“I’ve just had a thought. It’s Friday. Won’t you be going to your dancing class?”
“I don’t think Len will miss me this evening. He’s persuaded Olive to go with him. They’ll only have eyes for each other. It won’t matter if I miss one class. But why don’t we see if there’s a band playing at the Orchid Ballroom. We could go there.”
“Dinner first, then dancing. Perfect.” Michael waltzed round the room grinning. “Will you dance?”
Kay stood and soon they were moving together very slowly. There were no particular steps to this dance, but they moved as one.
“Sorry to barge in, Mike… Sorry, didn’t know you were otherwise engaged.” Vanessa stood at the door with a bundle of papers. “Post. Thought I’d bring in the second delivery.” She dumped it on the desk and made her escape.
The moment had passed. “I’d better go back to my desk. I expect I’ll get the third degree at tea break.”
“Do you mind?” Michael clung to her hand.
“It depends how much of an interrogation she gives me.” Kay pulled away and left the room. She made her way to her desk ignoring the other members of staff and diligently carried on with what she had to do.
“Here’s your tea, Kay.” Vanessa put her cup on the desk. “I thought I’d join you. Any news? Anything you want to tell me?”
“Oh, Vanessa, why not just ask me outright?”
“All right. What’s going on between you and Mike? You looked very close in there wrapped in each other’s arms. Are you dating?”
Kay thought for a moment. Were they? She giggled. All the signs indicated they were and Michael didn’t seem to be blowing hot and cold anymore. She’d been upset when he’d cancelled their last arrangement, but she must remember his priority was Harris and Partners. If he was becoming serious about her, was she prepared to always be second? “I think we might be,” she finally replied.
“I’m very pleased. You are so good together. He’s a lovely man. You’re very lucky. I have to confess I used to have a soft spot for him, but he wasn’t ever the slightest bit interested in me even when I threw myself at him. I made such a fool of myself.”
“I’m sure we all make fools of ourselves over men at least once in our lives. I certainly have. Now, shall we get on with our work?” Kay said with a smile.
* * *
Kay had worked slightly later than six so didn’t have long to get ready before Michael called for her. Olive and Len were just finishing off their pudding when Kay walked into the kitchen.
“Hello, dear. I hope you don’t mind, but Len’s been doing a bit of work in the garden. Only things you said you wanted to do. He’s not interfering.”
“It’s fine, Olive, I’m very happy to have some help. There’s a lot to do. Thank you, Len.”
“My pleasure and I’ve been rewarded with a magnificent meal. I’m not sure about dancing well tonight, Kay, not after eating all the food Olive’s just provided.”
“That’s all right because I’m not coming this evening, I’m going out with Michael. I didn’t think you’d mind me missing this once. You’re still going to the class, aren’t you Olive?”
Olive nodded vigorously, a wide grin on her face.
“I’ll be back again next week. We’re going to start work on the dances for that next competition, aren’t we?” Kay poured herself a cup of tea.
“We certainly are. We must get some other members of the class to enter as well. Some of them are very good and could be placed if they worked hard enough. I think between the two of us we could encourage them to practise more to get themselves up to standard.”
As Kay went upstairs to get ready she thought how lucky she was. She had really come up trumps when she’d found Olive to lodge with and now with dancing, the garden and her ever deeper involvement at work she had plenty to enjoy. And then there was Michael. A deep thrill ran through her as she pictured him sitting at his desk concentrating, his hair flopping forward over his piercing blue eyes.
She didn’t have time to daydream, but in spite of that she lay on the bed and went back over their outings together, the times he’d taken her in his arms and the times they’d kissed. She wanted to relive every one of those tender moments. She knew she was tormenting herself and just had to be patient and wait and see how things went between them. He hadn’t ever said he loved her, but then she hadn’t told him her feelings. Should she or would that spoil their relationship? No, she decided, getting up off the bed and starting to get ready, she would let things take their course. If their relationship didn’t develop any further then she would have to live with it just as she’d lived with George’s rejection. But for now she would make the most of the opportunity to spend time with Michael. And the most pressing problem at the moment was what she should wear.
