent she felt. How could she begrudge the winning couple their accolade? Wondering if she should cross the floor and congratulate them, she was surprised to hear a voice through the microphone asking for their attention.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, it has come to our notice that the winning couple have been disqualified as they are both on the professional circuit.”

  Len put his hand on Kay’s and they stared at each other. It could only mean one thing.

  “And so,” continued the announcer, “it gives me great pleasure to announce that our much-loved dancers, Kay and Len, are the winners of the competition.”

  Michael shook Len’s hand and then folded Kay into an embrace, hugging her tightly. “Well done, you thoroughly deserve it. Lucky shoes!”

  Kay buried her face in Michael’s jacket, tears filling her eyes. They’d done it. They’d won. It was what she wanted. Sniffing, she knew it wasn’t all she wanted. Being so close to Michael again felt wonderful.

  “Are you all right, Kay?” he asked, holding her at arm’s length.

  Not trusting herself to speak, she nodded and tried to blink back the tears, but she couldn’t.

  “Here, take this,” he said holding out his handkerchief. “It’s the released tension. It’s all right.” Michael was so reassuring. Kay sat close to him, dabbing at her face with the white linen square.

  From the corner of her eye it looked as if Len was about to speak to her, but she heard Olive say, “Kay’s in good hands. Leave her for a while. We can talk to each other. I think we’ve a lot in common.”

  * * *

  Kay and Len shared a taxi to their respective homes and Michael gave Olive a lift back to Elm Close, arriving ahead of Kay. Olive had offered to go in the taxi with Len, but Kay knew she was thrilled to have the opportunity of another ride in the sports car. On the way home, Len had confided to Kay that he knew about the winners being on the professional circuit and had challenged them before the competition, but they hadn’t backed down. It hadn’t been him who had informed the judges, though; it was common knowledge among the regular dancers and they’d been foolish to think they could get away with it.

  As Kay got out of the taxi, Len handed her the first prize cup. “It’ll have to be engraved with our names some time, but until they recall it you keep it.” Kay was thrilled. She felt a little guilty to be the one holding the prize, but she carried it indoors and placed it on the mantelpiece in the sitting room.

  Guessing Olive and Michael would be in the kitchen, she went through and found Olive, not heating milk for cocoa, but opening a bottle of whisky. “Just a small tot to celebrate, Kay,” she explained. “And to help me sleep. After all the excitement of this evening, I’m sure I’ll never get off.”

  Kay declined the offer of the alcohol and Michael had just a polite sip before putting his glass back on the table.

  “Len asked to see me,” said Olive, not looking at Kay or Michael. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “I’m so happy for you,” cried Kay. “Will you go dancing?”

  “Only if someone will buy me a pair of lucky shoes!”

  “Michael will want to know when your birthday is,” Kay said, smiling.

  “It’s a long time unfortunately, December.”

  “I don’t think you need lucky shoes, Olive,” Michael said. “You and Len seem well suited from what I’ve heard from Kay and I’m sure you’ll have a lot of good times together. When someone special comes along we should grab them with both hands,” he looked across at Kay, “as long as they are ready of course.”

  Kay wondered what he was talking about. She’d been getting slightly mixed messages from him. Sometimes he seemed as though he wanted to be close to her and sometimes he appeared to be holding back. Maybe he was concerned about their working relationship. It could be awkward if she were to become the boss’s girlfriend. And she knew from her own experience and from what Vanessa had said that the business was of the utmost importance to him.

  “Well, I’m going to take it as it comes. If we find we enjoy each other’s company it will be a bonus in what has become quite an exciting and interesting life since Kay moved in.” Olive grinned.

  “May I change the subject? Have there been any more developments regarding Charlie? Kay told me all about your visit to see Alastair when she made you the appointment with me. Have Twigge and Moore communicated with you since you went to see them?” Michael frowned.

  “No, I haven’t heard a dickey bird.”

  “Good, I hope it stays that way. I’d better be getting back,” he said. “It’s been an interesting evening with a good result. Well done, Kay. And thank you, Olive, for being a lovely companion.”

  Michael let himself out and the two women sat chatting, neither of them feeling ready for bed.

  “Len’s a very nice man, Olive. I’m glad he wants to see you again.”

  “I hardly know him, but we seem to have a lot in common. He’s been involved in amateur dramatics just like me so we might both audition for the same production. I’d like to do that again. I wonder if he can cook.”

