FATED

by Roberts, A. S

  I hoped it wasn’t a huge problem back home?

  I wasn’t to see Nathan for the next couple of days. I also received no text from Alex. Both of which made my days feel quite sad and empty.

  On the up side Bella spent the first evening at home with me. We had an all round girls’ night and we drank too much Fireball, laughed too much, consumed far too much chocolate, not that I ever agreed there was such a thing as too much chocolate, and in between used every beauty product known to woman. Finally we sat in the lounge painting each other’s toe nails and trying not to laugh too much, in order not to crack the face masks we wore.

  Pink was blaring through the iPod speakers from which my phone was connected. Bella was singing along to all the words.

  ‘Oh yes,’ she said, still butt dancing on the settee, ‘As we are off to the rugby match on Saturday, at your request,’ she lowered her eyes to mine. Looking quite alien in the green mask she wore, the cracks in it around her eyes only adding to the weird look, ‘We are going on a double date tomorrow night,’ she smiled her reassurance.

  ‘And I don’t get a say in this, I suppose?’

  ‘Absolutely correct, gorgeous girl, you would attempt to talk us out of it, and frankly I am pissed off with the fact you are here in New York and spend most evenings in. Like a woman twice your age.’

  She was right of course.

  ‘So can I ask with whom you are intending we should spend the night with?’

  ‘You’re presuming a bit much there, aren’t you?’ she let out a laugh, ‘I only said a date. I don’t know, erotic dreams, texting a stranger, drooling over a beautiful hand and now expecting to sleep with a total stranger,’ her eyebrows waggled at me in teasing delight. ‘I say again, horny much?’

  Sod the face pack and newly painted toenails, I set about her with a cushion from the settee. She was defenceless, laughing too much at her own jokes and lay back horizontally while I covered the nearly new cushion in green face pack.

  Nine

  The resta

  urant was posh; Bella had been right to talk me into wearing one of my better dresses. It was an aubergine wrap, which apparently showed off my curvy figure. Examining my surroundings and our company, I wondered why the hell I had let her talk me into this.

  They were OK, as blokes went. The blond haired one who sat next to me was friendly and talked a lot about places he had travelled to and how much money he earnt in any given tax year. Unfortunately he was not party to the fact that money doesn’t really do much for me. Given that he was overly touchy as well, the whole dinner date was starting to wear very thin.

  Trying hard to pull my face back together, as I knew it would be showing a pissed off/ bored expression, I heard a deep sigh escape my lips. My eyes shot up guiltily to meet the questioning gaze of Bella. My right hand clamped quickly to my mouth, whist I pretended to cough. I grinned at her, trying to placate the situation. She needn’t have concerned herself; blond bloke hadn’t noticed and was still animatedly talking about himself. I nodded and made all the listening noises he obviously wanted to hear.

  My attention was on Bella now and how she had moved herself bodily against her date. God she was good; I didn’t think I could ever be like her. I knew she wasn’t really into him; in fact I had only ever witnessed that phenomenon the once. When she had been really hurt, so now she was in love ‘em and leave em’ mode. It didn’t worry me so much, as long as she was OK.

  ‘So what do you think?’ said blond guy who stared at me expectantly.

  Oh shit ran through my mind. Not having a clue as to what I was supposed to be thinking about.

  ‘Ermm...’

  ‘We would love to,’ I heard Bella say enthusiastically. She knew I hadn’t a bloody clue what was going on. She was going to milk it for all it was worth.

  ‘We would?’ I replied questioningly, smiling sweetly at all seated at the table.

  ‘Yes, we can go and watch the game at Will’s house, on Thanksgiving, can’t we,’ it was stated as a given, so I fought hard to control my face, which had lapsed into a ‘really’ expression and I nodded unreservedly.

  ‘Great, I will make arrangements and let you both know what time,’

  ‘I hate to tear myself away from you,’ I heard the curly haired guy, who was coupled almost to the point of being fused together with Bella, speak.

