Law of Attraction

by Patricia Keyson

  “This looks good enough to eat,” grinned Michael, towelling his still damp hair and sitting down at the table.

  The scrambled eggs on toast were soon devoured and they helped themselves to fresh fruit from the bowl on the sideboard.

  Michael looked at his watch. “Would you like to see the garden while you’re here? I’ll warn you that it’s functional rather than ornate. I like to relax there in the good weather and not have much gardening to do.”

  “As long as we’re not late back at the office,” worried Kay.

  “We’ve plenty of time. I’m the boss, after all.” His face fell as he added, “For the time being at least.”

  “Show me the garden, please,” instructed Kay, hoping to take his mind off work. She wished she hadn’t referred to it as Michael appeared to have unwound a lot since his bath and lunch. Kay decided she’d probably kill Charlie Spencer if she set eyes on him again because of all the anguish he’d put Michael through.

  “These smell beautiful,” said Kay inhaling the aroma of a beautifully mature rose and caressing its velvety petals.

  “So do you,” replied Michael putting an arm around her shoulders and pulling her to him.

  About to plant a kiss on his cheek, Kay recalled he’d forgotten her birthday. Although she was happy to spend time with him on her special day, it would have been nice if he’d sent her a card or wished her many happy returns. Then she allowed that he had bought her shoes, lucky shoes. It was impossible to stay mad at him and she decided a kiss would be nice no matter what.

  They sat together on the grass and listened to the bees buzzing in and out of the flowers and the birds singing. It was so peaceful and Kay wanted to stay there for ever. All too soon, Michael held out his hand and pulled her to her feet.

  “Time to go, I’m afraid. I feel as if I’ve played truant for long enough. Back to the grindstone.”

  * * *

  “Isn’t that Olive?” cried Kay as Michael drove slowly along the High Street to the office.

  “I don’t think so,” he replied. “When we get back inside, remind me to ask Vanessa about a tennis booking, will you?” He placed a hand on her arm and pressed it, almost forcing her, it seemed, to turn and look at him. She had been certain it was Olive she saw.

  Kay preceded Michael into the office and gasped. The reception area was festooned with brightly coloured balloons and there was a hand-made banner proclaiming: Happy Birthday Kay. Tears of happiness pricked her eyes. How could she think she’d been forgotten? As her friends sang Happy Birthday to her, she caught sight of Michael grinning and yes, there was Olive. So it had been her.

  “Thank you all very much.” It was all Kay trusted herself to say without making a fool of herself and breaking down completely.

  “Here you are, dear. I’ve brought the cards from the first and second post,” said Olive, handing over a stack of envelopes.

  Sifting through them, Kay saw her parents and friends hadn’t forgotten her after all.

  “That’s not all,” said Vanessa. “Look. With Olive’s help and the baker down the road, we’ve got a feast of cakes. I’ll make tea while you open your cards and then we can indulge ourselves.”

  “Didn’t you want to ask Vanessa something about tennis?” enquired Kay of Michael.

  “That was a ruse, I’m afraid, so you wouldn’t look too closely and find out you were right about Olive coming into the office.”

  In the middle of the reception desk was an iced cake with Kay’s name on it and twenty-one candles. Michael struck a match and lit them. “See if you can blow them out in one go.”

  It took three attempts before Kay managed to extinguish them all and everyone clapped when she’d accomplished it.

  Vanessa and Olive cleared up the office while Kay followed Michael to his room.

  “There are a few letters I must dictate, but there’s no need to type them up today.”

  With the work out of the way, Michael loosened his tie and walked around his desk to where Kay was sitting. “It’s been a different day today. I hope you didn’t think we’d forgotten your birthday. We wanted to make it a surprise for you.” At that moment the phone on Michael’s desk rang. He answered it and held out the receiver to Kay. “It’s for you.”

  “Kay Watson speaking. Oh Mum, what a surprise to hear from you. Thank you for my pretty card. I’ve had a lovely birthday tea at the office. Michael and Olive arranged it all. It was a surprise party.” She chatted some more and then replaced the handset. “I expect you arranged that as well, did you?”