  “He did tell me he likes going to restaurants, so I’m sure you’ll have some lovely outings.”

  “I might have to buy myself a few new dresses. I haven’t been clothes shopping for a long time. Would you come with me?”

  “I’d love to.”

  “Good. What a shame your parents couldn’t come and see you dance. Still it will be nice for you to show them where you live when they come tomorrow. You can take them to the office. They won’t exactly see it in action on a Sunday, but you’ve got your key so you can let them see how nice it is. I’ll have a good tea ready for when you get back.”

  “That’s very generous of you. I’m sure they’ll be pleased when they meet you. It will put Mum’s mind at rest when she knows I’m in safe hands. And it will give me the chance to ask Dad a few things about the garden.”

  Olive pushed herself to her feet. “I think I’ll go to bed. We’ve got another busy day tomorrow. I just hope that if you do go to the office there aren’t any awful incidents like when you showed Betty round.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  When she awoke, Kay reached out for her teddy bear and hugged him. Yesterday had been wonderful. Wanting to take another look at the cup on the mantelpiece, she pulled on a light robe and went downstairs. There was no sign of Olive in the kitchen or the sitting room.

  Kay picked up the trophy and waltzed around the room, reliving the previous evening. Looking out of the back window, she was amazed to see Olive and Len in the garden. About to join them, she looked down at her night clothes and hurried upstairs to wash and dress. Drawing back her bedroom curtains, she saw they were still in deep conversation and wondered if she should disturb them. But she was feeling curious.

  “Len, I’m surprised you’re up and about this early,” Kay said, walking up the grass towards him.

  “Olive invited me to lunch,” he smiled.

  “Is it that time already?” gasped Kay. “I slept late. I’m sorry, Olive.”

  “No need to apologise to me, dear, this is your home now and you can do as you wish.”

  “In that case, I’ll make a cup of tea,” grinned Kay. “Anyone else like one?”

  They shook their heads. “Len’s been looking at the vegetable patch you’re digging,” said Olive. “He thinks your plans are good.”

  Kay enjoyed the praise and spent a few minutes outlining the other ideas she’d had for the garden.

  “Sounds ambitious to me,” said Len. “But you’re young and strong and you appear to enjoy a challenge.”

  “I’ll go and make that tea. Is there anything I can do to help before I go and meet Mum and Dad?”

  “I think everything’s under co
ntrol and Len tells me he’s good in the kitchen.”

  Kay thought they looked as though they’d known each other a long time. They appeared to be so comfortable together.

  * * *

  The afternoon with her parents was fun and they arrived back at Olive’s shortly before tea time. They were soon made to feel at home and it wasn’t long before Kay’s mum was helping Olive in the kitchen and Len and her dad were out in the garden chatting about the war, rationing and the garden. Kay sat on the bench and let it all drift over her.

  “Penny for them.”

  Kay opened her eyes to see Michael sitting down next to her. “Hello. Is something wrong?”

  “No, Olive asked me to tea. Didn’t she tell you?”

  “She kept that quiet.”

  “I suppose she just wants even numbers.” Michael grinned. “I’m looking forward to getting to know your parents a bit better. Looks as though Len and your dad are getting on.” He nodded towards the two men who were engrossed in a discussion of what should be planted where. “Olive and your mum were discussing you and George when I walked in.”

  “Were they? I can’t think why.”

  “I shouldn’t have told you, should I?”

  “It’s all right. What were they saying?”

  “Your mum was saying you thought he was the love of your life. Did you?”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “Hey, you two, come and give us your opinion on this. Harry thinks some fruit bushes should be planted here and I think they’d be better in this position,” Len called out to them.

  Kay and Michael looked at each other and laughed. Kay shrugged her shoulders. “I haven’t a clue.”

  “Me neither.”

  “Useless pair,” Len said. He clapped Harry on the back. “Let’s go and see if this tea’s ready. If it’s as good as lunch we’re in for a treat.”

  Kay tried to join in the chatter round the table, but felt slightly unhappy that Michael had overheard the conversation about George. She hadn’t had a chance to explain that she’d only thought he was the love of her life. She wondered if Michael would think that she’d never find anybody who would measure up to George. If only she had the courage to tell Michael how she felt about him. But she didn’t want to appear forward and couldn’t bear the thought of being rebuffed and then having to look for another job. No, she’d keep quiet and let him think what he liked about her and her feelings for George. At least they would remain friends that way.