  I really must pay more attention...I really must pay more attention...became my mantra; I couldn’t for the life of me remember his name.

  Christ, the reality, am I really this unsociable?

  Ten minutes later and goodbyes were being said all round and I breathed a sigh of relief when I realised that the use of curly haired guy’s name was not going to be necessary.

  We sat back down at the restaurant table and after ordering another bottle of wine for the two of us, I awaited the barrage of abuse to begin. Bella threw her head back and began to laugh cathartically. Relieved I joined in, starting with a thankful giggle to begin with and then joining in with her full blown roar. The tears ran down my face.

  ‘That has got to be the funniest thing I have witnessed with you, that poor man was completely smitten with you and you couldn’t have given a monkey’s arse about him. In fact at points you looked almost comatose.’

  ‘Comatose was not the look I was going for, I promise. He was just so, so not for me.’

  ‘I hear you,’ I watched her run her fingertip around the rim of the crystal wine glass.

  ‘So what about this football date you agreed to, eh? To what’s his name’s, house?’

  Crying out loud, I can’t remember his name now!

  ‘What’s his name?’ she bellowed, shocking a few of the other customers with the velocity.

  ‘Frankie, have some more wine and loosen up,’ I watched her fill up my glass with some more of the pinot grigio we had, post disaster date, treated ourselves to. I finally started to relax now it was just us. Again my mind started to wander.

  I still hadn’t heard from Alex. Nathan had sent a very short and to the point text this morning, explaining he was stuck at his mother’s house, dealing with a problem. We arranged to meet at his early in the morning for his overdue physio and then travel to watch Alex play rugby, which was apparently an after lunch kick-off. This I was very much looking forward to, maybe I was more homesick than I thought?

  ‘Come on, let’s finish this bottle and call it a night shall we?’

  I nodded in agreement, and swallowed the very smooth wine down.

  It was a pleasant surprise to be met outside the restaurant by Edwards. Really this man was worth his weight in gold. We jumped into the welcome warmth of the limo and sped home. I was sure I could smell Jabby’s cologne again, it must be Edwards. Maybe he happened to wear the same cologne? The thought didn’t please me, but there had to be some sort of logical explanation. I would have to get closer to him and give him a sniff, next time I felt it was appropriate. I stifled a giggle, as if it was ever going to be appropriate to sniff Edwards. Sometimes I really am a stupid cow.

  Ten

  ‘Well, Nathan, th

  ese look really good.’ I was holding up the X-rays to the portable light box and could see the fracture that Nathan had suffered was repairing well.

  ‘So with a bit more work on your leg muscles, the strength will come back, maybe not to 100% but pretty close,’ I licked my lips and nodded at him.

  And there it was. I was treated to a full blown Nathan bad boy grin, dimples in full Technicolor. I could see why women fell at his feet.

  ‘Yes,’ he shouted and pumped his left fist into the air. ‘So I can lose the crutches?’

  ‘Well that needs to be checked by the orthopaedic surgeon, but probably really soon, you know, when you’re in the apartment,’ I started to shake my head, ‘but probably not for longer periods of
time on your feet.’ I added in the last piece of information, but I could see he hadn’t heard it. Nathan was the sort of guy that only heard what he wanted to. But his pleasure and relief at the good news was communicable. He pulled me into a tight hug and kissed my forehead.

  ‘So how much time have I got to get ready for our outing?’

  He released me and started to explain, ‘It normally takes about an hour to get out to the ground, but as I still can’t drive yet, we will take one of the family copters from the top of the building.’

  ‘Copters, as in helicopter?’ I questioned, raising my eyebrows up to him.

  ‘Mm Hmm... have you ever been in one before?’ He smiled at me.

  ‘No.’

  ‘You will love it, chocolate drop, flying takes no time at all to get there, it was all arranged to take Alex. But as he will be driving from my mother’s house, I told him I would use it to come and watch anyway.’

