by Peter Martin
Billy gave Ian the information he required.
‘I’ll be paying cash for the flat, I can’t see what the hold-up is.’
Ian found the file and stood reading it for a few minutes.
‘Well, everything seems to be in order. The matter is now in the hands of the vendor’s solicitor and your solicitor. Have you spoken to your own solicitor?’
‘No, I haven’t.’
‘I’ll ring the vendor’s solicitor for you and you could do the same for yours. But you know what solicitors are like – everything is done at a snail’s pace. I’d estimate it will be at least four weeks before you can move in.’
‘I can’t wait that long. I need to be out as soon as possible because of a problem with the guest house I’m staying at.’
‘I see. Tell me, would you consider a bedsit as a stop-gap? One came in only a week ago. Obviously, it’s only one bedroom but it may be just what you need.’ He took a large ring binder from a shelf. ‘I’ve got a rough draft of the details here. We don’t print them properly until everything’s been checked. But you’re welcome to have a look. And it’s got to be cheaper than your guest house.’
As Billy read the draft details, the ever-pushy agent suggested, ‘Tell you what: I can run you over there when Joyce, our receptionist, comes in shortly. What do you think?’
‘I can’t afford to be choosey, so yes, I’d like to have a look.’
Billy watched as the agent breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe he’d be lucky for once in his life.
<><><>
By early evening, lying on his bed waiting for the main meal, he reflected on the day’s events. The bedsit was better than he’d imagined, a bit rundown but that was to be expected. The agent hinted the owner may be willing to rent out the room at a discount so long as he didn’t disclose that it would only be for a few weeks. Although keen, Billy wanted to think about it overnight.
He looked at his watch – ten to six – and he crept down to the hallway, keeping an eye open for Ruth. The sitting room door opened.
‘Psst … Come here a minute.’
‘Where have you been? I’ve been up to your room twice to see how you’d got on,’ whispered Ruth.
‘Got a lot to tell you, but we haven’t time now, and anyway’ – he nodded towards the kitchen – ‘walls have ears, as they say.’ He laughed at his own joke.
‘Oh, okay. I’ll see you later.’
‘Ruth,’ came her mother’s voice. ‘I haven’t heard the gong. What you up to?’
Edith was standing hands on hips in the kitchen doorway. ‘Coming, Mum. Billy was in the hall.’
‘Everything’s ready. It’ll soon be cold at this rate.’ Edith pursed her lips, then added, ‘So less of the whispering.’
Billy didn’t take any notice. With luck he’d be gone within a few days.
<><><>
The next morning, they were back to normal and on speaking terms. When he’d finished his breakfast, Ruth came to sit with him, giving him a warm smile.
‘Doing anything today?’ she said.
‘Haven’t decided yet.’
‘You’ve been here a few weeks, but you’ve probably not seen the best of what the area has to offer. Why don’t I give you a tour?’ Ruth suggested.
‘Ruth, stop pestering the poor man, will you?’ Edith said over her shoulder. ‘He may have his own plans, dear. You wouldn’t want him to go with you out of politeness.’
Ruth pulled a face.
‘Mm, in my day the man did all the running.
Ignoring Edith’s quip, Billy answered, ‘I’d like to get out, and seeing as I don’t know the ins and outs of this area, it’s the perfect answer.’
‘All right, I don’t suppose it’ll hurt,’ Edith said sulkily, causing Billy to raise an eyebrow. ‘But make sure you don’t neglect your work, Ruth. I’m not getting any younger, and I don’t want you gallivanting off somewhere leaving me in the lurch.’
‘Mum … we’ll be back in plenty of time, I promise.’
‘I’m sure you will.’ Edith left the room.
‘Don’t take too much notice of her,’ Ruth whispered.
Billy laughed, and said bluntly, ‘I’m not.’
They spent an hour in the swimming baths, followed by a snack in the café, then took a walk up the cliffs via a coastal path and over the rugged unspoilt countryside. He felt so relaxed and content in her company. They ended up sitting on a bench, encompassed on three sides by bushes affording shelter from the wind, and directly in front was a stunning view of the coastline and sea beyond.