  Michael nodded. “And I’d like to suggest one more thing to add to your memorable day. Would you come out with me this evening, please?”

  “As long as it’s not to eat, I’d love to,” giggled Kay.

  * * *

  It was a treat for Kay to be in the Odeon in Blayton. She sat close to Michael and they laughed their way through ‘Carry On Sergeant’, enjoying the performances of Kenneth Williams and Charles Hawtrey. Kay liked watching Shirley Eaton and took notice of the way she did her hair. If hers hadn’t been so wavy, she’d have liked to try and style it like that.

  Although she’d had hopes of wearing her new dress on a date tonight with Michael, she decided to wear one of her other ones; her polka one could wait for when they weren’t shrouded in darkness.

  “Olive and Len would enjoy this,” she whispered to Michael.

  “Let’s forget about them,” said Michael, taking her hand and holding it tightly.

  It was good to hear Michael hooting with laughter and even better to feel her hand in his. He did at times seem to be able to leave the office and work worries behind.

  When the lights went up Kay felt a tap on her shoulder. “Good to see you.” When she saw it was George her heart sank. “Happy Birthday! I never forgot, did I? Over the years you had some lovely cards and gifts from me, didn’t you? And you’re twenty-one today. You’ve got the key of the door, never been twenty-one before,” he sang. “Hope you don’t mind if I have a word with Kay,” he said glaring at Michael who immediately stood up.

  “I’ll see you in the foyer when you’re ready.” Michael strode off without even waiting for the National Anthem to finish.

  Kay had had such a lovely time since the party in the office she didn’t want it to be spoiled by George butting in on their evening. “What do you want?” she asked.

  “I wondered if you’d go out for a meal with me later in the week. I’ll take you to that posh place that’s just opened. I need to talk to you about our future, dancing and all the rest of it. I thought we could discuss practising for some competitions.”

  “Really?”

  “I knew you’d be pleased. When I saw you here on your twenty-first birthday, it felt as though fate had a hand in us getting together again. I know I broke your heart and I’m sorry. I want to make it up to you. I always loved you, you know. Please forgive me.”

  At one time Kay’s heart would have melted at his plea, but now it was as hard as ice. “You’ve got things all wrong, George. I’ve got a wonderful new dancing partner and a lovely new boyfriend. I’m having the time of my life and I don’t need you in it. Remember how you deserted me for your new girlfriend? Well, I’m sorry if it didn’t work out for you, but I’m sure you’ll meet your soul mate one day. Now, if you’ll excuse me I want to join my boyfriend.” Kay’s heart was racing as she joined Michael in the foyer.

  “Are you all right?”

  “I’m absolutely fine and I’d very much like to go to the coffee bar to dance. What do you say?”

  “Yes. It’s your special day and we’ll do whatever you want.”

  Kay linked her arm through his and as they walked out of the building she spotted George flirting with a group of girls. It hadn’t taken him long to get over her rebuttal. She didn’t know what she’d ever seen in him.

  * * *

  Olive wasn’t up when she got in as it was nearly midnight so she quickly got ready for bed. Sleep wouldn’t come. Afte
r the initial disappointing start she’d had the most wonderful day and Michael had surprised her with another small gift at the coffee bar. She had been embarrassed mainly because she now knew about his money troubles. He’d handed her a small box tied with ribbon and inside was a delicate silver chain with a silver rose with K and M entwined. He’d taken it and gently put it round her neck before doing up the clasp. She touched it now as she hadn’t wanted to take it off. She’d chosen the shoes herself, but Michael had chosen the necklace making it an exceptional gift. She would treasure it for the rest of her life however her relationship with Michael went. Lying in the dark Kay knew that if things didn’t work out for them then her heart really would break.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Olive stopped singing when Kay walked into the kitchen. “Good day then yesterday, dear?” she asked as she poached eggs for their breakfast.