* * *
“You look lovely, Kay,” declared Michael, taking her arm and leading her into the restaurant. "I hope you like it here. It’s only just opened up. In fact, I drew up the papers for the new owners.”
“I think you fit into the town very well,” said Kay. “The tables here are very nicely set out. Look at the napkins, they’re shaped like fans.” She looked around the room. “There are quite a few people here even though it’s early. I hope it turns out to be popular. When someone’s put a lot of effort into something it’s nice to see them rewarded.”
Michael smiled, taking a menu from the waiter. “Let’s see if their food warrants it. I’m starving.”
“You should have seen what Olive and Len were eating. Honestly, I don’t know where they put it all. I suppose Len dances it off and he’s doing a lot in the garden which I’m grateful for. I think I might have taken on a bit too much with that as well as all the other things I’m involved in.”
“At least we can put the worry of Charlie Spencer behind us now. That’s the reason for us being here this evening. To celebrate that.” Michael lifted his glass of wine and said, “I think we should dedicate this toast to Mr Twigge.”
Kay was disappointed. She had hoped for something more personal between them, but even now, with her sitting closely beside him, Michael was still thinking about work. “I think we should toast Olive and Len,” she protested. “They did far more than Mr Twigge in getting to the bottom of Charlie’s deception.” She felt irritation rising in her and didn’t pick up her glass.
Quickly, Michael replaced his drink on the table and covered Kay’s hand with his. “I’ve upset you. I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention. I can be so clumsy at times.”
“You always seem preoccupied with work,” Kay couldn’t help bursting out. “Even when you’re…” She’d been about to add ‘with me’, but had realised how forward that would have been.
Michael said nothing, and didn’t remove his hand. He looked at her quizzically. “When I’m what?”
Taking a mouthful of wine, Kay said, “Even when you’re supposed to be relaxing after a hard day at work.” She knew Michael by now; he wouldn’t change and who was she to try and make him? In fact, as she thought about all the happy times they’d spent together both at work and in their free time, she realised that she was lucky to have him as a friend. Changing the subject, she said, “By the way, I wanted to let you know that I’ve handed in an advertisement at the Labour Exchange.”
“Have you? Why? My goodness, you don’t mean you’re looking for another job, do you? Kay I can’t manage without you.” Michael looked horrified and gripped Kay’s hand tightly.
Mollified slightly by the fact that Michael appreciated her in a work situation at least, Kay said, “No, of course I’m not looking for another job. I was referring to the assignment you gave me to give single ladies a discount. Do you remember?”
He loosened his grip. “Oh, of course. Thank you, but why the Labour Exchange?”
“Because that’s where people go to get jobs and there will be a lot of single ladies passing through. I know someone who works there and she said they’d display the notice. She also said it wa
s a very welcome idea and she might make an appointment herself to see you next week. I think a lot of women have problems knowing where to turn to for help and guidance when it comes to the legal aspects of renting property, employment and so on.”
“I’ll be very happy to help if I can. And if I can’t perhaps I can give a bit of advice as to where they can get the assistance they need. I’ve been so lucky in my career, Kay, that I feel I must do something in return.”
The food in the restaurant was delicious and Michael sent their compliments to the chef before they left to go to the Orchid Ballroom.
“I’m not sure if I should be dancing with you,” said Michael as they found chairs at a vacant table in the ballroom. “You being a first prize winning dancer.”
Kay laughed. “You’re coming along quite nicely,” she allowed.
“Only ‘quite nicely’? That doesn’t sound very promising,” he frowned. “I’ll have to put more effort in, I can see.”
The evening went well and Kay relaxed as usual when she moved to the music. Michael was doing his best, she could tell. He wasn’t as instinctive a dancer as Len, but he was competent and she felt good in his arms.