‘Isn’t it amazing how you came into my life, Billy, as if it was meant to be?’ Ruth stated as he put his arm around her.
‘Yes, and you’re just what I need right now.’
‘I never seem to meet the right person. And I’m always so busy with the guest house. And Mum doesn’t exactly fall over herself to make any fella I meet welcome.’
‘Well, in some macabre way, I suppose that’s understandable.’ He shrugged his shoulders before adding, ‘You know, to let go … you being the only family she’s got.’
Ruth nodded in agreement. ‘Yes, but one day she’ll have to accept I want to live my own life. I don’t want to be tied to her for ever.’
‘There are times when she appears to like me.’
‘Yes, but that’s for appearances, and the rent.’
‘Well, I won’t be here for long. In a week’s time I’ll be moving into that bedsit, and a few weeks after that, I’ll be in my flat. So, until then, I’ll be on my best behaviour.’
‘I can just see her little eyes lighting up when she finds out. Then she’ll have me to herself again, or so she thinks.’
‘Hope you’ll pop over as much as you can.’
‘Of course. I’ll be sad to see you go but at least in your bedsit we won’t have Mum breathing down our necks.’
He smiled and they kissed.
Eventually, having spent three hours together, they hurried back to the house. Although they weren’t late, there was an uneasiness about Ruth. Nothing was said in Billy’s presence, however, the expression on Edith’s face spoke volumes.
Dinner that evening appeared normal. As Billy sipped his after-meal cup of tea, he caught Edith staring at him. Ruth had left the table to clear up the dirty dishes.
‘How’s the job hunting going, Billy?’ Edith put to him out of the blue.
‘I got that job at the supermarket. I’ll be starting in a couple of weeks.’
‘Oh, really, that’s good news. I imagine you can’t wait to get started.’
‘Yes, it’ll be good to be earning some money again.’
Then she said, ‘I can’t imagine you’ll want to stay here forever – it’ll cost you a small fortune. Stay as long as you want obviously, but it can’t be practical.’
‘As a matter of fact I’ve found a flat and should be moving in in a month or so. In the meantime, I’ll be going into a bedsit next week. The rent is a lot less than here.’
‘Yes, that’s to be expected considering the accommodation will be inferior. It’s a shame you’re leaving. Me and Ruth will miss you. We’ve loved having you here, but obviously all good things have to come to an end.’
‘Yes, very true.’
‘I’m glad in one way because I fear Ruth has taken a liking to you. Now you’re leaving, she’ll be able to get on with her life without getting hurt. I thank you for that. She has commitments to this guest house, and me, especially if she has any aspirations of taking over this place when I retire.’
Flashes of their antics in the barn went through his head. ‘I don’t know about her liking me. I thought she’d just taken pity on me because I’m alone in a strange town. She was just being friendly.’
‘I wouldn’t want you taking advantage.’ Edith raised her hand to prevent him from commenting, and then continued, ‘She is a sensitive young woman and she went through a lot when her dad left.’
‘Don’t worry, Edith, I would never do
anything to encourage her, I can assure you.’
‘That’s good to know. I think she’d find it difficult to handle any emotional upset.’
‘I’ll try to keep her at arm’s length, Edith, I promise.’
He watched as she physically sighed with sheer relief. ‘Would you, Mr Price? I’d be so grateful.’
He left the table and went back to his room. Lying on his bed, his hands behind his head, he mulled over the situation. The bedsit was his best option right now, then they would be able to see each other without hindrance. He could see a new life for himself on the horizon. Surely nothing could go wrong this time.
He spent the rest of the night watching television, but skipped breakfast, slipping out midmorning. At dinner, however, Ruth served the evening meal, but with Edith purposely bobbing about, they were unable to speak to each other.
<><><>
For the next couple of days Billy didn’t see much of Ruth. Edith had obviously kept her busy and he went out, feeling fed up of staring at four walls. Evenings were spent out as well and he would be glad when next Monday came around and he could move out. On the Wednesday, Ruth managed to slip him a little note, discreetly dropping it into his lap. Nervously Billy pocketed it to read later back in his room. The note read: Meet me in the Rose and Crown at nine o’clock tonight.