  “Wonderful. I’ve got so much to tell you. Let’s have an evening in together and a good chat. I’ll cook.”

  “That would be lovely, but I don’t know if I can wait to tell you my bit of news.” Olive put the plates on the table and sat down.

  “Go on, then, tell me.”

  “I’m afraid you’ll be shocked. It’s quite out of character. I’m a great planner, but sometimes you have to grab what’s offered with both hands. We’re not getting any younger. I mean Len and me.”

  “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Len came round yesterday evening.”

  “That’s all right. You don’t need a chaperone!”

  “We had a meal, listened to the radio and then we talked. I noticed he was a bit edgy and eventually he asked me something rather exciting.”

  “I’ll guess. You’re going on holiday.”

  Olive giggled. “Yes, we will be having a holiday together. We’ll definitely do that, but I’m not having a honeymoon without first getting married.”

  “You’re getting married!” Kay was shocked. “But you hardly know each other.”

  “We feel as though we’ve known each other all our lives. I know people will react badly and possibly think I’m silly to accept so soon, but it feels completely right. We love each other. It’s that simple.”

  “That’s a big surprise, but it’s wonderful news, Olive. If you’re both sure then I wish you every joy. Len’s a lovely man and I think you’ll be happy together. When’s the big day?”

  “We thought a September wedding would be nice and we don’t want to wait long. It won’t be a big do, but I want it to be perfect. I’ll need your help with choosing the dress, deciding on food, with everything really.”

  “I’ll be delighted. We can start planning this evening. We could just have a salad so we have more time to sort things. How exciting, I can’t believe it.”

  “Neither can I. I didn’t think I’d ever have this much happiness after I lost my boyfriend in the war. It’s you, you know. You’ve brought sunshine into my life.”

  Kay skipped to work. She couldn’t wait to tell Michael the news. In fact she told everyone in the office and some of the clients. She just couldn’t keep it to herself.

  * * *

  “What on earth have you got in there?” asked Kay’s mum taking the heavy case from her daughter at the front door.

  “I thought I’d bring some clothes home and swap them for a few dresses which are still in the wardrobe. It’s so warm now.” Kay hugged her mother and walked into the house. “Where’s Dad?”

  “Where do you think?” replied Mrs Watson depositing the case at the bottom of the stairs and going into the kitchen.

  Kay followed her and let herself out of the back door. As she headed towards the vegetable patch, she could see her father’s bent figure. He looked up and smiled letting go of the garden fork he was wielding. Wrapping her in his arms he said, “It’s good to see you. Thanks for coming home. Your mother is really pleased.”

  Together they picked a few peas and selected some salad vegetables before going into the house.

  “As you weren’t here for your birthday, Kay, we’ve saved your present for now.” Mrs Watson pointed to a large rectangular parcel in the middle of the sitting room. “Go on, open it.”

  Tearing eagerly at the wrapping paper, Kay couldn’t think what on earth would be inside. Whatever it was would be a surprise. Her birthday seemed to be going on for a very long time. Then, with shining eyes, she looked up at her parents as she knelt on the floor. “A gramophone!” she cried. “Why it’s just what I want and need. I’ll be able to practise my dancing at Olive’s now. Thank you, Mum, thank you, Dad.”

  “We wanted to get a couple of records to go with it,” said her father, “but we don’t know what you young people like these days. So, here, take this money and buy them yourself.”

  “It’s too much,” said Kay. “You spoil me.”

  “Talking of dancing,” said her mother, “there is another card here which we didn’t forward to you.” She shot a glance at her husband. “We think it’s George’s handwriting and we didn’t know if you’d want to receive it. We didn’t want to upset you. I know you said he meant nothing to you, but it’s not always good to drag up the past.”

  Taking the envelope, Kay slit it open and looked at the card with its flowery picture and message. It was from George and he’d signed it ‘with love’. Whatever was he thinking? She hoped that since their talk at the Odeon he would have got the message by now. He’d probably posted the card before they’d met. Sighing, she put it on the mantelpiece and returned her attention to the record player. Experimentally she turned the handle on the side of the machine and then inspected the needle attached to the arm.