During a break in the music, Kay waved to a few people she’d got to know about the town. Briefly she wondered how the dancing class was progressing. She felt sure Olive would be enjoying herself and looked forward to hearing about it when she arrived home.
“You know a lot of people, Kay.”
She shrugged. “I go up and down the High Street quite a lot. You know, to and from work and to the Post Office and, of course, shopping. I see people.”
“Perhaps if I didn’t use the car as much I’d mingle more with the locals.”
“Olive and I are going shopping tomorrow. Now she’s seeing Len she wants some new clothes. It’s lovely for her to have a new companion and new interests.”
“It must be lovely for her to have you as a friend,” Michael said thoughtfully.
Chapter Fifteen
“I’ve never seen such an array of clothes,” exclaimed Olive moving the garments along the rail in the department store on the High Street.
“When did you last come in here?” asked Kay.
“I can’t remember,” said Olive. “My clothes don’t seem to wear out now I’m a bit older. When you’re young it’s nice to have different dresses and coats, but I’ve never had occasions to wear elegant things to.”
“And now you have. Where’s Len taking you next week?”
“All he said was that we were going out to eat. I’d better buy something loose in that case,” laughed Olive. She tugged at a pretty yellow dress and held it up against her.
Kay shook her head. “You’ll look like a daffodil in that. Something a bit more subtle I think. How about this one?” She held up an aquamarine jacket with a peplum. “This is a bit like the one the Queen wore in Australia. We saw it on a newsreel on the television, do you remember?”
“But she’s a lot younger than I am,” said Olive doubtfully, looking at the pretty garment. “I think it’s going to be a bit too constraining.”
Kay replaced it and pulled out a flowery print dress with a dropped waist and a boat neck.
“I like that,” said Olive immediately. “Is that my size? Let’s see what it looks like on.”
“You look lovely,” sighed Kay as Olive stood in front of the fitting room mirror.
“Yes, madam, I agree with your daughter,” said the shop assistant. “It really suits you.”
Kay and Olive smiled at each other, but didn’t own up to the fact that they were not mother and daughter. Olive continued with her shopping and added a skirt and blouse plus a light cardigan to her pile on the counter.
“Are you buying anything, Kay?” asked Olive, fingering a pretty chiffon scarf.
“I like the jacket. It’s a pretty colour, but I’m not sure about it.” Her hand stopped along the rail and she extracted an attractive dress which was white with red polka dots. It had a V neck, fitted bodice and full skirt. When she tried it on, it was as if it was made for her. She felt wonderful in it and she hoped she’d have an occasion to wear it very soon. Olive asked the assistant if they could leave their purchases behind the counter while she and Kay went to the cafeteria for a cup of tea. Once there they sank into chairs and gave the waitress an order for tea and scones.
“I’m so pleased you and Len are friends,” said Kay before taking an enormous bite of buttered scone.
“I feel I’ve known him all my life,” sighed Olive. “I’m just so comfortable with him.” She poured the tea into their cups. “And you and Michael?” she asked.
“Oh, you know, just the same. I’m still not sure where I am with him. I’m pleased that business with Charlie is out of the way and he can concentrate on his work.” As she said it, she thought about whether it was true. Then she admitted, “To be truthful, I wish he’d concentrate on me rather than on his work.” She giggled to make a joke out of it, but she was serious about what she’d said.
* * *
As her birthday approached Kay waited to see if Michael or Olive would make any suggestions for a celebration. They both knew the date and Olive had even put it on her calendar as a reminder. It was a work day so she would visit her parents for a birthday tea the following weekend. She’d hung the polka dot dress on the door of her wardrobe so that she could admire it and thought it would be perfect for a birthday outing with Olive, Len and Michael. But time passed and there was no sign of an invitation. Michael was preoccupied at work and although they saw each every day their social life together had waned completely. She had wondered about suggesting something herself, but decided that if her friends didn’t want to celebrate her birthday then neither did she.