Billy spotted her trim figure as he drove into the pub car park. Heavily made up, hair pinned back and wearing tight jeans and a silk blouse, she looked stunning. Seeing her close up took his breath away. How would he keep his hands off her?
‘Billy!’ she exclaimed, her eyes bright.
‘Wow, Ruth, you look great. And your hair really suits you.’
‘I did it myself after tea. I’m supposed to be out with a friend tonight.’ She smiled. ‘Let’s go around the back, we can sit out in the conservatory, it’s cold out here – fetch me a drink, will you?’
In the warmth of the conservatory, drinks on the table in front of them, Billy took her hand. ‘So, how are we going to handle things?’ he asked her, taking a sip of his beer.
‘What do you mean?’
He hesitated, wanting her to comment further. Eventually, however, after a notable silence, he said, ‘Look your mother is making it difficult. But surely you guessed that.’
‘I did. We have a few more guests too and she’s keeping me on my feet. I don’t know why she’s trying to stop me talking to you, I mean, you’re leaving very soon anyway.’
‘She’s under the misconception that if she keeps us apart you won’t be hurt when I leave.’
‘Little does she know.’
‘But the more she tries to split us up, the more it’ll bring us together.’
‘Yes, that’s true.’
‘I’d love you to come over to see me. It’s not a bad room, double bed, telly, wardrobes, quite spacious actually.’
‘I will. If I can get away.’
‘She can’t make you work all the time. You have to have a break sometime.’
‘Yes, usually after seven, once dinner’s finished. That’s when I’ll come.’
‘Good, I’ll look forward to that. When I move into my flat it will be even better. As long as you do your job, she can’t say anything. And what you do in your own time is none of her business. I wonder why she can’t hire someone to help out? Or maybe get another man, she’s not that old.’
‘She’s been off men ever since Dad left.’
‘Well, that’s her problem. What she does with the rest of her life is her choice.’ When Ruth didn’t comment, he added sternly. ‘But she’s openly interfering in your life … and mine too, come to think of it.’
‘I know, and I can’t let her win this time … but she’s my mother and she’s on her own. I find it hard to go against her, once she starts.’
‘Look, Ruth, don’t throw your life away on account of her. I’ve had enough moving around to last a lifetime. I like living in this area and things are coming together for me. The flat purchase completes in three or four weeks and next week I’ll be starting work at the supermarket.’
But Ruth didn’t answer directly, then grabbing his hand and squeezing it tightly, she said, ‘You do understand the hold she has over me and how it plays on my conscience.’
‘Mm, but there is a way out for you now – with me.’
Ruth continued, ‘I need you to help me, be by my side when I leave.’
‘Of course, I’ll be your side and support you any way I can.’
Looking deep into his eyes, she said, ‘I don’t know what I’d do without you.’
‘You’d find someone else.’
She shook her head. ‘I don’t think so, Billy.’
After a couple more drinks, they left the pub but Ruth wouldn’t let them return together.
He stopped the car a few streets away from the guest house. ‘Better go in separately, I suppose. I hate this cloak and dagger stuff but if it keeps the peace.’
‘I’m sorry about this, Billy. I hate all this bad feeling with Mum. I can’t see any reason for her not to like you.’
‘Not to worry. Actually, she’s been okay with me. It’s the old story of nobody’s good enough for my daughter,’
‘Maybe. But I’m old enough to make my own choices.’ Ruth looked at her watch. ‘Better be off then.’
‘Yeah, and then I’ll drive around for half an hour or so. That way she won’t know we’ve been out together. Think she’s gone to bed yet?’
‘No, she’ll wait until I’m safely tucked in bed.’
‘Why don’t you come to my room afterwards. We can watch TV together.’
‘That’ll be nice. Best make sure Mum’s asleep first.’
‘Of course. See you later then.’
They kissed and she got out. He waved, looking forward to having her company later on.