  “There’s a little box with some spare needles in, see,” said her father, crouching beside her. “I wish we had a record we could try it out with.”

  “I thought I’d go into town this afternoon and call on Betty on the way. Is that all right? I don’t want to desert you, but it would be nice to see her and the old place.”

  “You’ll see that Harris and Son has closed down now. It looks a bit forlorn, the empty building. How are things in Blayton, Kay? Let’s have lunch and you can let us know all the news.”

  Not sure what to tell her parents about Michael, Kay just said that the business was growing and then she told them about Olive and Len.

  “I’m so pleased,” said her mother. “Olive’s a really nice person and I took to Len at once.”

  Her father looked serious. “Where does that leave you then, Kay?”

  Pausing, her fork halfway to her mouth, Kay said, “What do you mean? I don’t understand.”

  “After the wedding where will they live? If Len moves in to Olive’s house they won’t want a lodger I wouldn’t imagine. And if Olive moves in with Len I suppose her house will go up for sale.”

  The enjoyment of the meal was taken away and Kay toyed with her food, unable to fully appreciate the tinned fruit salad and evaporated milk which was a summertime favourite in the Watson household.

  With her suitcase in her old familiar bedroom, Kay unpacked it and hung up the clothes she’d brought home. She’d wait until tomorrow to choose what she wanted to take back. If she had the heavy gramophone to carry she wasn’t sure what else she could manage. Changing her blouse, she went back downstairs and left the house to tour the town she knew like the back of her hand.

  “Betty, I was hoping I’d see you. In fact I was going to call on you.” The two friends met as they were window shopping. “Thank you for my birthday card. The office gave me a surprise party and Mum phoned me at work to wish me a happy birthday.”

  They brought each other up to date with news and Kay was delighted that Betty was doing well in her new job.

  “I’m doing more than I was with Harris and Son, and now I’m in charge of the duplicator. Remember you showed me how to work it. I owe you such a lot, Kay.” Her face reddened. “And I’m dating a young man. He must be nice because even my mum likes him.”

  Kay beamed at
her friend. “We’ll have a cup of tea to celebrate after I’ve done a bit of shopping.”

  After having fun buying a record, Kay nipped into the sweet shop to get a quarter of humbugs for Olive. Then the pair went to a café for tea and a sticky bun. Her problems were forgotten, for the time being at least, and Kay found her appetite had returned.

  “That’s a pretty necklace,” nodded Betty through a full mouthful.

  “Yes,” Kay fingered it, not wanting to confess to Betty that Michael had given it to her. She didn’t want to have to answer awkward questions and she had no idea what the future held for them both.

  “How’s Mr Michael? Tell me about the others in the office. I sometimes see Susan at weekends when she comes back home, but we were never close, not like us.”

  Kay went on to tell Betty about the goings on in Blayton. She felt she should mention Charlie Spencer in case there was an item of news in the local paper.

  “But what about you and Mr Michael,” persisted Betty. “I’d have thought you’d be engaged by now.”

  Choking on the last dregs of her tea, Kay tried to pass the remark off as a light-hearted joke, but to her it was no laughing matter.

  * * *

  Her dad walked her to the bus stop carrying the gramophone. Kay had decided not to attempt to take the suitcase back with her. She’d have to collect some more clothes on another visit. “I’ve had a lovely time this weekend. And you’ve been really generous to give me such a wonderful present. Thanks for everything, Dad. Don’t worry about waiting with me for the bus, it’s bound to turn up. I know you’ve got some things you want to do in the garden.” She gave him a kiss and hug before he set off back home. Kay couldn’t wait to show Olive her present, but at the back of her mind was the worry about losing her room when Len and Olive married. She felt she’d never find another place where she felt so at home and she’d never find another landlady quite like Olive. Just when she was feeling settled and things were working out for her everything had to start going wrong. But she wouldn’t begrudge Olive and Len their happiness. They were two of the nicest people she had ever met.