“’Morning, dear,” Olive said, as she placed a plate of tomatoes on toast in front of Kay.
“That looks good. What are you up to today?”
“Nothing much. Just the usual. You’d better get a move on. Look at the time.” Olive nodded towards the clock.
Having wolfed down her breakfast Kay headed for the office. If there were any cards for her they would arrive whilst she was at work. Michael was already in the office engrossed in a pile of paperwork.
“Hello, Kay. Could you fetch me the Davidson file, please,” he asked without looking up. When she returned he looked up to take the file and Kay thought he must have been up all night. There were dark circles under his eyes and he was unshaven. It was unlike him to be anything other than perfectly groomed and Kay was immediately alarmed.
“What’s wrong?” she blurted out.
“Nothing to concern you.”
Kay felt hurt. “Michael, we’re friends aren’t we? If something’s bothering you, don’t you think you should share it with me? I might be able to help.”
“It’s not very likely even you can help with this problem. But sit down, I suppose it’s time I told you what’s been going on. You’re right, it will be a relief to tell you. I’ve been worried, and I’m sorry if I’ve been neglecting you. Just before I left work yesterday evening the bank rang and confirmed my suspicions. I just haven’t felt like going out or doing anything with this on my mind.”
“What is it? What’s happened?”
“Charlie…”
“I thought he’d confessed and that was the end of all your difficulties with him.”
“No, it seems that the Charlies of this world never give up. As you know we decided not to press charges as Mr Twigge said he’d deal with Charlie and Alastair, but it turns out Charlie’s got a friend who works at the local bank, our bank. There have been dubious goings on and the bank manager has only just discovered discrepancies in the paperwork. One consolation is that we are not the only local business to have been involved, so it’s likely that Charlie and Alastair will get their just deserts.”
“But how come nobody noticed sooner? Surely there must have been constant checking of the accounts?”
“It’s happened over quite a sm
all time scale and they used the opportunity of a change in bank manager to commit their crime. If you remember the old manager retired and the new one has only just been appointed. Charlie’s clever.”
“So what happens now?”
“I’m not sure, Kay. I’m afraid it’s not going to be easy. With the expansion the future looked promising, but now I just don’t know.”
Kay had never seen him so dejected. She longed to take him in her arms and comfort him. Why couldn’t she? She moved round the desk, stood behind him and massaged his shoulders. “It’s not the end of everything. I’m sure we can all pull together, even take pay cuts if necessary. Your staff are very loyal and will support you in whatever way they can.”
“I knew they would, but this is such a blow. After all our hard work setting up the office here in Blayton. I’m not even sure how it will affect me personally. Maybe I’ll have to sell my car and house. I have an appointment with my accountant tomorrow.”
“It doesn’t matter, does it? It’s the people in our lives who are important not things.”
Michael reached up and patted her hand. “You’re so sensible. I wish I’d told you sooner. I couldn’t talk about it. I thought we’d finished with Charlie and then this happens. I feel slightly better having told you. It’s as though a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”
“Do you know what I think you should do? Go home, have a nice relaxing bath, shave and put on some fresh clothes. We can manage very well without you this morning.”
“I think I will. Come with me, please. You can listen to the radio then we can have some lunch and come back here this afternoon. The break will do us both good.”
After Michael had explained to Vanessa they would be out of the office until after lunch she winked at him and said, “That’s a good idea.”
Michael’s home was modest and just how Kay imagined a bachelor’s home would be, comfortless, but with every modern convenience she could imagine. After Michael had made them both a cup of tea he took his upstairs leaving her with a pile of magazines which she thought looked rather dull. However, she flicked through them as she now had more of an awareness of advertisements and wanted to see how products were sold. Then she wandered into the kitchen so see what they might have for lunch and decided on eggs as there wasn’t much else in the pantry or fridge. By the time Michael appeared she’d laid the table and had sliced the bread and beaten the eggs ready to cook.
Law of Attraction Page 13