  ‘OK then, helicopter it is.’ I made sure I sounded more confident than I felt. ‘What time shall Bella and I be back here?’

  ‘Say noon, and wrap up warm.’

  ‘Yes Mum,’ I said saluting him, although I wouldn’t bestow that title on him, he was too nice. ‘I have watched rugby before you know, in the cold and everything.’

  ‘Sarcasm doesn’t become you; you know, go and get ready. You need to give Bella plenty of notice, in case she is otherwise engaged.’

  ‘Huh, right,’ I made for his door. I really needed to ask what the hell was going on between them, there were definite vibes, of that I was sure.

  ‘See ya,’ came from behind me as I made my way back to the more feminine apartment that was Bella’s and mine.

  I found Bella sitting on the floor in the lounge area, staring at her laptop and chewing on a piece of toast. Totally immersed in whatever work she was doing.

  ‘We have to be back at Nathan’s by noon, how much longer are you working for?’

  ‘I am just looking at some info... that’s very interesting, I must say,’ she quickly covered over her laptop by ¾ closing the lid, just as I made my way over to sneak a peek. ‘Now, now,’ she shook her head and smiled, ‘confidential stuff on here.’

  ‘Sorry, anyway Nathan is flying us to the ground in a helicopter.’ I waited for the news to filter through.

  ‘REALLY....! You do know how much I love your job and connections here, don’t you?’ She closed the laptop and jumped to her feet, grabbing hold of my forearms.

  I did, and I was enjoying the perks, too.

  At exactly 11:55am we knocked on Nathan’s door. Bella was dressed to the nines; looking beautiful and somehow making it look like she hadn’t even really bothered. I, on the other hand, although wearing good jeans and boots, had on one of JJ’s old rugby shirts from Cambridge Uni and although I had tucked it in the top of my jeans it hung off me. I was comfortable, but extremely pleased I had taken extra time with my hair and make-up today, so at least I didn’t feel too much like the ugly stepsister.

  Nathan’s door swung open quickly, to reveal a dressed down version of Edwards, complete with leather jacket. ‘Ladies are we all ready?’ he held the door open for Nathan who appeared wearing his panty dropping grin, directed straight at Bella, who openly swooned.

  WTF?

  I decided when we got home later, or as soon as we were not within earshot of anyone else, it was time to ask her some very pointed questions.

  Nathan had his crutch positioned in its usual place, but I noted he was barely using it to support his weight. He was positively exuding happiness and excitement.

  Obviously good news from the surgeon then? The four of us made our way to the lift that led up to the roof.

  ‘OK ladies, we should be there in only about 10 minutes or so, do you have everything you need?’ questioned Edwards.

  After we nodded in response, he opened the roof door. God it was cold being so high up and outside. A bit scary too, as the wind had a quality and strength up here that could have almost blown you over. It reminded me of my favourite place near home. Edwards placed his arms around Bella and me and guided us towards the waiting helicopter. Opening the door he pointed towards the back seats, he then helped up a cross looking Nathan. We placed our headphones on and watched Edwards climb into the pilot seat, a man of many talents, so it seemed.

  The nervousness in my stomach dissipated with the start of the helicopter blades. We moved away from the helipad and into a serene looking, clear blue sky. The view was simply breath-taking. Edwards was right with his estimation of time and only minutes later we touched down in a large green open field. After climbing out we watched Edwards take off again.

  ‘Wow,’ came from Bella.

  ‘Come on let’s go get a drink from the bar, before kick-off.’ Nathan turned towards the car park and what looked like a very posh clubhouse.

  Deliberately I slowed down, creating a little distance between myself, Bella and sex on legs in front of us. I placed my arm through hers, ‘So care to tell me what’s going on with you and just fucked hair?’

  Bella’s head spun around to meet my stare, ‘Just a bit of fun, Frankie, that’s all. Honest flirting, nothing more. Anyway we need to get you ready to meet the elusive Alex, don’t we? Are you excited?’