Later, lying in bed unable to sleep, he pondered what difficulties other couples faced in relationships. He’d certainly had problems of one sort or another every time he got close to anyone. On the brighter side, however, very soon he’d be out of here and moving to a bedsit without complications. A job awaited him, too, and in three weeks a place of his own. He smiled to himself; what had been advertised as ‘A Career in Retailing’ boiled down to meaning an all-encompassing role of ‘jack of all trades’ – starting with stacking shelves but at least there’d be a pay packet at the end of each month.
The television was on, but at a low volume, as he sat on the bed wondering if Ruth was coming or not. At some point he must have dropped off but was roused by the squeak of the door hinge. Clad only in his boxers and tee-shirt, he went to her. She wore a shaggy dressing gown, shivering as he hugged her close.
‘I didn’t think you’d come,’ he said.
‘Well, I’m here now. Cold isn’t it?’
‘I’ll soon make you warm,’ he smiled.
They snuggled up together and kissed.
Lost in a world of their own, and having no account of time, they were brought back to stark reality when the light was switched on.
‘What the hell’s all this?’ Edith shouted.
‘Oh my God!’ Ruth gasped moving away from Billy.
‘It’s none of your bloody business,’ Billy answered.
‘How dare you?’ Edith said. ‘Out, out. Get out of my house and never come back. I don’t want to see your face again. You philanderer!’
‘Hey, hey, hang on a minute.’ He got off the bed. ‘This is my room. I’ve paid rent for it, so I’m entitled to have who I like in here and you can’t stop me.’
‘You seem to forget this is my house. I decide what happens between its four walls.’ She pulled the sleeve of his tee-shirt. ‘Leave, or I’ll call the police, and have you evicted forcibly … for inappropriate behaviour.’
‘Now you look here. Nothing that has happened here could be called inappropriate.’ He pointed to the bed. ‘Your daughter came up here of her own free will.’ He wrenched his arm free and, in his anger, pushed Edith away fr
om him. She staggered backwards, fell to the floor and hit her head. Ruth rushed to her mum’s aid and helped her to her feet.
‘Mum, are you all right?’
Edith hands were shaking. She touched the back of her head and cringed in pain.
‘Billy, what on earth do you think you’re doing? Pushing Mum like that?’ Her eyes looked like they were burning.
‘You saw what happened. She started it. Pulling me by the arm. No wonder I reacted.’ He shook his head. ‘I don’t believe this. You know very well what she’s capable of, you’ve said so yourself. Why don’t you stand up for yourself, for once in your life?’ But his words fell on deaf ears.
‘Mum, speak to me.’
‘My head hurts. I need to sit down … Please make him go, or call the police.’
‘Billy, you heard her. Leave now. How could you do that to a poor defenceless woman? You’re not the man I thought you were.’ Totally thrown by her words, his head spinning, strange feelings of yore returned.
‘Have you gone totally off your rocker? It was an accident. I thought –’ But he didn’t get to finish his sentence.
Ruth angrily cut in. ‘You thought wrong. Have you no consideration for anyone but yourself?’
He didn’t answer, just looked around in a daze, picked up his shoes from under the bed, but instead of gathering the rest of his things together, he tossed one of the shoes at the lamp on the bedside table, causing it to spark and crash to the floor, then the other he aimed at the washbasin in the corner of the room.
‘I should have known this would happen. When it comes to it, you women, you’re all the same.’
‘It seems that you’re showing your true colours too!’ Ruth snapped. ‘How many times do we have to tell you, get your things and go?’
‘You fool. You’ll never be rid of her,’ he said, pointing at Edith. ‘You do know that?’
‘I don’t care. Leave … or I will call the police.’
‘Bollocks!’ Billy shouted.
‘You’ve had a narrow escape, Ruth. He’s violent and foulmouthed.’ Edith looked like she was about to faint. Ruth helped her to a chair by the bed.
‘You don’t care whose life you ruin just as long as you’re all right,’ Billy said, seething. Then picking up what was left of the lamp, he snatched the cord from the wall, and walked towards the two cowering women. He saw his whole future disappearing once more.