  I wasn’t convinced by her answer, but Nathan had slowed up to wait for us and I could only nod my answer to her.

  ‘What position does Alex play, Nathan?’ I asked, drawing Nathan once more into our group.

  ‘You do know your stuff then girls, unfortunately although I enjoy it I am not overly conversed in positions and such like on the rugby pitch... I do however know lots of other interesting positions,’ he said grinning from ear to ear and lifting his left eyebrow, staring straight at Bella. She pushed him on the chest for good measure and placed her arm through the crutch less one, laughing.

  Harmless flirting? My arse.

  ‘I think he plays second row?’ came from Nathan, his face was showing a frown, with a thoughtful expression. He was looking over his shoulder at me, as we carried on walking. ‘He’s a couple of inches taller than me, and a hell of a lot broader.

  We had entered a very modern looking building, but I was completely blown away by what we found inside. The rugby club resembled a club you would find in England. It was as if it had been designed to be just that, heavy wooden floors, exposed brickwork with plaques and trophies displayed on them. The bar looked like it had been made of one continuous solid piece of wood and polished to a deep shine. But it was the smell that floored me, a smell that deeply resonated within me, ‘Hops?’ I said out loud to no one in particular. The whole place felt like home, warm and extremely comfortable.

  ‘Girls, go and take a seat, what are you both drinking?’ Nathan made his way to the bar and a small group of blokes having a beer. They welcomed Nathan with smiles, obviously asking how he was, as they kept glancing towards his leg. Bella and I made our way towards one of the semicircle booths that ran down two sides of the clubhouse, and sat on the dark green and very comfortable velvet seats.

  ‘Well you must have had the heads up?’ mumbled Bella, rubbing her hand over the velvet upholstery.

  ‘Sorry?’ I responded.

  She touched JJ’s old rugby shirt I was wearing, running her fingers lightly over the green and white jersey.

  ‘Look around, this rugby team obviously plays in the same colours.’

  I caught her drift just then, and grinning slightly I smiled at her, ‘Oh yeah, what a coincidence.’

  One of the guys from the bar was helping Nathan over to us, carrying our drinks on a tray.

  ‘OK, so this is Brent,’ he said as he nodded towards the smiling bloke who was now placing the tray on our table. ‘Brent meet Bella and Frankie, Frankie is my physio and Bella is her very articulate friend,’ he said with a twinkle in
his eyes.

  ‘Hi, pleased to meet you both,’ his right hand had stuck out towards us and we shook it politely. Brent took a seat next to me and lifted his pint glass to his lips and proceeded to take a mouthful. After swallowing he looked at me quizzically and then again back at Nathan.

  ‘The Frankie,’ he questioned Nathan, raising both eyebrows in disbelief.

  ‘Yep,’ replied Nathan, ‘The Frankie... the best physio in the world,’ he said lifting his glass probably filled with JD, his drink of choice, and taking a large slug. A reverberating sigh leaving his lips as he gently placed the crystal glass down on our table with a clink. Nathan’s eyes slowly lifted up from watching his fingers turn the glass in a slow methodical circle and met Brent’s.

  ‘OK, well I have to go get ready for the match now, it was great to meet you both, ladies,’ Brent stood and climbed down from the raised booth, ‘hopefully I’ll get to see you after the match as well.’

  I watched Brent make his way across the floor and felt like I had missed a whole unspoken conversation between the two men. Bella glanced at me and we shared a questioning look.

  ‘Right, girls, we have approx. 45 minutes until kick-off,’ Nathan stood slowly clapping his hands together with certainty. ‘I need to eat. Can I get you both anything? They do a mean steak and kidney pie here.’ He looked from face to face, tipping his head from side to side, ‘Starving, hurry up.’

  Bella and I both declined and Nathan slowly made his way towards the bar, again.

  ‘So?’ I heard from Bella, putting so much weight into that one questioning word. ‘Don’t you think that that was a little bloody strange?’